Owner's Project Manager FAQ's

Q. Is an Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) required on every school construction project that moves forward in the MSBA Process?

 A. Pursuant to state law, if the estimated construction cost is estimated to be $1.5 million or greater an OPM is required. For school construction or renovation projects seeking funding from the MSBA, the MSBA must approve the OPM. In some instances the MSBA will require an OPM for projects under the $1.5 million threshold.

Q. If our district has someone on staff that we believe would qualify as an Owner’s Project Manager, can we appoint them the OPM on our project?

A. Chapter 149 of the General Laws provides that a public agency may allow an existing employee to serve as the OPM, however, they are subject to the same qualification requirements as an outside entity, and the MSBA must approve all OPM’s for school construction and renovation projects. The selection and approval process is a qualifications-based process, and the MSBA's regulations require an OPM be a person with 5 years of experience in the construction and supervision of public buildings, school buildings in particular, if registered by the Commonwealth as a professional engineer or architect. If a candidate is not registered, they must have 7 years of experience in the construction and supervision of public buildings. The stated experience must be similar in type, size, dollar value and complexity to the project being considered.

Q. Does the MSBA have any plans to develop a standard request for services and a standard contract for the procurement of an Owner’s Project Manager by a school district?

 A. Yes.  The MSBA is currently developing a standard request for services and a standard contract for the procurement of an OPM.  These standard forms are in development and are subject to further review and final approval before publicaton.  It is anticipated that these standard forms will become available on the MSBA website in May.   Click on this link, OPM Guidelines, to view the most updated version of the MSBA’s draft guidelines for OPM selection.  

Q. What should our district do prior to beginning the procurement process for an OPM?

The selection of an OPM is subject to MSBA approval, therefore, it is essential for school districts to contact Mary Pichetti, the MSBA’s Director of Construction Management, at 617-720-4466, to discuss the MSBA’s guidelines and any other requirements before beginning a procurement process for an OPM.