630
Recommendations: Further Research
633
FURTHER RESEARCH
633.1
DEVELOP COMPUTER PROGRAMS
As the data base develops into a functioning clearinghouse for all VA
construction information and procedures, the feasibility of handling some
of the material by computer should be studied. Rapid and reliable
processing and retrieval of up-to-date information is indispensable to an
efficient design and construction process.
Computer programs could also be developed to assist the O/C and the
A/E in some of the more complex design procedures, particularly in cost-
performance trade-offs.
633.2
ENCOURAGE MANUFACTURERS TO DEVELOP NEW PRODUCTS
A variety of product development programs are described in Section 764.
They should be periodically explored for feasibility as experience is gained
with the Prototype Design. Meanwhile, the subsystem design criteria
should be used to encourage manufacturers to develop new products with
improved cost and/or performance characteristics. As long as the VA
cannot guarantee specific markets to these manufacturers, it must at least
assure them that the Prototype Design has been officially adopted as the
basis of an ongoing system development program within the context of the
overall construction program (See Sections 111. 2.2 and 614.5).
633.3
STUDY FEASIBILITY OF PHASED BIDDING AND CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT
Various means of accelerating the design and construction process are
discussed in Section 761. Phased bidding is seen as the most promising
of these approaches. Construction management, as described in Section
762, offers a technique for handling the special problems of phased
bidding. These methods have a potential for reducing project time and
improving cost control far exceeding what can be achieved simply by
application of integrated subsystems within current scheduling and
management procedures. They should therefore be made the subject of
detailed feasibility studies to determine how they may be adopted by the
VA for all construction, systems and conventional.
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