PREF Technology Solutions

Ensuring collaboration, efficiency, and transparency

The Planning, Real Estate, and Facilities’ (PREF) Technology Solutions team is responsible for integrating, implementing, and optimizing the university’s sophisticated technology and project management systems to ensure the successful delivery of university initiatives.

The Program Controls team provides technical and analytical data expertise to support strategic oversight and effective tracking of projects.

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GIS

Project Controls
Business Technology & Data Integration
PREF Information Technology

Capital Finance Management

BIM/VDC

Business Technology & Data Integration

Delivering comprehensive and accessible data through BIM to empower planning and decision making.

What services does Business Technology & Data Integration provide?

We are subject matter experts in:

Spatial Data

Systems of Record: Space Information Management, Geographic Information System, Building Information Modeling

Non-Spatial Data

Systems of Record: Tableau, Snowflake, AVL, Fleet Management, Keys, eBuilder

 

Capital Finance Management

Overseeing critical financial aspects, handling pay applications, PCO/CO calculations, project budget reconciliation, and addressing funding issues to ensure accurate and efficient financial management throughout the project lifecycle.

What are the retainage requirements for my project?

A construction retention payment (retainage) is held on all trade line items and the Construction Management (CM) fee line item. Retainage is not held on general conditions, general requirements, insurance, bonds, building permits, and preconstruction line items.

How is Project Management Allocation calculated?

Project Management Allocation is based on estimated project cost: 

  • Projects $0 – $100K: 0%
  • Projects $100K – $10M: 5%
  • Projects $10M – $75M: 2.5%
  • Projects $75M+: Negotiated

What is the Banner budget balance for my project?

Please contact mar.mccarthy@northeastern.edu for questions regarding your Banner budget balance.

What is the current balance for the funding index?

Please contact mar.mccarthy@northeastern.edu for questions regarding your balance.

What are the Potential Change Order (PCO) markup requirements for my project?

PCO markups are based on contract type:

Term Task Order:

  • 15% total combined markup

Small Capital Project Agreement:

  • Either 10% or 15% total combined markup (check specific agreement)

GMP Agreement:

  • CM Fee: Specified in the agreement
  • Sub/contractor performing the work: 10%
  • Subcontractor managing lower-tier subcontractor: 5%
  • Total aggregate subcontractor markup: 15%

GIS

Delivering comprehensive and accessible data through BIM to empower planning and decision making.

What is GIS?

A geographic information system (GIS) is an integrated collection of computer software and data used to view and manage information about geographic places, analyze spatial relationships and model spatial processes. A GIS provides a framework for gathering and organizing spatial data and related information so that it can be displayed and analyzed.

How can I get started utilizing GIS?

There are a number entry points for getting started with GIS and the solution you are working toward and the platform you wish to use, desktop, mobile, or web, will inform where you should begin. If you would like to incorporate GIS into your business processes, or just learn more, please contact GIS Support at: pref_gis_support@northeastern.edu.

 

Project Controls

Integrating, managing, and optimizing eBuilder for the seamless delivery of projects. 

What is e-Builder

e-Builder is the cloud-based project management software utilized by Northeastern for capital project delivery. This system facilitates collaborative communications, standardized processes, and advanced reporting. To ensure accurate data archiving, all entities involved in capital projects are required to use e-Builder throughout the entire project process. The University provides training and all necessary user licenses for project participants.

Learn more about e-Builder

How do I access e-Builder Training

Northeastern offers e-Builder training sessions for all vendors involved in capital projects. Training sessions are designed for users of all experience levels and require registration. Vendors currently working on an active university project and already assigned an e-Builder username and password are eligible to register.  

To view upcoming trainings and register for a session, please go to the Calendly website for Northeastern’s e-Builder Calendly Trainings. 

In-person open sessions are held every Wednesday at 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 216 Mass. Ave., Conference room 220 

Please contact projectcontrol@neu.edu with any questions. 

Archive & Document Management

PREF Archive:  

The PREF Archive supports Northeastern University stakeholders, by collecting, organizing, and preserving construction documentation for the University’s built environment both in printed form and digitally preserving files; for its maximized accessibility now and in the future.  

Services provided: training on use of the digital archive, filling document requests, legal research, and collaboration.

Document Management:  

The mission of document management at PREF is to bring order to project specific files by providing research services and guidance on best practices surrounding managing information. This includes: following file naming conventions, standardized filing systems, managing file metadata, and User Experience platforms.  

Services provided: Training and consultation, filing system review, and working with Closeout Document Deliverable Requirements in e-Builder. 

PREF Information Technology

Providing oversight and management of PREF’s IT infrastructure through solutions, services, and support. 

What support does PREF IT provide?

For software, computer, printer, telephone, mobile device, and networking issues related to PREF, reach out to a PREF IT team member at FacilitiesIT@northeastern.edu.

What should I do for technology issues outside of PREF?

For all other IT issues outside of PREF, please submit a ticket to Central Northeastern ITS.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) / Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Technology

Providing powerful insights for planning, designing, and constructing capital projects through cutting edge BIM technology, featuring advanced 3D modeling and collaborative visualization.

What is BIM?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a technology that creates and manages digital representations of the physical and functional characteristics of a building.

How can I learn more about PREF's BIM resources

Access to PREFs BIM page is secured and password-protected. To obtain the necessary credentials and learn more about BIM in PREF and it’s collaborative visualization features, please reach out to BIMsupport@northeastern.edu.

How can I get help working with BIM?

The BIM team holds weekly Q&A sessions, as well as monthly training sessions and onboarding training for BIM skills. Please reach out to BIMsupport@northeastern.edu for more information.

What Northeastern buildings are BIM-enabled?

The entirety of Northeastern’s Oakland Campus, as well as the following buildings on the Boston Campus: Dodge, EXP, Hayden, Mugar, Richards, Snell Library, and 140 The Fenway. 12 more Boston buildings will be coming online in FY24.

Contact Us

10 Gainsboro St. Boston MA 02115
(617) 373-2754
ProjectControl
@northeastern.edu

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