This collaboration marks HTX’s first step toward a more in-depth understanding of outcome-based facilities management.
(Photo: Singapore Polytechnic)
HTX’s Building & Infrastructure (B&I) Sustainment Centre has signed an agreement with Singapore Polytechnic (SP) to develop a customised course that will enable HTX’s facilities management (FM) team to develop competencies in outcome-based FM.
The agreement marks a milestone in B&I's continued efforts to innovate and stay abreast of industry practices to better support the operations of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Home Team.
B&I Director Ms Chan Ai Lynne notes that with this MOU, “MHA will reap the benefits of smart estate management as HTX and Home Team officers learn and apply a range of emerging FM practices to maintain its buildings and infrastructure.”
Shift to outcome-based approach
This collaboration with SP marks HTX’s first step toward a deeper understanding of the outcome-based approach to FM, which offers more opportunities for innovation than the traditional prescriptive approach.
An outcome-based contract focuses on expected performance levels, using measurable performance metrics such as value-based outcomes, operational parameters, and quality standards. It encourages the service providers to innovate and provide more productive solutions to give more value and better quality, instead of providing fixed headcounts or task-based requirements.
On the other hand, a prescriptive approach would list the tasks in the contract and the required manpower to complete each task.
“Outcome-based contracting will optimise HTX’s efficiency, eliminating onerous checks by our staff on work done. Instead, the focus is on ensuring operational efficiency to ensure that Home Team operations will not be disrupted,” said Eden Heng, Senior Specialist, B&I.
500 officers to be trained
This course will level up the competencies of 500 staff, who work in over 200 MHA buildings and properties, who will undergo this course. Participants will learn about a range of emerging FM practices, such as outcome-based procurement, mechanical & electrical (M&E) design principles that are helpful for smart estate management, and strategies for maintaining buildings and infrastructure. HTX aims to have all its B&I officers attend the course over five years.
The course topics will be reviewed yearly to ensure they remain relevant to market requirements and government guidelines.