Analysis of Facility Condition Assessment Practice: Facility Managers Hiring Preferences of AEC Service Providers

Abstract

Facility Condition Assessments (FCA's) in the facility management (FM) profession is a growing area of research. However, the study of who is providing FCA services in the facility management profession has largely not been explored. Thus, this research aims to identify a current state of academic research and industry standards on FCA service providers and AEC stakeholders, which AEC service providers conduct FCA's and how FCA service providers are selected. A study consisting of 303 decision makers in the facility management profession identified which Architects, Engineers and Construction (AEC) service providers are conducting FCA's, hiring preferences of FCA service providers, how FCA projects are procured and awarded and limiting factors to conduct an FCA with in-house personnel. The results of the study identify an industry trend to outsource FCA services to a multi-disciplinary team of AEC professionals, with experience conducting FCA's as a primary hiring preference. Globally, this is the first study of its kind to identify who FM's are hiring to provide condition assessments in facilities or buildings. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by taking the first step towards providing owners and or operators considerations regarding varying service providers when deciding to pursue an FCA project. Further, the apparent lack of asset organization methods, standards and guidelines used in the practice of FCA's in the FM profession presents an opportunity for future research efforts.