PBS team adapts to keep Iowa VA project on schedule

The new VHA community-based outpatient clinic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is scheduled to be complete in July. PBS has implemented several new strategies in an effort to keep the project on track while social distancing. (Rendering provided by Frew Development Group)

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A PBS team of Project Manager Joe Stanley, Lease Contracting Officer Traun Roberts and Furniture Program Coordinator Kim Crane used new tools and ideas to successfully make up lost time on a lease for a Veterans Health Administration community-based outpatient clinic.

“We lost some time during the initial COVID-19 onset as the VA was preoccupied with responses,” said PBS Region 6 Director of Leasing Kelly Juarez. “However, the project team got back on track and is now trending slightly ahead of schedule.

The team was able to accelerate the schedule by:

• Using videophone technology during construction to virtually inspect and examine ongoing construction.
• Alternating contractor schedules for social distancing without reducing workforce hours or incurring additional costs.
• Conducting inspections after hours.
• Providing weekly updates with a specified list of pictures that the general contractor supplied. 
• Using consistent “Plan B” examinations and risk mitigation in case of further problems.

The VHA currently has more than 800 community-based outpatient clinics, which provide the most common outpatient services — including health and wellness visits — without the need to visit a larger medical center.

“With the advent of COVID-19, these clinics are needed by the VA to help bring care to their rural patient base, as well as to lighten their workload at their larger facilities,” Juarez said. “PBS Region 6 will continue working diligently to keep the 28,600 square foot clinic in Cedar Rapids on schedule.”

The clinic is scheduled to be complete in July.