Division of Facilities Management and Construction (DFMC)

DFMC services and functions are spread across five branches within the division: the Branch of Asset Management, the Branch of Planning and Design, the Branch of Education Construction, the Branch of Education Facilities Improvement and Repair (FI&R), and the Branch of Public Safety and Justice Construction and Facilities Improvement and Repair.

Branch of Asset Management 

The Branch of Asset Management is responsible for managing the nationwide Operations and Maintenance (O&M) program, housing program, authorizing allotment and obligation expenditures to operate, maintain, and repair IA-funded facilities, asset inventory, data management of IA-facilities, management of Indian Affairs – Facility Management System (IA-FMS) Maximo, facility condition assessments and analysis, Quarters management, and providing technical oversight and policy for Bureau-funded facilities. The Branch recommends and develops a strategic approach to facilities asset management and maintenance based on OFPSM priorities, short and long-term maintenance activities and costs, deferred maintenance and repair costs, lifecycle replacement costs, life safety code requirements, Facility Condition Assessments, and other relevant factors. 

Branch of Planning and Design 

Planning begins after a project is approved and funded. The planning component includes developing and outlining design requirements, features, and specifications by licensed, qualified architects and engineers consistent with industry standards and applicable DFMC Handbooks; identifying applicable codes, standards, clearances and surveys; developing overall project management; and identifying stakeholders. Design includes design documents prepared by professional architects and engineers beginning with conceptual or schematic drawings through complete construction plans and specifications sufficient to support construction activities. Design must conform to appropriate design standards of care and the requirements of Indian Affairs Adopted Codes and Standards. 

Branch of Education Construction 

The Branch is responsible for all aspects of construction services for new education facilities, from inception through the warranty period and final asset capitalization at over approximately 180 sites with 1,800 structures and more than 19 million gross square feet across eight Regions IA-wide. The average cost of a project is at least $85M and can exceed $100M.   

Education Construction begins after planning and design is complete, and either through design-build (preferred) or design-bid-build (as necessary) delivery methodologies. The Construction component includes all activities from obtaining building permits, project site preparation, and actual construction activity through final inspection and issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Additionally, all IA funded construction projects must adhere to the Guiding Principles (GP) for Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings, as required by Executive Order 13693 and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and must be in accordance with the established must be in accordance with an established construction project priority list, the Education Site Assessment – Capital Investment (SA-CI) Program. 

Branch of Education Facilities Improvement and Repair (FI&R) 

The Education FI&R program prioritizes projects to improve the conditions of facilities under the authority of IA at approximately 180 sites with 1,800 structures and more than 19 million gross square feet across eight Regions IA-wide, projects are at least $5M.  Funds are used to correct priority deficiencies and support code compliance repairs that are necessary to provide safe, functional facilities and to minimize program personnel’s exposure to potential life, safety, and health hazards. Replacement construction or Major Facilities Improvement and Repair (FI&R) must be in accordance with an established construction project priority list. 

Branch of Public Safety and Justice Construction and Facilities Improvement and Repair 

PS&J facilities include detention centers, Tribal courts, and law enforcement facilities and quarters. There are over 2 million gross square feet of law enforcement and detention center facilities. Projects can range from $5M – to $ 45M.  PS&J Construction begins after planning and design is complete, and either through design-build (preferred) or design-bid-build (as necessary) delivery methodologies. The Construction component includes all activities from obtaining building permits, project site preparation, and actual construction activity through final inspection and issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.  The PS&J FI&R program prioritizes projects to improve the conditions of BIA facilities under the authority of IA. Funds are used to correct priority deficiencies and support code compliance repairs that are necessary to provide safe, functional facilities and to minimize program personnel’s exposure to potential life, safety, and health hazards. Replacement construction or Major Facilities Improvement and Repair (FI&R) must be in accordance with an established construction project priority list, the PS&J Site Assessment – Capital Investment (SA-CI) Program.