INTRODUCTION
|
RS Means CostWorks is a commercial software product that has been customized to include numerous DOE-specific properties. CostWorks can be used for:
|
BACKGROUND
The Department of Energy has established performance goals and measurements for the condition of its facility assets. The replacement plant value (RPV) of DOE buildings, trailers and other structures and facilities is a variable in the asset condition index equation that measures this performance.
In 2000 DOE contracted with RS Means Corporation to develop parametric models for its assets to estimate replacement plant values for the department’s buildings, trailers and other structure and facilities. It did this to replace FIMS unit costs that had been dormant for over ten (10) years. RS Means had 70 standard off-the-shelf models available when this effort started. The FIMS standard models were developed under the RS Means contract. These standard models are based on site feedback and FIMS property information.
In 2003 DOE decided to use RS Means CostWorks software. This electronic version of the Means cost data books included its Sq. Ft. Models. Using CostWorks DOE would gain needed flexibility to estimate RPVs.
This flexibility includes :- Sq. Ft. area adjustment (economies of scale)
- Structural Design choices (up to six choices)
- Common Additives list to easily add systems to the model.
- DOE Parameter customization (story height, perimeter, no. of stories etc.)
- Cost markups
- Model assembly changes (Swapper feature)
CostWorks can improve the accuracy of replacement plant value estimates.
Each CostWorks CD-ROM has 14 RS Means electronic data titles including Green assemblies. In addition, CostWorks has city/zip cost indexes and location factors for material and installation for over 930 locations in the United States . It also contains reference material on project cost markups and average and historical cost indexes for thirty (30) cities.
The DOE model library now contains the following models:
- 35 Standard Means models (modified for FIMS GSF ranges)
- 30 Custom DOE models (Site designed)
- 4 Unique Pantex models
- 7 OSF Plant models (chilled water, steam and treatment plants)
- OSF models – fencing, industrial gases, roads, storm water systems
- OSF utility distribution systems – electric, nat. gas, sewage, steam and water systems
The CostWorks Reports provide a list of the models by series and usage category.
Below is an example of a typical Sq. Ft. Model.
CostWorks has become a source for the CAIS building deficiency percentages, site planning sustainment costs in addition to the replacement plant value of buildings and other structure and facilities.
Sustainment costs are estimates of maintenance and repair activities to keep the inventory of facilities in good working order. These costs are required in each program office planning reports. Replacement plant value remains an important variable in the equation for estimating a condition index/rating of DOE facilities and its performance metric.
The CostWorks Sustainment models are based on the RPV models. The model assembly costs are mapped to the RS Means Facilities Maintenance & Repair cost book unit costs. Sustainment cost includes preventive, maintenance and repair, and replacement costs of facility systems.
The CostWorks Workbook provides details for developing RPV and sustainment cost estimates.
IMPLEMENTATION
Personnel knowledgeable in the characteristics of their site real property systems and facility management systems can use CostWorks. The best implementers are the site cost estimating and planning staffs and site maintenance staff.
CostWorks is not a mandatory tool to estimate RPV or sustainment. CostWorks is a Windows based application that runs on personal computer systems with access to a local CD-ROM drive.
CostWorks will be distributed to only sites requesting a CD. All costs for developing CostWorks are being borne by the FIMS supporting program offices. CostWorks is updated annually and distributed in mid-February of each year.