4.5.1 VE Analysis

A VE analysis has the potential to optimize the value and quality of a project. Review and assessing a project by a multidisciplinary team evaluates the constructability, safety, ROW, economic, environmental and operational benefits of alternative designs.
A VE Job Plan is a systematic action plan led by a Certified Value Specialist (CVS).
The VE Job Plan must include and document the following seven phases:
  1. Information Phase:
     gather project information, commitments, and restraints (may be done prior to the actual study).
  2. Function Analysis Phase:
     analyze the project to understand required functions.
  3. Creative Phase:
     generate ideas to accomplish required functions which improve the project's performance, enhance its quality, and lower project costs.
  4. Evaluation Phase:
     evaluate and select feasible ideas for development.
  5. Development Phase:
     develop the selected alternatives into fully supported recommendations.
  6. Presentation Phase:
     present the VE recommendation to the project stakeholders.
  7. Resolution Phase:
    evaluate, resolve, document and implement all approved recommendations (District completes the VE Form).
Upon completion of the VE workshop:
  • A final report is prepared by the facilitator and sent to the District and DES;
  • Recommendations and values are entered into the TxC Value Engineering Form by the CVS;
  • TxC routes the Form for revisions and approval tracking;
  • District management determines resolution of recommendations; and
  • Completed TxC Approval 1 completes the VE Job Plan.
Considerations when performing a VE workshop include:
  • Consider a VE analysis when the total project cost is approximately $10 million less than the required threshold to mitigate for inflation or late changes in the estimate;
  • Schedule the VE workshop to be performed during the preliminary design phase of project development;
  • Perform VE analyses on high cost and complex projects (regardless of funding source);
  • Consider inviting representatives from local public agencies, utility companies, commercial interests, and special event facilities to participate in VE workshops on projects in highly urbanized areas that will impact these stakeholders; and
  • Consider any environmental commitments that will be required to obtain environmental clearance for the project.