(a)

1. (1) A feasibility study may be required to determine the:

   1. (A) Initial building program needs;
   2. (B) Property requirements;
   3. (C) Probable construction cost; and
   4. (D) Site improvement cost.
2. (2) The study may include but not be limited to other nonconstruction cost such as financing cost, design service fees, equipment cost, furnishing cost, and contingency cost to determine if a project is economically feasible and if adequate funding is available.

(b)

1. (1) The feasibility study should determine site selection needs, such as property size, zoning, utilities, acquisition costs, floodplain management, drainage costs, environmental review, pedestrian and vehicular access, parking needs, and storage needs as applicable.
2. (2) Building size and area requirements for all functions including the electrical, lighting, heating, cooling, and building system requirements should be addressed.
3. (3) Estimated construction, operation, and utility costs based on square footage and specific development costs should be computed.
4. (4) Operational and staffing cost for security, maintenance, janitorial, and building operators should be included on a cost-per-square-foot basis as a part of the study.
5. (5) The study should include a brief discussion of the requirements and possible solutions for each area along with a line item cost estimate for each area.
6. (6) Consideration should be given to future expansion capabilities in all cases.
7. (7) The feasibility study should be used as a basis to help establish funding and to guide the department’s project coordinator in selection of, and directing the work of, the appropriate design professional.

(c)

1. (1) Design professionals shall be selected in accordance with this subchapter (refer to 22 CAR § 111-101 et seq.).
2. (2) The department shall obtain approval from the Design Review Section prior to initiating a feasibility study with outside consultants or design professionals.