WHAT SETS NAVFAC Southwest APART FROM OTHER DoD AGENCIES?
Turnkey Construction Projects:
We provide a turnkey Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) solution for our construction projects. FF&E is ordered and installed by the construction contractor utilizing GSA contracts and/or NAVSUP Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) sources. The FF&E is designed and specified by licensed Interior Designers who are required to evaluate sources and pricing to provide a Best Value recommendation to the government for approval. The FF&E is integrated in the building design from programing to occupancy. The construction contractor is responsible for a fully furnished and completed building.
FF&E Performance Criteria and Product Evaluation
NAVFAC Southwest Interior Design developed performance criteria for common types of FF&E specified such as: systems furniture, task seating, wood executive furniture, dorm and quarters furniture, and movable walls. The performance criteria is included in all pricing solicitations performed as part of the FAR requirement for Best Value procurements. The FF&E competition and Best Value requirement is done prior to design to ensure the FF&E can be integrated into the total building solution. This process prevents changes in the FF&E after design. When the FF&E is procured by other methods, the competition takes place after design is completed and building construction is near completion. Substitutions can be made during procurement compromising design integrity and integration with building systems. NAVFAC Southwest also provides on going evaluation and analysis of NAVSUP BPA FF&E sources and has developed “Selection Tools” that provide quick and easy sourcing and pricing evaluations for smaller procurements.
Sustainable FF&E Specifications:
NAVFAC Southwest was the first to incorporate Executive orders 13514 and 13423 statutory requirements regarding sustainable procurement in furniture solicitations and meet mandatory LEED requirements for our construction contracts. All FF&E solicitations require 3rd Party sustainable certifications such as Greenguard, SCS, or BIFMA Level. These certifications ensure products are produced with recycled content, can be recycled, and are manufactured in a sustainable manner, in addition to the air quality assurance that the furniture doesn’t produce toxic off-gassing. By implementing these requirements, NAVFAC can prevent the use of substandard furniture that can negatively impact indoor air quality and employee health, as well as reduce the return on investment (ROI) value for FF&E. NAVFAC Southwest operates the first DoD Sustainable Interior Showroom.