Commissioning

Building commissioning is a quality-focused process of verification of all building systems and subsystems by an independent third party. The MSBA requires and pays 100% for building commissioning for all MSBA-funded projects. (The MSBA may recover costs associated with systems or areas that are ineligible for MSBA reimbursement.) MSBA-commissioned buildings undergo an intensive quality assurance process that begins during design and continues through construction, occupancy, and initial operations. Commissioning ensures that the new building operates as designed and as the owner intended. Commissioning also prepares the building staff to operate and maintain building systems and equipment by ensuring that district personnel receive appropriate operation and maintenance manuals and training by equipment manufacturers and installation contractors.

Commissioning recognizes the integrated nature of all building systems’ performance, which impact sustainability, occupant comfort and efficiency. Because all building systems are integrated, a deficiency in one or more components can result in sub-optimal operation and performance among other components adversely affecting operating costs and equipment life.

Benefits of commissioning for the District include:

• Construction cost savings
• Improved coordination between design, construction, and occupancy
• Fewer system deficiencies at building turnover
• Improved system and equipment function
• Improved building operation and maintenance
• Lower utility bills through energy savings
• Improved indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort

Building commissioning is a critical component in any "green" or sustainable building program including LEED and MA-CHPS. The process employs several strategies to reduce a building’s energy use. Early in the design phase, energy issues are discussed among the project team. In design review, the commissioning consultants look for design issues that may have an impact on maintenance accessibility or lead to inefficient system operation and wasted energy. Upon installation, they direct and observe functional performance testing of systems and equipment to verify proper operation.

Information about the MSBA Commissioning Program:

• MSBA FY24 Procurement Briefing PowerPoint Presentation
• MSBA FY24 Procurement Briefing Q&A
• MSBA Commissioning Providers
• Active Commissioning Project List
• Sample Commissioning Work Order - Core Program
• Standard Scope of Commissioning Services - Core Program
• Standard Scope of Commissioning Services - Accelerated Repair Program
• MSBA Fee Schedule for Commissioning Services - Core Program

Forms for MSBA Commissioning Providers:

• Commissioning Status Report Form
• Commissioning Consultant Request for Payment Form
• Commissioning Consultant Request for Payment Form - Multiple Schools
• MSBA Commissioning Certificate of Completion - Core Program
• MSBA Commissioning Certificate of Completion - Green/Accelerated Repair Program

As of the April 24, 2024 Board Meeting: 

Commissioning:

To date, the MSBA has executed 633 commissioning consultant contracts, totaling $49.6 million in commissioning fees, for 850 projects at 700 schools, many of whom have been invited to the Capital Pipeline multiple times. Construction budgets for projects being commissioned total $17.20 billion. To date, 468 work orders have been completed.

The table below represents the status of commissioning assignments sorted by the fiscal year in which the commissioning work orders were issued.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the MSBA Commissioning Program, please contact Greg Brunell, Director of Construction Administration (617-720-4466) at the Massachusetts School Building Authority.