11/09/2011
The Public Building Commission of Chicago (PBC) presented results for Third Quarter 2011 at its monthly board meeting today. The quarter ended strong with 19 projects in construction, seven projects in design and another 13 projects in planning.
The Q3 2011 Quarterly Staff Report was released. Program highlights include:
- With a development authority exceeding $2 billion, PBC program cost performance shows projects trending under budget by $144 million or 6.74% under the original undertaking budget.
- Over $185 million of construction work and approximately $2.8 million in professional service contracts were awarded by the PBC through Q3 2011.
- The minority-owned business (MBE) commitment on the construction work awarded was 26.99%, or approximately $57.7 million. The women-owned business (WBE) commitment for this work was 4.67%, or just under $10 million.
- The MBE commitment for the professional services contract awards was 46.30%, or approximately $1.3 million, and the WBE commitment was $18.78%, or approximately $543,000.
- The PBC completed nine general construction projects and two task orders for job order contracts through Q3 2011 for a total value of over $102 million. As paid to date, these projects have achieved actual MBE participation of 28.48%, or over $25 million, and WBE participation of 8.35%, or over $7 million.
- For nine previously awarded professional service contracts, the PBC achieved MBE participation of 32.41%, or $3.2 million, and WBE participation of 12.26%, or $1.2 million through Q3 2011.
- 36 contracts were awarded to pre-qualified Specialty Consultants for surveying, commissioning, environmental consulting and construction materials testing. Of the total value, 47% of the dollars were awarded to MBE firms and 12% to WBE firms. 78% of the awards were made to local firms.
- Comprehensive indirect costs (architects, engineers, surveyors, etc.) averaged 12.6%, well below the industry standard of 25%, emphasizing the cost effectiveness of PBC project delivery.
- Change orders for construction reflected an average change order percentage of 2.4%, well below the industry standard change order percentage of 3-5% for similar construction work.
The PBC also continues to be a leader in green building for the City of Chicago with its promotion of environmentally sustainable development practices. Through Q3 2011, the PBC has registered 71 projects under the LEED program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), promulgated by the United States Green Building Council. Of those previously registered, 36 PBC projects have already achieved certification, including five new projects in Third Quarter 2011.
Project highlights for Q3 2011 include the completion of Engine Company 109 Firehouse and the Little Village Branch Library. Because these two facilities share one unique campus site, the PBC implemented a shared energy efficient strategy that will minimize operating costs for both facilities and also minimize the drain on our natural resources. Other sustainable design features included in these buildings are permeable paver parking, native and adaptive landscaping, and green and reflective roofs.
Chicago has more municipally-owned LEED certified facilities than any other city in the nation. PBC Chairman Rahm Emanuel has committed to doubling this value within four years.
The Public Building Commission of Chicago manages construction and renovation projects for the City of Chicago and its sister agencies. Mayor Rahm Emanuel serves as the PBC’s chairman. Erin Lavin Cabonargi serves as the Executive Director of the PBC. Additional information about the PBC and its projects can be found at www.pbcchicago.com.
