The Comparable Framework: A method to collect, translate, and calibrate existing building information produced and maintained by institutions to a comparable standard useful for statewide planning and policy.

The State of Washington owns 2,600 higher education buildings encompassing over sixty million square feet. Reliable building evaluations are critical to proper financial planning for these assets, but to conduct traditional facility condition assessments of every square foot is time-consuming, and a costly hit to an already squeezed state budget.  So, in 2002, the State turned to MENG Analysis as a leading expert in condition assessment for a solution to Washington Higher Education building assessment needs.  

The result was the Comparable Framework: a dependable planning and funding tool requiring a fraction of the cost and time of a traditional, comprehensive facility condition assessment. Using parametric estimating techniques, the Comparable Framework produces reasonably accurate facility condition information and cost data using existing condition information supplied by Washington universities. Developed by MENG Analysis, the Comparable Framework is used today by policymakers when authorizing capital projects in Washington State.

This summer, Eric Meng presented the Comparable Framework at the SCUP (Society for College and University Planning) Annual Conference in Minneapolis. Co-presenter Karen Barrett, the JLARC (Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee) Engagement Manager, explained that, prior to the creation of the Comparable Framework in 2003, Washington budget analysts struggled to navigate the different systems and formats universities used to report facilities data and communicate funding needs. The Comparable Framework collects facilities data and assembles it in a way that allows an “apples to apples” comparison.  Using the tool, analysts can gauge the relative condition of buildings, and can estimate the magnitude of preservation backlogs across multiple institutions on a comparable basis.