The Friends Consulting Group (FCG) serves as bond program manager, from pre-bond planning services through completion of all projects. We act as taxpayer advocates, ensuring the bond program is executed as promised, proper accounting of all expenditures occurs, and that projects progress according to plans, schedules and budgets.

The FCG team acts as an extension of your district staff. We will be
in-district, making sure consultants are living up to your expectations and ours, bond projects stay on schedule and in budget, and that every dollar is allocated and accounted for properly.

PLANNING & CONSTRUCTION LIAISON

FCG’s planning and construction management liaison acts as the owner’s representative and taxpayer advocate through planning, design, land acquisition if required, procurement, budgeting, construction and closeout. The liaison’s role is to work with all parties, including local municipalities and counties as needed, to ensure each project is delivered on time, in budget, according to architect/engineer specifications, and to the owner’s standards of quality, scope, and function.  

LAND ACQUISITION

If land procurement is required, FCG founding partner Scott Niven is a licensed Texas realtor and can guide the district through the selection and acquisition process. We will work to identify potential sites, evaluate those sites for educational appropriateness, negotiate the purchase, and navigate the closing.  

CONSTRUCTION DELIVERY METHOD DETERMINATION

Another important part of completing the design process is determining the construction delivery method that is the best value and most efficient for the school district.  The Friends Consulting Group will recommend a construction delivery method based on the construction environment.  Some construction delivery methods will allow the general contractor to help with budget estimates and design efficiency recommendations to achieve the best value for the district. 

BIDDING

FCG will work with the architect and district personnel to vet potential contractors. We are available to facilitate the bidding process. NOTE: It is important in the current construction climate to bid projects several months before desired construction start to ensure materials and labor are available and onsite when needed.

CONSTRUCTION

The Friends Consulting Group will work with district staff to complete the construction delivery procurement process with board approval of the final contract.  Construction begins once a construction contract is let, and the contractor receives the requisite permits. During the construction phase of the bond program, The Friends Consulting Group will meet regularly with architects and contractors to review scope of project, project timing, requested changes, budgets, work through any construction challenges, review monthly pay applications prior to payment, develop schedules for Fixed Furniture and Equipment (FF&E) to prevent any opening delays, and facilitate the substantial completion process and the one-year warranty walk-through.

MONTHLY UPDATE REPORTING (FCG)

Throughout the bond program, FCG will submit monthly reports to the superintendent and Board of Trustees, or more frequently if the need arises, to make sure leadership is fully informed throughout the duration of the bond program.