Planning for BIM Delivery - Tender response

Effective planning for Building Information Modeling (BIM) delivery is not just a best practice; it's a necessity for the success of any construction project involving BIM processes. This approach ensures that all parties involved are well-prepared, informed, and capable of meeting the project's information management requirements from the outset. It’s essential to begin this preparation even before formal appointments are made, starting as early as the tender stage. Based on the principles outlined in ISO 19650, a global standard for managing information over the whole life cycle of a built asset, here’s an expanded overview of the critical steps involved in planning for BIM delivery at the Tender stage:

Introduction to Planning for BIM Delivery

The advent of BIM has revolutionized the construction industry, offering unprecedented control over the information management process, which is critical for the successful delivery of construction projects. However, the effectiveness of BIM depends heavily on the early and strategic planning of its implementation. This involves outlining clear responsibilities, processes, and expectations for all stakeholders involved in the project, ensuring a cohesive and coordinated approach to information management.

1. Nomination for Information Management

A foundational step in BIM delivery planning involves nominating competent individuals or teams responsible for overseeing the information management function. This role is pivotal as it ensures that information flows efficiently between all parties, maintaining the integrity and accessibility of critical data throughout the project lifecycle. The nomination process requires a strategic evaluation of internal resources or the potential engagement of external parties to fill this role effectively. It’s crucial to assess the competency, authority, and potential conflicts of interest to ensure a seamless management process.

2. Pre-appointment BIM Execution Plan

Developing a BIM execution plan prior to appointment encapsulates the strategic blueprint for managing and delivering project information. It includes detailing the team’s organizational structure, information delivery strategy, and the tools and technologies to be utilized. This plan serves as a comprehensive guide for how BIM processes will be implemented and managed throughout the project, ensuring all team members are aligned with the project's goals and requirements.

3. Assessment of Task Team Capability and Capacity

Evaluating the capability and capacity of each task team to manage and produce information is crucial for identifying potential gaps in skills, technology, or resources. This assessment helps to ensure that every team involved has the necessary expertise, tools, and capacity to meet the project’s demands, contributing to a more efficient and effective information management process.

4. Establishing Overall Team Capability and Capacity

Aggregating the assessments of individual task teams provides a holistic view of the delivery team’s overall capability and capacity. This collective insight is instrumental in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for enhancing the team’s performance, ensuring that the project's information management and delivery objectives are achievable.

5. Mobilization Plan Development

Creating a mobilization plan involves outlining the steps necessary for initiating and implementing BIM processes. This includes configuring the Common Data Environment (CDE), testing information exchange protocols, and ensuring the readiness of software, hardware, and IT infrastructure. A well-structured mobilization plan is essential for a smooth transition into the operational phase of the project, minimizing disruptions and delays.

6. Risk Management

Identifying and managing potential risks associated with information delivery is a critical component of BIM planning. Establishing a risk register helps in anticipating challenges, making informed assumptions, and developing strategies to mitigate risks. This proactive approach ensures that the project is better equipped to handle uncertainties and maintain progress towards its objectives.

7. Tender Response Compilation

The final step involves compiling a comprehensive tender response that encapsulates the BIM execution plan, capability and capacity assessments, mobilization plan, and risk assessment. This document serves as a formal presentation of the delivery team’s readiness and approach to managing and implementing BIM processes, providing a solid foundation for selection and appointment.

Conclusion and Further Recommendations

Planning for BIM delivery is a meticulous process that lays the groundwork for effective information management and the successful implementation of BIM across the lifecycle of a construction project. The steps outlined above, based on the principles of ISO 19650, provide a strategic framework for ensuring all parties are well-prepared to meet the demands of BIM processes. However, for comprehensive guidance and detailed practices, it is recommended to consult the ISO 19650 standards and the UK BIM framework. These resources offer in-depth insights and best practices for adopting and implementing BIM in alignment with global standards, ensuring the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness in construction projects.