Massachusetts Schools Building Authority (MSBA) Process
Module 1: Eligibility Period
Once the MSBA Board of Directors votes to invite a District into the Eligibility Period, a 270-day period is initiated for the District to complete certain preliminary requirements that include: 1) a certification of the District’s understanding of the grant program rules by executing an Initial Compliance Certification; 2) forming a School Building Committee and submitting the membership to the MSBA for acceptance; 3) a summary of the District’s existing maintenance practices; 4) certification of a design enrollment for the proposed project agreed upon with the MSBA (may not be applicable for Repair Assessments depending on the proposed scope of work); 5) confirmation of community authorization and funding to proceed (see MSBA Vote Requirements); and, 6) execution of the MSBA’s standard Feasibility Study Agreement, which establishes a process for the District to be reimbursed for eligible expenses.
Module 2: Forming the Project Team
Once all of the Pre-Requisites have been completed to the satisfaction of the MSBA, the District procures the team of professionals utilizing MSBA specific procurement processes and standard Request for Services (“RFS”) templates and Contracts to work with the District as the proposed project advances through the MSBA’s grant process.
Module 3: Feasibility Study
Upon successful conclusion of procurement of Owner’s Project Management and Designer services in accordance with the procedures outlined under Module 2 – Forming the Project Team, the District and its team collaborate with the MSBA to document their educational program, generate an initial space summary, document existing conditions, establish design parameters, develop and evaluate alternatives, and recommend the most cost effective and educationally appropriate preferred solution to the MSBA Board of Directors for their consideration. During this phase, the Owner’s Project Manager will submit, on behalf of the District and its Designer, a Preliminary Design Program and a Preferred Schematic Report. Approval by the MSBA Board of Directors is required for all projects to proceed into schematic design. Please refer to Module 4 – Schematic Design for additional information.
Module 4: Schematic Design
The District and its team develop a final design program and robust schematic design of sufficient detail to establish the scope, budget and schedule for the Proposed Project.
Module 5: Funding the Project
Based upon the completed Feasibility Study, the District and MSBA staff establish and document the project scope, budget, schedule, and MSBA financial participation to forward to the MSBA Board of Directors for their approval. Approval by the MSBA Board of Directors establishes the MSBA’s participation in the proposed project. Once the District secures community authorization and financial support, the MSBA and the District enter into a Project Funding Agreement, which defines the scope, budget and schedule for the Proposed Project.
Module 6: Detailed Design
The District and its team advance the design, generate construction documentation, procure bids and award a construction contract in accordance with the agreed upon project scope, budget and schedule as documented in the Project Funding Agreement, and the requirements contained in the MSBA’s standard contracts for Owner’s Project Management and Designer Services. The MSBA continues to monitor the project to ensure it remains on track and meets the expectation of both the District and the MSBA as defined in the Project Funding Agreement
Module 7: Construction
The MSBA continues to monitor progress of the project to confirm that it remains on track and meets the expectation of both the District and the MSBA as defined in the Project Funding Agreement.
Module 8: Completing the Project
The MSBA performs final audit to determine final total grant amounts and make final payment.
Milestone Activities
OCT 2024 - DEC 2024
100% Construction Documents
OCT 2024 – DEC 2024
JULY 2024 - OCT 202
90% Construction Documents
JULY 2024 – OCT 2024
JULY 2024
Construction of New Pickering Middle School Begins!
JULY 2024
APR 2024 - JUNE 2024
60% Construction Documents
APR 2024 – JUNE 2024
DEC 2023 - MAR 2023
Detailed Design – Design Development Phase (DD)
November 2023- December 2023
Funding the Project: Local Approval Vote
NOV 2023 – DEC 2023
July 2023 - October 2023
Schematic Design (SD)
February 2023- June 2023
Preferred Schemtic Report (PSR)
Oct 2022 - Jan 2023
Preliminary Design Program (PDP)
July 2022 - October 2022
Project Designer Procurement
FEB/MAR 2023
MSBA Board of Directors Meeting –
Preferred Schematic Report Approval
AUG 2023
MSBA Board of Directors Meeting –
Project Scope and Budget Approval