How do you review and validate the FEED deliverables and outcomes?

1 Check the FEED documents

The first step is to check the FEED documents for completeness, consistency, clarity and compliance. These documents include the design basis, the specifications, the drawings, the calculations, the reports, the cost estimates and the schedules. You should verify that they cover all the aspects of the project, that they are coherent and compatible with each other, that they are well-written and easy to understand, and that they follow the applicable codes, standards and regulations. You should also identify any gaps, errors, discrepancies or ambiguities in the FEED documents, and request clarifications or corrections from the FEED contractor.

2 Evaluate the FEED outcomes

The second step is to evaluate the FEED outcomes in terms of feasibility, reliability, performance and value. These outcomes include the technical solutions, the process design, the equipment selection, the layout and routing, the safety and environmental measures, the operability and maintainability, and the risk mitigation strategies. You should assess whether they meet the project requirements, whether they are based on sound engineering principles and best practices, whether they are achievable and sustainable in the field, and whether they provide the optimal balance between cost, quality and time. You should also compare the FEED outcomes with the original project scope and objectives, and validate any changes or deviations from them.

4 Perform a FEED audit

The fourth step is to perform a FEED audit to verify the quality and integrity of the FEED process and deliverables. The audit is a systematic and independent examination of the FEED documents, data, calculations, assumptions, methods, procedures and results, to ensure that they conform to the established criteria, standards and guidelines. The audit should also check the adequacy and effectiveness of the FEED quality management system, the FEED change management system, and the FEED risk management system. The audit should be conducted by a qualified and impartial auditor or team of auditors, and should result in a detailed and objective FEED audit report.

5 Update the project contingency and escalation analysis

The fifth step is to update the project contingency and escalation analysis based on the FEED deliverables and outcomes. The contingency is the amount of money that is added to the project cost estimate to cover any unforeseen events or uncertainties that may affect the project execution. The escalation is the increase in the project cost due to inflation or changes in market conditions over time. The FEED deliverables and outcomes provide more accurate and reliable information about the project scope, cost, schedule, quality and risk, which can be used to adjust the contingency and escalation factors accordingly. The updated project contingency and escalation analysis should reflect the current status and expectations of the project, and should be aligned with the project budget and funding.

6 Prepare for the next phase

The sixth step is to prepare for the next phase of the project, which is usually the detailed design or the EPC contract award. The preparation involves finalizing and approving the FEED deliverables and outcomes, updating and issuing the project documents and data, transferring the project knowledge and lessons learned, securing the project resources and permits, and establishing the project governance and communication. The preparation also involves ensuring that the project scope, cost, schedule, quality and risk are well-defined and agreed upon by all the project stakeholders, and that the project objectives and expectations are clear and realistic.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?