MRR Policy

New and Existing Faculty Research Renovations

This policy, mutually agreed upon by UGA Physical Plant and the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), is effective July 1, 2008.

Its goals are to: (1) facilitate the MRR process for renovations of new and existing faculty research space; (2) ensure the maximum overall value and impact of UGA MRR investments; (3) improve communication between Physical Plant and OVPR regarding MRR projects; and (4) keep projects within budget and on time by avoiding unnecessary project scope-creep.

A key feature of the policy is that faculty and/or units will not interact directly with Physical Plant concerning faculty research MRR projects, but must instead work through OVPR. Dr. Carl Bergmann, Assistant Vice President for Research – Facilities, will be the interface between faculty/units and Physical Plant. Dr. Bergmann has responsibility for authorizing any faculty research MRR projects and must approve any changes to projects once they are initiated. The intent is to eliminate confusion, enhance communication and minimize changes to projects, which typically add expense and delay completion.

Another key feature of the policy is that OVPR (Dr. Bergmann) will be involved at the inception of the project and must agree to the scope and nature of the renovation before Physical Plant is asked for a cost estimate. Additionally, OVPR and not the faculty or units, will interface with Physical Plant to obtain a cost estimate. The goal is to ensure more accurate cost estimates in order to facilitate budget planning by OVPR. Another goal is to ensure that the scope of the project does not change mid-process.

Key provisions of the new policy are as follows:

1. Units must submit requests for faculty MRR projects to the University MRR committee (Kathy Pharr, Chair). A call for proposals of MRR projects typically goes out in mid-August, with a deadline for submissions to be received by early to mid-October. OVPR will be advised should this timeline change. The MRR committee will distribute research-related MRR requests to OVPR for further action.
2. OVPR will site visit the project, refine the request, and work with Physical Plant to obtain a good faith estimate of the project cost.
3. OVPR will then prioritize submitted requests and submit the prioritized annual list back to the MRR Committee for approval.
4. Once projects are approved, Physical Plant will address any questions or suggestions regarding projects to OVPR (Dr. Bergmann), who will then interface with faculty/units as necessary and appropriate.
5. Any changes to project detail or scope must be submitted to OVPR (Dr. Bergmann) for consideration and not to Physical Plant directly. OVPR (Dr. Bergmann) must approve any change requests and will submit approved change orders to Physical Plant. The expectation is that change orders will be submitted and approved only under exceptional circumstances.
6. Any questions from faculty/units regarding renovation progress or details must be submitted to OVPR (Dr. Bergmann) who will interface with Physical Plant to obtain answers.

Please note that all requests for new faculty renovations must be submitted through the MRR process in order to be considered. No promises of renovation can be made in offers to new hires.