Adoption of the Most Recent Edition of the International Building Code (IBC) as the Minimum Bureau Building Code Standard and Adoption of the 2004 CSI MasterFormat Edition of MASTERSPEC® as the BLM Building and Construction Master Guide Specifications

IM 2011-191
Instruction Memorandum

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

WASHINGTON D.C., 20240

 

September 21, 2011

 

In Reply Refer To:

9310, 9210, 9100, 8300, 8100,

6100, 4700, 1290 (WO-854) P

 

EMS TRANSMISSION 09/30/2011

Instruction Memorandum No.  2011-191

Expires:  9/30/2012

 

To:                   To:                    All State and Center Directors

From:               Assistant Director, Business and Fiscal Resources

Subject:           Adoption of the Most Recent Edition of the International Building Code (IBC) as the Minimum Bureau Building Code Standard and Adoption of the 2004 CSI MasterFormat Edition of MASTERSPEC® as the BLM Building and Construction Master Guide Specifications   

Program Area:  Facilities Management, Engineering, Real Property, Recreation, Cultural Resources, National Landscape Conservation System, Wild Horse and Burro, Fire and Aviation, and Communications.         

Purpose:  The purpose of this Instruction Memorandum is to notify the State/Field Offices and Centers that the Bureau is adopting the most recent edition of the International Building Code (IBC) as the minimum building standard for all BLM assets and is adopting the 2004 CSI MasterFormat edition of MASTERSPEC® as the BLM building and construction Master Guide Specifications.

Internationally, code officials recognized the need for a modern, up-to-date building code addressing the design and installation of buildings and applicable building systems through requirements emphasizing performance. The International Building Code (IBC) is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and small; a goal shared by the BLM.

This comprehensive building code establishes minimum regulations for building systems using prescriptive and performance related provisions.  It is founded on broad based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new building designs.  Additionally, the IBC is designed to be compatible with the entire family of international codes published by the International Code Council.  The IBC is evolving into the international standard for all agencies and consistency among all bureau offices and industry will help in the development of new projects across the board.

MASTERSPEC® is currently the industry standard.  It is the most thoroughly researched and meticulously reviewed guide specification in the industry.  It’s also the most widely used commercial specification and is the only system exclusively endorsed or recommended by AIA, ACEC, ASLA, ASID, CASE, CSI, IIDA, NSPE, AND NLA (ANLA).

Policy:  The BLM will use IBC as a minimum standard when planning, designing or constructing new projects.  Adopting universal standards bureauwide helps to establish business practices that will ultimately achieve cost savings through reduced research, planning, and project development time.  The BLM should still use other codes and regulations followed locally, as appropriate; however the IBC will be used as the minimum standard for all new work.  The BLM will use MASTERSPEC® as the BLM building and construction Master Guide Specifications.

Timeframe:  Effective Immediately

Budget Impact:  This will have a beneficial impact to the budget.  The adoption of a standard code book and Master Guide Specifications will save research, planning, and project development time on projects bureauwide. The Office of Management and Budget and the Department of the Interior (DOI) are increasingly interested in ensuring that Bureau investments are well planned, managed and meet the Bureau mission.

Background:  The BLM has previously been directed to follow the Department of the Interior (DOI) guidance on the Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC) process.  The CPIC process is designed to ensure construction projects are compatible with the Bureau mission and are cost effective.  The CPIC process was developed by the Department as a blueprint to be followed by each Bureau.  The Washington Office, Engineering Advisory Team (EAT) and the National Operations Center (NOC) are working together in supporting the CPIC process by ensuring that projects are planned and executed to maximum efficiency.  The adoption of the International Building Code and MASTERSPEC® as BLM standards will have a positive impact when planning new projects.  

Manual/Handbook Affected:  Manual/Handbooks will be amended to reference IBC standards and MASTERSPEC®.

Coordination:  National Operations Center, WO-854 and the Engineering Advisory Team all reviewed and approved using IBC and MASTERSPEC® as BLM standards.

Contact:  If you have any questions, please contact David Campbell at (202) 912-7043or Robert Hart at (303)236-1160.

 

 

Signed by:                                                       Authenticated by:

Janine Velasco                                                Robert M. Williams

Assistant Director                                           Division of IRM Governance,WO-560

Business and Fiscal Resources