Glossary of Terms

Key Terms & Acronyms

• CMR (Construction Manager at Risk): A project delivery method where the Construction Manager acts as a consultant during the design phase and then as a general contractor during the construction phase, providing a guaranteed maximum price for the project.

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): A widely used green building rating system. LEED certification provides independent verification of a building's green features, ensuring design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions that are healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving.

• MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority): A quasi-independent state agency that partners with Massachusetts communities to fund and oversee the development of public school facilities.

• Modules: Refers to the nine distinct phases or steps within the MSBA's capital pipeline process for school building projects, from initial Statement of Interest to closeout.

• NPS (Needham Public Schools): The public school district serving the Town of Needham, Massachusetts.

• PDP (Preliminary Design Program): A comprehensive report submitted to the MSBA that outlines the educational program, preliminary space needs, and initial design concepts for the proposed school project.

• POE (Post-Occupancy Evaluation): A systematic process conducted by the MSBA roughly three years after a K-12 school project's completion to assess its performance, particularly regarding educational appropriateness, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.

• PSR (Preferred Schematic Report): A key document submitted to the MSBA that details the feasibility study findings, analyzes various design alternatives, and presents the chosen preferred design solution for the project.

• SBC (School Building Committee): The local committee appointed to oversee the planning, design, and construction of the school building project.

• SD (Schematic Design): The initial design phase following the Feasibility Study, where the preferred design concept is further developed with more detailed drawings, layouts, and cost estimates.

• SOI (Statement of Interest): The formal application submitted by a city or town to the MSBA, expressing their desire to partner on a school building project.