Innovative program nets national award

The University of Missouri's Campus Facilities' Planning Design & Construction unit has won the Association of Physical Plant Administrators' (APPA) 2008 "Effective and Innovative Practices Award" for its Inspection by Trades Program, which helps ensure quality trades work by private contractors.

Implemented last year, the program involves Campus Facilities' skilled trades personnel performing formal reviews and inspections of ongoing campus work to ensure quality construction. Trades personnel work onsite with PD&C's construction project managers (CPMs) and construction engineers (CEs) on issues of application of materials, equipment access, maintainability and overall work-quality.

The program not only resulted in improved craftsmanship and work quality, but has also improved teamwork and collaboration between the university and contractors. Campus Facilities' crafts personnel who before implementation of the program dealt with post-construction work deficiencies, now provide ongoing construction feedback on campus projects. As a result, Campus Facilities and campus contractors are now performing as a stronger team delivering better projects.

"The Inspection by Trades Program is voluntary and has succeeded beyond our expectations," said John Neal, PD&C's Associate Director – Construction. "Our trades people are eager to be involved in the program; CPMs and CEs welcome the help; and contractors are pleased that additional review and inspection helps them avoid costly rework."

The APPA award recognizes programs that benefit facilities programs in colleges, universities and other institutions of higher education, by enhancing service delivery, lowering costs, increasing productivity, improving customer service and generating revenue. A program or process with these qualities that can be adapted throughout academe is the recipient of this prestigious annual award.

Formal presentation of the $4,000 cash award will be made July 9, 2008, at APPA's annual conference in San Antonio, Texas. Campus Facilities' winning program will be showcased in APPA's 2008 Hall of Resources and in Facilities Manager, the association's publication.

Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, APPA promotes excellence in all phases of educational facilities management, including administration, planning, design, construction, energy/utilities, maintenance and operations.