Building commissioning is a quality-focused process of verification of all building systems and subsystems by an independent third party. The MSBA requires and pays 100% for building commissioning for all MSBA-funded projects. (The MSBA may recover costs associated with systems or areas that are ineligible for MSBA reimbursement.) MSBA-commissioned buildings undergo an intensive quality assurance process that begins during design and continues through construction, occupancy, and initial operations.
Overview
Commissioning ensures that the new building operates as designed and as the owner intended. Commissioning also prepares the building staff to operate and maintain building systems and equipment by ensuring that district personnel receive appropriate operation and maintenance manuals and training by equipment manufacturers and installation contractors.
Commissioning recognizes the integrated nature of all building systems’ performance, which impact sustainability, occupant comfort and efficiency. Because all building systems are integrated, a deficiency in one or more components can result in sub-optimal operation and performance among other components adversely affecting operating costs and equipment life.
Benefits of Commissioning for the District
- Construction cost savings
- Improved coordination between design, construction, and occupancy
- Fewer system deficiencies at building turnover
- Improved system and equipment function
- Improved building operation and maintenance
- Lower utility bills through energy savings
- Improved indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort
Building commissioning is a critical component in any “green” or sustainable building program, including LEED. The process employs several strategies to reduce a building’s energy use. Early in the design phase, energy issues are discussed among the project team. In design review, the commissioning consultants look for design issues that may have an impact on maintenance accessibility or lead to inefficient system operation and wasted energy. Upon installation, they direct and observe functional performance testing of systems and equipment to verify proper operation.
- MSBA FY24 Procurement Briefing PowerPoint Presentation
- MSBA FY24 Procurement Briefing Q&A
- MSBA Commissioning Providers
- Sample Commissioning Work Order – Core Program
- Standard Scope of Commissioning Services – Core Program
- Standard Scope of Commissioning Services – Accelerated Repair Program
- MSBA Fee Schedule for Commissioning Services – Core Program
As of the August 26, 2026, Board Meeting
To date, the MSBA has executed 698 commissioning consultant contracts, totaling $56.1 million in commissioning fees, for 932 projects at 746 schools, many of whom have been invited to the Capital Pipeline multiple times. Construction budgets for projects commissioned totaled $21.0 billion. To date, 491 work orders have been completed.
The table below represents the status of commissioning assignments sorted by the fiscal year in which the commissioning work orders were issued.
| Fiscal Year | No. Work Orders Issued | Value of Work Orders Issued | Total Invoiced | Percent Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2010 | 31 | $4,231,376 | $4,273,277 | 100% |
| FY2011 | 95 | $6,132,890 | $6,058,460 | 99% |
| FY2012 | 52 | $4,373,944 | $4,386,520 | 100% |
| FY2013 | 55 | $3,364,697 | $3,408,897 | 100% |
| FY2014 | 47 | $2,604,062 | $2,541,165 | 98% |
| FY2015 | 44 | $2,277,711 | $2,273,711 | 100% |
| FY2016 | 44 | $3,385,137 | $3,333,748 | 99% |
| FY2017 | 37 | $2,290,661 | $2,248,851 | 98% |
| FY2018 | 44 | $4,138,550 | $4,137,049 | 100% |
| FY2019 | 39 | $3,604,720 | $3,479,009 | 97% |
| FY2020 | 42 | $3,080,166 | $2,998,825 | 97% |
| FY2021 | 12 | $1,524,360 | $1,315,849 | 86% |
| FY2022 | 36 | $3,969,566 | $2,857,091 | 72% |
| FY2023 | 29 | $2,537,001 | $1,858,022 | 73% |
| FY2024 | 29 | $2,633,366 | $1,320,506 | 50% |
| FY2025 | 11 | $1,797,005 | $233,445 | 13% |
| FY2026 | 48 | $3,734,887 | $453,582 | 12% |
| Total | 695 | $55,680,099 | $47,501,248 |
* Includes approved additional services over value of Work Order.
Contact Us
Please contact us if you have any questions about Commissioning.
