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| Definitions - S | Workflows Definitions Glossary | ||||||
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Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users (SAFETEA-LU) Enacted August 2005, it authorizes the Federal surface transportation programs for highways, highway safety, and transit for the 5-year period 2005-2009. SAFETEA-LU See Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users Scale The proportion used in determining the relationship of a representation to that which it represents. To draw or reproduce in accordance with a particular proportion or scale. In general, Schematic Design is the process of transforming information from the Predesign phase into drawings, and other presentation media, that illustrate the scale and relationship of project components. As the design evolves, and the project comes to life, additional questions or new ideas will generate alternatives. Schematic sketches capture the essence of the design in plans, elevations, sections and perspectives. This is a critical phase for studying and resolving important design issues. Specific to the National Park Service, Schematic Design is used to verify and clarify the technical and spatial assumptions made in the Project Program. The schematic design also carries the project to the level of detail required to identify any critical issues not covered in predesign. A presentation of the preferred schematic alternative is prepared for the DAB (Development Advisory Board) just prior to completion of the Schematic Design phase. Comments from the DAB are then incorporated into the final Schematic Design. Tools:
Schematic Design Alternatives are differing schematic design approaches applied to the same programmatic requirements or objectives. Most of this level of work is executed by architects and landscape architects, requiring only conceptual engineering consultation. Schematic Design Alternatives are prepared prior to the Value Analysis. The preferred alternative is then selected using a Value Based Decision-Making process. Tools:
Schematic Design Drawings Schematic Design Drawings are typically quick, free-hand, artistic sketches using various graphic media that can range anywhere from trace and pencil to presentation board with color photo-real computer simulations. Graphics are diagrammatic, not always to scale, illustrating preliminary building and site designs. Schematic Design Preferred Alternative The preferred design alternative, as selected by the NPS in the Value Analysis Study, to be further developed. Scope and Budget Consistency Reviews The ongoing processes utilized by the design and construction teams to ensure that the evolving design and design details are consistent with the approved Project Program, and within the available construction funds. Scope and Cost Validation Documentation The purpose of the Scope and Cost Validation Documentation is twofold:
The purpose of the scope and cost validation process is not an open opportunity to request a scope increase or additional funds, but rather an opportunity to identify collectively any potential problems prior to proceeding with Schematic Design. Any recommended increase in scope and/or budget must be clearly linked to beneficially solving the original problem identified in the PMIS Project Statement. The Predesign Project Program, Independent Class C Construction Cost Estimate (based on the Project Program) and Cost Comparability Analysis shall be used as the basis to validate the PMIS Project Statement Scope of Work and Class C Construction Cost Estimate. The Scope and Cost Validation Documentation must answer the following questions and/or provide information as noted:
The following shows the typical history/sequence of a project scope and construction cost estimate for a project from PMIS Project Statement development through the Scope and Cost Estimate Validation Documentation. Project Scope History
Cost Estimate History
The following is the submission process for Scope and Cost Validation Documentation. Submission Process
Outline of AE contract services required. Scoping A component under project initiation. During the scoping trip, the project manager coordinates with the park, region, and the Denver Service Center Planning Design Services (PDS) to establish the scoping team. The project manager and park coordinate the scoping trip and develop the draft project agreement. Scoping Meeting Meeting held between lead designers, project manager, and key park staff, typically on the site of the project, to determine overall parameters of the proposed undertaking. A report documenting the detailed results of the engineering and resource field review that occurs during the initial scoping of the project. This is the first technical assessment of field conditions and issues identified in the preliminary PA. It forms the detailed basis for preparation of a comprehensive PA and the environmental work plan. SD Seal Coat An asphalt coating, sometimes with cover aggregate, applied to the surface of a pavement for the purpose of waterproofing and preserving the surface, altering the surface texture of the pavement or providing resistance to traffic abrasion. Sealed Bidding A method of contracting that employs competitive bids, public bid opening, and awards. Award is made to that responsible bidder whose bid, conforming to the invitation for bids, will be most advantageous to the Government consider only price and price-related factors included in the invitation. (FAR 14.101) Section 106 Compliance Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which requires federal agencies to take into account the effects of their proposed undertakings on properties included or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and give the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposed undertakings. Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issues permits for activities that result in the discharge of dredged or fill material into “waters of the United States,” including wetlands. Regulated activities range from depositing fill for building pads or roads to discharges associated with land-clearing. The term “waters of the United States" is defined very broadly. It means navigable waters, tributaries to navigable waters, interstate waters, the oceans out to 200 miles, and intrastate waters which are used by interstate travelers for recreation or other purposes, as a source of fish or shellfish sold in interstate commerce, or for industrial purposes by industries engaged in interstate commerce. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administers the day-to-day Section 404 program, including individual permit decisions and jurisdictional determinations, developing policy and guidance, and enforcing Section 404 provisions. An individual Section 404 permit is usually required for actions resulting in potentially significant impacts. However, for most discharges that will have only minimal adverse effects, the Army Corps of Engineers often grants general permits. These may be issued on a nationwide, regional, or state basis for particular categories of activities (for example, minor road crossings, utility line backfill, and bedding) as a means to expedite the permitting process. Service Contract 1. Any Government contract, the principal purpose of which is to furnish services in the United States through the use of service employees, except as exempted under Section 7 of the Service Contract Act, or any subcontract at any tier thereunder. (FAR 22.1001) 2. A contract that directly engages the time and effort of a contractor whose primary purpose is to perform an identifiable task rather than to furnish an end item of supply. A service contract may be either a nonpersonal or personal contract. It can also cover services performed by either professional or nonprofessional personnel whether on an individual or organizational basis. Some of the areas in which service contracts are found include the following:
Service Contract Act The Service Contract Act of 1965, as amended. It requires that service contracts over $2,500 contain mandatory provisions regarding minimum wages and fringe benefits, safe and sanitary working conditions, notification to employees of the minimum allowable compensation, and equivalent Federal employee classifications and wage rates. (FAR 22.1001 and 22.1002-1) Service Road A road, generally unimproved, used to transport personnel, materials or equipment for the operation or maintenance of utilities located on a highway right-of- way. The reserving of an acquisition exclusively for participation by small business concerns. A set-aside may be open to all small businesses. A set-aside of a single acquisition or a class of acquisitions may be total or partial. (FAR 19.501(a)) Setting The physical environment of a historic property; the character of the place in which the property played its historical role. Shop Drawings Drawings submitted by the construction contractor or a subcontractor at any tier or required under a construction contract, showing in detail:
SHPO See State Historic Preservation Officer SIC See Standard Industrial Classification Signature or Signed The discrete, verifiable symbol of an individual which, when affixed to a writing with the knowledge and consent of the individual, indicates a present intention to authenticate the writing. This includes electronic symbols. (FAR 2.101) Significance Simplified Acquisition Procedures The methods prescribed in FAR Part 13 for making purchases of supplies or services. (FAR 2.101) Simplified Acquisition Threshold $100,000, except that in the case of any contract to be awarded and performed, or purchase to be made, outside the United States in support of a contingency operation or a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation, the term means $200,000. (FAR 2.101) SIP Evaluation of an existing or potential site as it relates to the program, the budget and the schedule for the project. It provides direction for design through developing an understanding of the site and program and serves as a basis for site selection and program development (AIA). Identification of specific site issues and requirements (all information and data gathered should be included in the Project Program; identify information source for each item) and prepare the Site Analysis (Narrative/graphic format) based on the Site Analysis checklist:
Site Analysis Checklist An NPS checklist of requirements for the production of a Site Analysis.(See Deliverables) Site character includes the tangible and intangible aspects of a landscape throughout its history; these aspects individually and collectively give a landscape its character and aid in the understanding of its cultural importance. Landscape characteristics range from large-scale patterns and relationships to site details and materials. The Site Contextual Analysis includes the description of existing and proposed site character:
Site Inspection and Examination of Data Also referred to as a site visit. An opportunity arranged by the Contracting Officer for prospective offerors to inspect the work site and to examine data available to the Government which may provide information concerning the performance of the work, such as boring samples, original boring logs, and records and plans of previous construction. The data should be assembled in one place and made available for examination. The solicitation should notify offerors of the time and place for the site inspection and data examination. If it is not feasible for offerors to inspect the site or examine the data on their own, the solicitation should also designate an individual who will show the site or data to the offerors. (FAR 36.210) Site of Construction The general physical location of any building, highway, or other change or improvement to real property that is undergoing construction, rehabilitation, alteration, conversion, extension, demolition, or repair; and any temporary location or facility at which a contractor, subcontractor, or other participating party meets a demand or performs a function relating to a Government contract or subcontract. (FAR 22.801) Site of the Work In construction:
Site Map A large-scale map of a specific small area (e.g., bridge site). A Site Program is a narrative list of facility functions, descriptions and functional adjacencies and concept sketches (bubble diagrams) showing the relationships of project site functions. Included are specific ideas of what functions should be included (or excluded), how they should be used, and how other functions should relate. The Site Program is based on the GMP (General Management Plan), PMIS (Project Management Information System) Statement , Facility Planning Model, Interpretive Plan, Historic Structure Report, and Cultural Landscape Report and in-depth interviews with key park staff and stakeholders. Site Utility Assessment Site Utility Assessment refers to evaluating present and future types of: uses and maximum daily user capacities; quality and quantity of potable water and wastewater flows; fire suppression; and power requirements. In addition, they further include consideration of State approved options for supply and treatment of both water and wastewater (do local municipalities exist), local soils conditions, site constraints (physical or environmental), and site power supply limitations. Site Visit
Size Standard A maximum level of average employment or annual revenue at which a firm can qualify as a small business. Small Business Concern A concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the appropriate criteria and size standards presented in the FAR. (FAR 19.001) Small Business Concern Owned and Controlled by Women See woman-owned small business concern. Small Business Firm A small business concern as defined under law and implementing regulations of the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. (FAR 27.301) Small Business Set-Aside See set-aside for small business. Small Business Subcontractor Any concern that:
Small Disadvantaged Business Concern Means:
SOF Sole Source Acquisition A contract for the purchase of supplies or services that is entered into or proposed to be entered into by an agency after soliciting and negotiating with only one source. (FAR 6.003) Solicitation
Solicitation Provision Also referred to as a provision. A term or condition used only in solicitations and applying only before contract award. (FAR 52.101) Source Selection The process of identifying which offeror(s) will receive a contract in a competitive negotiated acquisition. (FAR 15.300) Source Selection Information Any of the following information which is prepared for use by a Federal agency for the purpose of evaluating a bid or proposal to enter into a Federal agency procurement contract, if that information has not been previously made available to the public or disclosed publicly:
SOW Space Schematics/Flow Diagrams Two- or three-dimensional spatial study diagrams to determine whether it is even possible to house the program in an existing facility or on a site. This may aid in understanding the program issues or questions beyond words. (AIA) Spalling Chipping along the edges, as at joints in concrete pavement and structures. A Congressionally-mandated study that focuses on determinations of significance, suitability, feasibility, and necessity for direct NPS management for proposed new system units. “Specials” Specifications [Applies to Park Roads/FLHP Projects] Specifications for road and bridge projects that are either not included in the Federal Project (FP) Standard Specifications or vary in some way from the standard specifications. Specifications [Applies to Park Roads/FLHP Projects] The compilation of provisions and requirements for the performance of the prescribed work.
SRS Stabilization Stakeholder/Shareholder An individual, group, or other entity that has a strong interest in decisions concerning park resources and values. Stakeholders may include, for example, recreational user groups, permittees, and concessioners. In the broadest sense, all Americans are stakeholders in the national parks. Standard Drawings [Applies to Park Roads/FLHP Projects] Drawings issued by the Federal Lands Highway Office and approved for repetitive use. Standard General Conditions Standard General Conditions generate costs to the government (from the contractor) which are basically the cost items defined in the Division 1 Project Specifications. Sometimes, some Division 1 items (Profit, Overhead) are included in the cost of individual bid items when preparing an estimate. These costs (that the Contractor passes on to the government through bid items) are indirect costs of the construction project. Standard General Conditions costs run from 4 to 20 percent, depending on the size, location and complexity and other variables of the project and estimate. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) A code published by the Government in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual. These codes classify and define activities by industry categories and is the source used by the Small Business Administration as a guide in defining industries for small business size standards. (FAR 19.102(g)) State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPOs) administer the national historic preservation program at the state level, review National Register of Historic Places nominations, maintain data on historic properties that have been identified but not yet nominated, and consult with federal agencies during Section 106 review (federal agencies seek the views of the appropriate SHPO when identifying historic properties and assessing effects of an undertaking on historic properties). The governor of their respective state or territory designates SHPOs. State Implementation Plan (SIP) This term refers to two different although related, documents. Metropolitan areas prepare regional SIPs showing steps they plan to take to meet Federal air quality standards (outlined in the Clean Air Act). Several SIPs make up the statewide plan for cleaning up the air, also know as a SIP. State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) A list of projects which includes all transportation initiatives proposed for Federal funding within a state for a there-year period. It includes regionally significant projects; metropolitan transportation improvement projects are incorporated into the STIP without modification. Separately identifiable document attached to NPS NEPA decision documents that explains why an action would adversely impact wetlands or floodplains, what alternatives were considered to avoid these impacts and why they are not suitable, mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts, and what the effects on floodplain and/or wetland values would be. Preparation, review, and public disclosure of statements of findings are key elements of the NPS process for implementing Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands, and Executive Order 11998, Floodplain Management. Statement of Findings for Floodplains Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, directs federal agencies to avoid adverse impacts upon floodplains and their occupants if there is a practicable alternative. The National Park Service is further directed to take action to reduce the risk of flood loss, to minimize impacts of flooding on human safety, health, and welfare, and to restore and preserve the natural and beneficial values of floodplains. The National Park Service Director’s Order 77-2, Floodplain Management, requires that a statement of findings documenting consistency with Executive Order 11988 be prepared if the preferred alternative would result in occupation or modification of floodplains or that would result in impacts to floodplain values. The statement of findings is generally included as an appendix in an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Statement of Findings for Wetlands Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands, directs the National Park Service to provide leadership and take action to minimize the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands; to preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial values of wetlands; and to avoid direct or indirect support of new construction in wetlands unless there are no practicable alternatives to such construction and the proposed action includes all practicable measures to minimize harm to wetlands. Actions proposed by the NPS that have the potential to have adverse impacts on wetlands must be addressed in an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS). If the preferred alternative in an EA or EIS would result in adverse impacts on wetlands, a statement of findings documenting compliance with this executive order and the National Park Service’s Director’s Order 77-1, Wetland Protection, is completed and generally included as an appendix in the EA or EIS. Statement of Significance An explanation of how a structure meets the National Register criteria, drawing on facts about the history and the historic trends – local, state, national – that the structure reflects. Also referred to as a work statement. A document that defines service contract requirements in clear, concise language identifying specific work to be accomplished. It must be individually tailored to consider the period of performance, deliverable items, if any, and the desired degree of performance. In the case of task order contracts, the statement of work for the basic contract need only define the scope of the overall contract. Individual task orders must define specific task requirements. (FAR 37.602-1) Stewardship The cultural and natural resource protection ethic of employing the most effective concepts, techniques, equipment, and technology to prevent, avoid, or mitigate impacts that would compromise the integrity of park resources. STIP See State Transportation Improvement Program Stop-Work Order Under a negotiated fixed-price supply, cost-reimbursement supply, research and development, or service contract, a contract clause permits the Contracting Officer to order the contractor to stop work, if a work stoppage is required for reasons such as advancement in the state-of-the-art, production or engineering breakthroughs, or realignment of programs. Generally, a stop-work order will be issued only if it is advisable to suspend work pending a decision by the Government and a supplemental agreement providing for the suspension is not feasible. Issuance of a stop-work order must be approved at a level higher than the Contracting Officer. (FAR 42.1303) STP See Surface Transportation Program Strategic Plan A Service-wide, 5-year plan required by GPRA (5 USC 306) in which the NPS states (1) how it plans to accomplish its mission during that time, and (2) the value it expects to produce for the tax dollars expended. Similarly, each park, program, or central office has its own strategic plan, which considers the Service-wide mission plus its own particular mission. Strategic plans serve as “performance agreements” with the American people. Structure Type A grouping of individual structures based on a set of shared physical or associative characteristics. Subcontract
Subcontractor
Submittal A sample, manufacturer's data, shop drawing, or other such item submitted to the owner or the design professional by the contractor for the purpose of approval or other action, usually a requirement of the contract documents. Substantial Completion The condition of the work when major components that make up the project are complete and the project is functional for its intended use. Any items remaining to be completed should, at this point, be duly noted or stipulated in writing (see Punch List). The one year warranty period begins on the date of substantial completion. If you have more than one date of substantial completion (e.g. multiple buildings) and/or beneficial occupancy for different systems, etc., you will end up with multiple warranty periods. Services that may include any of the following:
Surface Transportation Program (STP) A transportation funding program within TEA-21. STP funds may be used for roadway construction and improvements, operational improvement, transportation systems, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, transit, ridesharing programs and facilities and transportation planning and studies. Suspension of Work Under construction or architect-engineer contracts, a contract clause permits the Contracting Officer to order the contractor to suspend work for a reasonable period of time. If the suspension is unreasonable, the contractor may submit a written claim for increases in the cost of performance, excluding profit. (FAR 42.1302) Design that applies the principles of ecology, economics, and ethics to the business of creating necessary and appropriate places for people to visit, live, and work. Development that has been sustainably designed sits lightly upon the land, demonstrates resource efficiency, and promotes ecological restoration and integrity, thus improving the environment, the economy, and society. Sustainable Design Practices include those choices, decisions, actions and ethics that will best achieve ecological/ biological integrity; protect qualities and functions of air, water, soil, and other aspects of the natural environment; and preserve human cultures. Sustainable Design Practices allow for use and enjoyment by the current generation, while ensuring that future generations will have the same opportunities. See also, “environmental leadership” and “best management practices.” Recommended sustainable strategies should address topics such as the following:
Systems A functionally related group of elements forming a collective entity such as electrical or mechanical components. |
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