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

  • 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. 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

Forms for MSBA Commissioning Providers

As of the August 27, 2025 Board Meeting:  

Commissioning

To date, the MSBA has executed 647 commissioning consultant contracts, totaling $51.9 million in commissioning fees, for 864 projects at 712 schools, many of whom have been invited to the Capital Pipeline multiple times. Construction budgets for projects being commissioned total $18.94 billion. To date, 487 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.

Fiscal Year No. Work Orders Issued Value of Work Orders Issued Total Invoiced Percent Complete
FY2010 31 $4,231,376 $4,273,277 100%
FY2011 95 $6,132,890 $6,058,460 99%
FY2012 52 $4,373,944 $4,386,520 100%
FY2013 55 $3,364,697 $3,408,897 100%
FY2014 47 $2,604,062 $2,541,165 98%
FY2015 44 $2,277,711 $2,273,711 100%
FY2016 44 $3,385,137 $3,333,748 99%
FY2017 37 $2,290,661 $2,248,851 98%
FY2018 44 $4,138,550 $4,135,549 100%
FY2019 39 $3,604,720 $3,410,204 95%
FY2020 42 $3,080,166 $2,974,841 97%
FY2021 12 $1,524,360 $1,154,499 76%
FY2022 36 $3,969,566 $2,485,239 63%
FY2023 29 $2,537,001 $1,504,536 59%
FY2024 29 $2,633,366 $954,475 36%
FY2025 11 $1,797,005 $78,329 4%
Total 647 $51,945,212 $45,222,302  
* Includes approved additional services over value of Work Order.
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.