Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is Value Analysis?
A. Value Analysis/ Value Engineering is a function-oriented, systematic team approach, used to analyze and improve value in a product, facility design, system or service. It is a powerful methodology for solving problems and/or reducing costs while improving performance/quality requirements.
Q. Why use VA?
A. There are several reasons why Caltrans uses Value Analysis. They include:
MAINTAIN FEDERAL FUNDING. Value analysis studies are now required on all projects greater than $25 million (capital and support costs) on the National Highway Systems (NHS). The project is defined by the environmental
document and may include multiple contracts over many phases. The NHS Act of 1995, the subsequent Federal Rule (February 1997- Subpart 627) and the Federal Aid Policy Guide, which added a new Chapter 6- "Value Engineering" define the application of this regulation.
BUILDING CONSENSUS WITH OUR TRANSPORTATION PARTNERS is the way we do business in Caltrans. Federal and state legislation over the last several years has given the local authorities a greater role in deciding local transportation issues. Value Analysis is an effective tool to break down the conflicts and build consensus with project stakeholders and partners.
SOLVING DIFFICULT TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS. Value Analysis provides an excellent tool to focus on and solve our most difficult transportation problems. The more complex a project is in terms of geometry, staging, environmental impacts, the more opportunity it provides for a skilled, well-led VA team to provide an in-depth analysis and subsequent innovative solutions for the project.
COST REDUCTION WHILE MAINTAINING OR IMPROVING PROJECT QUALITY is a big part of the Project Development process, as the public is demanding more for less cost. Project costs should include the total cost of ownership, which includes both the construction cost and subsequent operation and maintenance costs. VA recommendations should not include cost reduction at the expense of project functions.
ELIMINATION OF DETRIMENTAL DESIGN INFLUENCES. The following influences can negatively affect a project's design:
· Lack Of Information
· Time Pressures
· Wrong Beliefs
· Negative Attitudes
· Habitual Thinking
· Rapidly Changing Technology
· Risk Of Personal Loss
· Strict Adherence To "Requirements"
· Reluctance To Ask For Advice
· Poor Human Relations
The VA review process can overcome these influences by use of an objective, multi-disciplined team applying the VA methodology in a controlled environment.
Q. What types of projects does Caltrans VA study?
A. Caltrans does three types of VA studies:
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Highway construction projects. Highway VA studies are broken down into two categories:
- 1. NHS studies which are mandated by the NHS Act of 1995.
- 2. District-Identified studies which are identified by the Districts.
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Product studies. The VA process can be used to improve the quality of highway products. Typically, engineering products are items and systems as described in Caltrans' standard plans and specifications. Value Analysis can help identify products that need to be updated due to changing technology, outdated application, or any other changes that affect our standard engineering products.
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Process studies. The VA process can be used to improve the quality of Caltrans' processes, such as policy and procedures and business practices.
Q. What are the steps in VA?
A. Although we do several different types of studies, there are basic steps that are included in each study. These are broken up into three stages: Pre-study Preparation, Study and Report. Steps to each stage are as follows:
1. Pre-Study Preparation
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Initiate Study
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Organize Study
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Prepare Data
2. Study
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Inform Team
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Analyze Functions
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Create Ideas
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Evaluate Ideas
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Develop Alternatives
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Critique Alternatives
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Present Alternatives
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Assess Alternatives
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Resolve Alternatives
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Present Results
3. Report
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Publish Results
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Close out Studies
For more information, take a look at the VA Activities Chart . It has a more detailed explanation of each step in the VA Process.
Q. At what stage should VA studies be performed?
A. The best time for a VA study to be performed on highway construction projects is in the earlier stages of the project development phases to maximize the implementation rates of the highway project studies. The three main project development milestones are:
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Project Initiation Document (PID). Project scope, schedule and budget are identified resulting in a programmed project.
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Project Report (PR). Project alternatives are identified and analyzed according to federal and state requirements and the preferred alternative is selected. The environmental clearance allows the project to be carried forward into the design phase.
- Design Phase. Final design is prepared as established by the Project Report's selected alternative. Completion of plans, specifications, and estimates leads to the award and construction of the highway project.
Q. What about training?
A. The VA program assesses training needs on an ongoing basis every fiscal year. The following are the training modules presently available:
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VA Training Workshop
The VA Training Workshop, known as Module I Training by Society of Value Engineers (SAVE) International, is a 40-hour workshop that teaches VA principles and techniques. The workshop trainee spends equal time in lecture and conducting value analysis on an actual highway project.
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Team Leader Coaching
Team Leader coaching is available for those employees who are interested in leading VA studies. To qualify for coaching, team leader trainees must have successfully completed the VA Training Workshop and have served on VA studies in the recent past.
Q. How has the NHS Mandate for Value Engineering studies affected Caltrans?
A. The NHS Act of 1995 provided a much needed boost in the number of VA study starts. This Act included a value engineering provision (later codified in Subchapter G Part 627 of Title 23, CFR) requiring the Secretary to "establish a program to require states to carry out a value engineering analysis for all projects on the National Highway System with an estimated total cost of $25 million or more." The FHWA published its regulation establishing this program on February 14, 1997 requiring that all projects over $25 million on the National Highway System (NHS) be value analyzed to receive federal participation on the project funds.
The NHS Act has greatly increased the commitment required to the VA program within Caltrans. Major highway improvement projects in the urban Districts have required an intensive effort by Caltrans to comply with the law.
In response to the NHS mandate the VA procedures were updated to include a formalized implementation phase, requiring Project Managers to review and respond to the VA recommendations in writing to close out the VA process.
Q. What is a Bridge?
A. According to FHWA, a bridge is a structure including supports erected over a depression or an obstruction, such as water, highway, or railway, and having a track or passageway for carrying traffic or other moving loads, and having an opening measured along the center of the roadway of more than 20 feet between under copings of abutments or spring lines of arches, or extreme ends of openings for multiple boxes; it may also include multiple pipes, where the clear distance between openings is less than half of the smaller contiguous opening.
This page last updated December 12, 2006