Tell us a little about you and your Construction Procurement team:
Laura Crosby leads a team of 14 procurement specialists. Laura has managed teams for 10+ years, after previously being a procurement team member for 11 years. The Construction Procurement team awards design & construction subcontracts for PIMD and anyone at Berkeley Lab that needs real estate demolished, renovated or built.
Our experienced team navigates some high hurdles set by University of California policy and the clauses of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) that are included in our prime contract with the Department of Energy. There are a lot of requirements, but we ensure we meet them as smoothly as a sports car driver navigates NASCAR. We don’t face the same danger of course!
How does your team help support PIMD and construction projects?
- Our procurement team provides early planning and market research support for upcoming new construction and renovation projects.
- We conduct outreach to the marketplace to develop a larger pool of qualified suppliers, both large and small.
- We work with PIMD and other customers to develop solicitations, negotiate and award subcontracts, and provide ongoing support for subcontract administration throughout the project lifecycle.
- We navigate the sometimes difficult and rigid requirements of our prime contract to ensure compliance with each and every subcontract.
- We want to help early and often! We specialize in engaging suppliers and we add subcontract clauses you will be thankful you have and hope you never need.
How can PIMD help you and your team?
PIMD should communicate with the procurement team as early as possible in the procurement lifecycle. Please contact your procurement representative before making decisions or giving subcontractors direction that impacts subcontract scope, schedule or budget. Be sure to read the subcontracts awarded to understand what can and cannot be done. Procurement can help you determine if what you want to do is allowed and is done in accordance with the subcontract provisions.
What is your advice for how PMs should plan a successful project?
- Ensure you plan ahead and call us BEFORE you engage a supplier… any supplier. We can partner with you to meet requirements and negotiate the best terms and pricing, instead of trying to fix it LATER. For example, many people think we must buy the lowest price. We can pay more if we get more benefit for that higher price so we can work with you to ensure you get what the Lab needs.
- Do not negotiate with suppliers without the knowledge and participation of the procurement team or specialist. We are here to keep you from making promises you cannot keep. For example, promising to make a subcontractor whole for costs incurred when there is no provision or basis in the subcontract that allows for the change.
What are some specific things a PM should have ready or questions they should think about before reaching out to your team?
PMs should provide a:
- Requisition and/or advance acquisition alert for awards >$500K
- Scope of Work
- Schedule: when do you need work to start and end
- Technical review memo
- Sole source justification if/when required (typically at $250K unless the supplier is in the mentor protege program)
- Any specifications, plans, drawings to incorporate into the subcontract
- Be as transparent as possible. Keeping Procurement informed and involved can prevent trouble down the road.
Anything else that you think they should know?
We have a lot of knowledge we want to share. Call any of us anytime and we look forward to helping you!
Reach out of Laura Crosby if you have any questions.
