An MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority) building project typically takes 5–7 years to complete, from the initial Statement of Interest to the final project closeout. The process is broken into a series of modules, with approval from the MSBA Board of Directors required to advance from one stage to the next.

Phase 1: Initiation

Statement of Interest (SOI): The process begins when a district submits an SOI to the MSBA, detailing the school's needs for renovation, addition, or new construction. This submission is generally an annual event.
MSBA Board Invitation: The MSBA's Board of Directors reviews the SOIs and votes to invite selected districts into the Eligibility Period.

Phase 2: Planning and design

Module 1: Eligibility period (approximately 270 days)

The district must meet the MSBA's requirements to demonstrate its readiness for a major capital project.

Form a School Building Committee (SBC).
Submit an Educational Profile Questionnaire (EPQ) to document the district's educational program.
Certify projected student enrollment with the MSBA.
Secure local community authorization and funding for the upcoming feasibility study.
Execute a Feasibility Study Agreement with the MSBA.

Module 2: Forming the project team (approximately 6–8 months)

After completing the eligibility period, the district hires professional consultants for the project.

Select an Owner's Project Manager (OPM): The OPM acts as the district's representative and manages the project's daily activities, schedule, and budget.
Select a Designer: The Designer is the architectural firm responsible for all architectural and engineering plans.

Module 3: Feasibility study (approximately 12–24 months)

The SBC and project team work with the MSBA to assess the project's scope, including:

Documenting existing conditions of the current facility.
Evaluating potential solutions, such as renovation, addition, or new construction.
Selecting a "Preferred Schematic Solution" that is cost-effective and appropriate for the district's educational needs.

Module 4: Schematic design (approximately 6–12 months)

Detailed architectural plans and cost estimates are developed for the preferred solution. The district submits the completed design package to the MSBA for a vote by its Board of Directors.

Module 5: Funding the project (approximately 120 days)

Following MSBA approval of the project's scope and budget, the district must secure local funding.

The district must acquire community authorization for its portion of the project costs through a town or city vote.
Both the district and the MSBA sign a Project Funding Agreement.

Module 6: Detailed design (approximately 12–18 months)

With funding secured, the design team develops comprehensive construction documents, specifications, and other technical plans required for bidding and construction.

Phase 3: Construction

Module 7: Construction (approximately 24–36 months)

The project enters the construction phase, which includes:

Contractor Bidding: The project is put out to bid to secure a general contractor or construction manager.
Groundbreaking and Construction: Building commences, with the district and OPM managing the schedule, budget, and quality control. The MSBA provides oversight throughout this period.

Phase 4: Closeout

Module 8: Completing the project (approximately 6–12 months)

After construction is substantially complete, the final project tasks are addressed.

Final Walkthroughs and Punch Lists: The district and project team create and complete a list of finishing tasks.
Financial Audit: The MSBA conducts a final audit of all project costs.
Final Reimbursement: Upon final approval of the audit, the district receives the remaining balance of its grant from the MSBA.

Module 9: Post-occupancy evaluation (within 3 years of occupancy)

Alden School

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are we proposing an Alden School building project?

What is the MSBA?

What was the cost and reimbursement rate of the Duxbury Middle School and Duxbury High School MSBA Project?

How long does an MSBA project take?

What does it mean to advance to the “feasibility study” phase of the MSBA process?

How would this project benefit our community?

What is a feasibility study?

What are the benefits of working with the MSBA?

How long does an MSBA project take?

What would an MSBA project timeline look like?

What are the costs to continuously upkeep with the Alden School’s ongoing needs?