Design Excellence Evaluation Process (DEEP)

Basics

What is it?
It is a DQI (q.v.) checklist applied to MoD building projects that aims to quantify design standards with the intention of delivering design excellence and minimising risk. It helps to provide assurance that projects comply with government construction policies and are value for money.

Useful where?
All MoD building projects that meet certain criteria.

Related activities
It is usually carried out alongside a DREAM appraisal (q.v.). Projects designated as significant are either peer reviewed or put to a design panel.

In what sectors?
Defence only.

Development status

Who developed it?
Defence Estates.

Stage of development
It was initially launched in 2001.

Examples of its use
On MoD projects where the construction costs are £500k and above.

Development contacts
Tony Whitehead on 0121 311 3822 or antony.whitehead@de.mod.uk

Benchmarks?
Each project is scored as a percentage. The benchmark is a ‘pass’ score of 50%, anything below that is a ‘fail’.

How it works

Brief description
It is a scored checklist that investigates the functionality, impact, build quality, sustainability and innovation of an MoD project. Assessments are carried out at three key stages; preparation, design development and construction, completion and occupancy. Each assessment is carried out by a design review group (DRG) using an external DQI facilitator. At each stage a spreadsheet is completed with the assessment expressed as a percentage, along with an accompanying report which provides commentary on both successful and unsuccessful aspects of the project.

Is there software?
It is a spreadsheet-based assessment scorecard which can be completed in Excel or printed out and filled in by hand.

How long does it take?
It depends on the size, stage and complexity of the project. For a medium sized project where the construction costs are approximately £10m, the review would take 3 hours and the report writing a similar amount of time. DEEP has been used as a bid evaluation tool for larger projects and this application has required greater time; including moderation and cross referencing to other reviews.

Can I do it myself?
Not really unless you are part of a project team for the MoD and are suitably qualified to be designated an evaluator. A DQI facilitator is also needed as part of the assessment process and often they write the reports. However, as the technique is in the public domain it is possible to be able to carry out an assessment informally.

Supporting information
Available via Defence Estates.

Is the technique in the public domain?
Yes

Are the methods open to inspection with technical support papers?
Yes

Are the results in the public domain?
No but for a project to be compliant it must score over 50% and pass, if not remedial action is taken to address problems.

Is there an accreditation system?
As DEEP is a DQI, reviewers are accredited by the Construction Industry Council (CIC).