Original Date: 01/23/1995
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) created the Facilities Accelerated System Team (FAST) program in 1992 to provide rapid support for production and manufacturing operations. Prior to this time, SNL performed all facilities construction, equipment installation, and facilities engineering on a first-come, first-served basis. This process resulted in many missed deadlines, cost overruns, and dissatisfied customers. In many cases, new equipment would remain on the dock or in a staging area for long periods of time, resulting in implementation delay of new production processes. To alter this unacceptable process, a new system was initiated to ensure equipment installations, as well as new construction, would be completed on time and within budget.

A Contract Project Manager (CPM) is now assigned to each major customer. This CPM maintains a cradle-to-grave responsibility for project completion to the customer's satisfaction. When a new project is initiated, the CPM meets with the customer and becomes involved with any up-front planning. Negotiated design and construction commitments are obtained between the customer and the CPM, giving each party a clear understanding of what is required and when.

The CPM then assembles a FAST group comprised of appropriate personnel to accomplish the required work. Team membership consists of contract personnel, engineers, facilities specialists, maintenance personnel, and any other personnel required to accomplish the completion of the project. With the team in place, the CPM or his representative meets with the equipment manufacturer to gain a complete understanding of the new equipment and its needs. This continuing dialogue with the manufacturer allows the CPM to keep abreast of changing equipment needs and provide for them in the installation/construction process.

The single point accountability and continuing dialogue with the customer and equipment manufacturer helps to ensure completion of the project on time and within budget. Metrics are in place to measure all significant milestones and are regularly reviewed by both the customer and the CPM. Any changes in the scope of the work are identified and new costs/schedules are agreed upon by the customer and the CPM. This process has resulted in significant decreases in total project costs, shortened project cycle time, and has allowed new equipment installations to be accomplished in as little as five days after receipt of the equipment. The degree of customer satisfaction with the facilities department has also increased significantly.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.