PROCESS

     In an effort to avoid EXCESSIVE COSTS of UNIVERSITY building
     systems and given the rapidly changing environment within the
     campus buildings, everyone involved in both the formulation
     and review of the DCFS has focused on:  reducing the use of
     high cost finishes on interior architectural systems (which
     typically changes several times during the building's life),
     looking to build to the intent of state & federal regulatory
     requirements, and minimizing the specification of proprietary
     items. On the other hand, also consistent with the
     administration's objectives, projects will continue to use the
     life-cycle costing approach to specify building systems -
     roofing, masonry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. 
     Exceptions to the above will be made, as appropriate, on a
     project-by-project basis only.

     Nine subcommittees (Architecture, Interior Design & Egress;
     Commissioning; Division 15; Environmental Controls;
     Environmental Permitting; Exterior & Site Considerations; 
     Fire Alarms; Fire Suppression Systems; and Health Safety &
     Security) were established to conduct a critique of the entire
     document based on the above criteria as well as create new
     and/or applicable guidelines and standards.  The thoroughness
     of the process is also important to note.  Any change or
     addition to the DCFS requires the review/recommendation of the
     respective Subcommittee prior to being submitted to the
     Technical Committee for review/change and approval in order to
     be incorporated into this document.

     In addition to the above efforts, an Environmental and Fire
     Protection Consulting Team was hired to insure that the DCFS
     criteria, including pending guidelines related to
     environmental safety, fire protection, and life safety issues,
     are reasonable and do not unnecessarily impose additional
     construction costs based on applicable regulations and best
     management practices.  The Consultants also reviewed the
     document to identify issues that are not adequately addressed
     and provided relevant examples for consideration by UMCP.

     The Consultant's findings indicated that there are few design
     criteria related to environmental safety, fire protection and
     life safety issues which would result in unnecessary and
     excessive costs.  The expertise provided by the Consultants
     were either incorporated in the DCFS in accordance with the
     above review process or required additional review by the
     respective Subcommittee.

     Since this is a "living" document, comments, observations,
     recommendations from all members of the UMCP Community as well
     as outside professionals are welcome and should be forwarded
     to: CHIEF OF STAFF, FACILITIES MANAGEMENT, Service Building
     003, University of Maryland College Park, College Park,Md.