Technologies, currently available for the built environment, offer tremendous value opportunities that are many times unsuccessfully implemented. Typical design and procurement process’s limit the ability of the designer to take advantage of available innovation and integration opportunities while compressed construction time frames, restrictive construction budgets and rapidly evolving system technology, limit traditional contractors’ ability to perform.

The possibilities of success can be significantly improved by adding a prime Integrated Systems Contractor (ISC) to the construction delivery process. The ISC will be responsible for the installation of all low voltage, network driven systems (including structured cabling, network, building automation, telecommunication, data, security, fire alarm, etc.). The ISC will also be responsible for the test start and balance of all MEP systems and will provide and manage systems functional performance testing (commissioning). There are many advantages to this approach including:

• Ensuring Integrated Systems Construction Quality
• Achieving Optimum Operational Performance
• Supports Systems Integration Efficiency
• Supports MEP Construction Quality
• Ensures Meeting Project Schedules
• Provides for Single Source Responsibility
• Allows for Efficiently sharing large projects between MEP contractors

Generally, the proposed approach shifts performance responsibility to the purveyors of the technology giving them a stake in the success of the project, thereby helping to ensure overall project success, while potentially reducing project cost.