Scope of Study

UCONN 2000 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

In 1995, the General Assembly authorized a structured, 10-year, special capital improvement program (P.A. 95-230) to rebuild the infrastructure of the University of Connecticut's (UConn) main campus in Storrs and regional campuses throughout the state. Under the law, UConn is allowed to borrow money and enter into financial transactions in its own name, has expanded authority to design and build projects, and is assured financing for the development of facilities, structures, and related systems. The funding, allocated in two phases, includes up to $980 million in bonds.

As a special capital improvement program, UConn 2000 is exempt from the Departments of Public Works (DPW) and Transportation (DOT) contract, construction, and oversight processes. However, as a state agency, the university must comply with certain labor laws that incorporate public policy objectives such as fair labor practices, prevailing wage and hours, occupational safety and health, and worker's compensation.

For the purposes of this study, construction management encompasses all actions taken to assure compliance with contract terms after the award phase of the process. The primary goal of construction management is to ensure quality goods and services are received on time and at a reasonable price. It also includes approval of subcontractors, inspections and property control, accounting and payment for work completed, compliance with state labor and wage laws, and modification of contract terms such as the processing of change orders.

AREA OF FOCUS

This study will focus on the oversight of the UConn 2000 construction management process. It will examine general labor practices to determine contractors' and subcontractors' compliance with the state's labor laws including prevailing wage and hours, occupational safety and health, and worker's compensation. The study will also review any actions taken during the pre-award stage of contracting that may affect construction management such as the contractor prequalification process, hiring of subcontractors, and project design.

AREAS OF ANALYSIS

• Evaluate the contractors' and subcontractors' compliance with the state's labor laws.
• Review the contractors' and subcontractors' performance with contract provisions relating to project completion time, cost, and change orders.
• Assess UConn's ability to oversee the contractors' and subcontractors' accountability, adherence to the master design plan, quality of the work product, and compliance with state laws.
• Determine what remedies are available to UConn and the state to address noncompliance by contractors and subcontractors with state laws or contract provisions.
• Review the standards and process for the prequalification and hiring of construction managers, general contractors, subcontractors, and other consultants for the UConn 2000 project.

AREAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANALYSIS

This study will not evaluate: (1) the university's private fundraising practices or the statutorily authorized endowment matching grant programs; or (2) the bidding and contract award process.