Project Categories

Polices & Procedures for New Construction, Renovation and Capital Maintenance Projects.

Project Categories

A project is classified into one of four “categories.”  The policies to be applied and the procedures to be followed are related to the Total Project Cost (TPC) and/or type of project. TPC includes cost of design, construction, furnishings, permits, contingency and inflation, as well as cost of all phases of an overall project or program, regardless of duration or scheduling.

Requirements for compliance with AOB policy and procedures vary depending on the category.  The applicability of the requirements is indicated in Section 2 – Project Policies. The type of project initiated shall fall into one of four categories outlined below. The higher category shall always take precedence.

CATEGORY I

Any project involving environmental issues (i.e., asbestos, lead/lead paint, underground fuel tanks, radon, indoor air quality or other hazardous substances/conditions), liturgical space (especially any change to the sanctuary of a church or chapel), structural components of a building or property, or any roofing project must be approved by the DFM before commencement or contract execution. In some instances, a Category I project can also be a part of, or may also be classified as, a Category II, III, or IV project.

CATEGORY II

Parishes may proceed on their own on projects with a TPC of less than $30,000, except for Category I projects.  The DFM staff is available for consultation and advice.  Guidelines for project evaluation, contract content and legal standards are available from the DFM.

CATEGORY III

Projects with a TPC of $30,000 or more, but less than $300,000, or any project involving special consideration or requirements, must be referred to the DFM for review of the project specifications and for appropriate recommendations/actions.

CATEGORY IV

All new construction or major renovation projects with a TPC of $300,000 or more must follow the full construction policies of the AOB.