The support groups consist of six University departments:
- Procurement and Payment Services
- Office of Legal Counsel
- Risk Management
- Finance and Accounting
- Office of Civic Engagement
- Department of Transportation and Parking Services
Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) is responsible for reviewing and approving all contracts, purchase orders, and task orders issued by Facilities Services. PPS assists with the drafting of RFP documents, vendor selection processes, coordinates contract reviews, and administers the business diversity and workforce goals for all CPD projects.
Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) reviews all contracts for architects, consultants, and contractors. If vendors seek a revision to contract language, the changes must be approved by OLC prior to approval of the contract. On occasion OLC will meet with vendors, along with CPD representatives, to negotiate complex A/E or construction contract language.
Risk Management provides advice and guidance regarding insurance matters for A/E and construction contracts. Risk Management will meet with CPD project managers and directors at the start of large projects to evaluate the best insurance strategy for the construction contract (CCIP, OCIP, traditional). On large projects, Risk Management evaluates the A/E’s professional liability coverage and manages an OPPI policy for the University that must be included in project budgets, and is accounted for in the CPD project budget templates. Risk Management also provides a liaison to FM Global, the University’s property insurance carrier, and manages the University’s Builder’s Risk policy, another area that can result in project costs and is included in the budget templates.
FS Finance and Business Services (FBS) is responsible for ensuring that all units within FS receive effective support in their business operations needs; that we engage with the community, minority and women‐owned businesses in carrying out the work of FS; and that we comply with University and government(al) policies as we serve as stewards of the University’s resources. The typical services provided by FBS to CPD during the execution of capital projects include assistance with cash flow projections, review of contractor and professional services pay applications, and accounts payable.
Office of Civic Engagement (OCE) is a stakeholder on all CPD projects. OCE coordinates interactions with the City of Chicago departments that interface with University capital projects, including the Department of Buildings, Department of Planning and Development, CDOT, and others. CPD project managers meet with OCE representatives during the Project Initiation phase to begin developing project permit strategies, which are refined throughout the project design phases. OCE then facilitates the permitting process for CPD and assists in resolving construction phase issues that require input or approval from various city departments. OCE is responsible for obtaining aldermanic approval for project issues that require it.
The Department of Transportation & Parking Services (TPS) works with CPD project managers to coordinate site logistics plans and disruptive construction activities with other campus events and activities on all construction projects. TPS may also review design documents for projects permanently affecting traffic or parking on campus.