Iowa Construction Advocate Team (ICAT)
The Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) is pleased to announce its newest business service, the Iowa Construction Advocate Team (ICAT).
“A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Benjamin Franklin
With the passing of the Statewide Penny, it falls upon all of us as the guardians of the funds to make sure that we stretch those dollars to help Iowa students achieve at the highest levels possible. IASB created ICAT to help us share technical expertise and improve accountability.
ICAT helps districts of all sizes take advantage of these funds to create the best possible learning environment in all our schools across the state. The objective of ICAT is to ensure that every penny is spent improving the learning environments shared by our teachers and students.
ICAT offers services throughout all phases of construction, from developing your Revenue Purpose Statement through your final walk-through.
Facilities Evaluation Service
An initial Facilities Evaluation by ICAT can begin to help your district determine the course of action that will best utilize your construction dollars and will include:
Facility tour and evaluation
Review capital improvement plans
Review preventive and long-term maintenance plans
Consult with superintendent, school board, stakeholders, and other key personnel
The Facilities Evaluation also includes follow-up with a full report of findings and recommendations, which will be presented to the Board at your request.
Additional ICAT Services
- Assistance with selecting architects and other construction professionals
- Construction site and schedule evaluation, problem solving, and recommendations
- Maintenance Schedule development assistance
- Assistance in establishing Revenue Purpose Statements
- Guidance on soliciting qualified contractors for competitive bids
- Guidance with cash flow management, costs, and tools
- Assistance in determining bonding and finance capacities
- Reports to community and stakeholder groups/meetings
- Assistance in architectural plan, costs, and constructability reviews
- Facilitate value engineering sessions
- Review contractor and district safety programs
Pricing
- Facilities Evaluation fee is $3,000-$5,000 plus expenses.
- Additional ICAT services can be provided at an hourly rate plus expenses.
- Monies from PPEL, SILO, or the Statewide Penny can be used to pay for ICAT services.
Additional Information
For more information, please contact Paul Kruse at 1-800-269-2363.
The Association receives sponsorship revenues from the administrator that provides this program. These benefits fund IASB member programs and services.