Top Ten Questions
a.s.p.™ is a methodology for governing structural steel decisions earlier in the project lifecycle. Powered by ISPA™, it integrates all the prefabrication planning and activities necessary for fabrication and erection — before procurement.
2. What is ISPA™?ISPA™ (Integrated Steel Planning Authority) is Greenbrook’s proprietary framework that consolidates early steel planning into one governed authority.
3. When should a.s.p.™ be engaged?a.s.p.™ delivers the greatest value when engaged during Schematic Design, Design Development, or prior to GMP formation.
4. Does Greenbrook fabricate steel?No. Greenbrook prepares coordinated, procurement-ready steel packages that can be competitively bid to fabricators.
5. How is a.s.p.™ different from hiring a fabricator early?a.s.p.™ governs steel planning before fabrication is awarded and accomplishes all of the advantages of hiring a fabricator early, but a.s.p.™ creates a clearer scope and significantly more competitive pricing.
6. What types of projects benefit most?Healthcare, data centers, multilevel structures, and complex facilities where steel impacts schedule and coordination.
7. Does a.s.p.™ increase project cost?Quite the contrary. Because a.s.p.™ shifts detailed planning earlier, project costs are significantly reduced.
8. Can we still choose our fabricator?Absolutely. a.s.p.™ preserves full competitive procurement. In most cases, your options are actually increased.
9. Does a.s.p.™ work with Design-Build and CMAR?Yes. a.s.p.™ is designed to support both delivery models.
10. How do we know if our project is a fit?If steel affects schedule, sequencing, or coordination, a.s.p.™ may provide value. Greenbrook can provide a preliminary assessment.
Taking a Deeper Dive
How is a.s.p.TM different from traditional preconstruction services?
Traditional preconstruction focuses on estimating and coordination. a.s.p.TM governs early steel decisions through integrated technical planning.
Is ISPATM software?
No. ISPATM is a governance and planning framework supported by modeling tools.
Is a.s.p.TM consulting?
a.s.p.TM is a governed planning role as your trade partner, not traditional consulting.
How does a.s.p.TM integrate with project teams?
a.s.p.TM works within existing team structures while providing centralized authority for steel planning.
Does a.s.p.TM require contract changes?
No. a.s.p.TM works within existing DB, CMAR, and traditional frameworks.
How long does an engagement last?
Typically, from Design Development through fabrication and into erection.
Can a.s.p.TM support fast-track projects?
Yes. a.s.p.TM is particularly effective on fast-track and phased delivery.
How does a.s.p.TM improve bid quality?
Fabricators bid from shop drawings, thus eliminating assumptions and contingencies through a precisely defined scope.
Can multiple fabricators bid?
Yes. a.s.p.TM supports competitive bidding.
What if a fabricator is already identified?
a.s.p.TM greatest value comes before early trade stacking. However, our Greenbrook Engineering team works directly with fabricators nationwide.
Does a.s.p.TM delay procurement?
No, quite the opposite. It typically accelerates procurement by several months.
RISK, LIABILITY & GOVERNANCE
Who controls the steel model?
Ownership remains with the project team, subject to contracts.
How are decisions governed?
ISPA™ establishes structured review and approval protocols.
Does a.s.p.TM increase liability?
a.s.p.TM reduces exposure by resolving issues earlier.
How are late design changes handled?
Changes are evaluated for schedule, cost, and fabrication impact.
PROJECT FIT & VALUE
Is a.s.p.TM suitable for renovations?
On large projects, yes, particularly where coordination is complex.
Is a.s.p.TM useful on smaller projects?
Evaluated case-by-case based on steel impact.
How is a.s.p.TM funded?
Typically, through early professional services or preconstruction budgets.
What deliverables does a.s.p.TM provide?
- Stick model for ABMs
- Mill order preparation
- Sequencing input
- Connection design
- Approved shop drawings
- LOD 400 models
- Bid packages for fabrication
- Stair and miscellaneous steel design
- Fabrication & erection procurement preparation
- HVAC modeling and design
- OWSJ & Deck design and detailing
- Rebar design and detailing
How is success measured?
- Early fabrication starts
- Reduced fabrication costs
- Reduced post-design RFIs
1. What is Accelerated Steel Procurement (a.s.p.TM)?
a.s.p.TM is a methodology for governing structural steel decisions earlier in the project lifecycle. Powered by ISPATM, it integrates all the prefabrication planning and activities necessary for fabrication and erection — before procurement.
2. What is ISPATM?
ISPATM (Integrated Steel Planning Authority) is Greenbrook’s proprietary framework that consolidates early steel planning into one governed authority.
3. When should a.s.p.TM be engaged?
a.s.p.TM delivers the greatest value when engaged during Schematic Design, Design Development, or prior to GMP formation.
4. Does Greenbrook fabricate steel?
No. Greenbrook prepares coordinated, procurement-ready steel packages that can be competitively bid to fabricators.
5. How is a.s.p.TM different from hiring a fabricator early?
a.s.p.TM governs steel planning before fabrication is awarded and accomplishes all of the advantages of hiring a fabricator early, but a.s.p.TM creates a clearer scope and significantly more competitive pricing.
6. What types of projects benefit most?
Healthcare, data centers, multilevel structures, and complex facilities where steel impacts schedule and coordination.
7. Does a.s.p.TM increase project cost?
Quite the contrary. Because a.s.p.TM shifts detailed planning earlier, project costs are significantly reduced.
8. Can we still choose our fabricator?
Absolutely. a.s.p.TM preserves full competitive procurement. In most cases, your options are actually increased.
9. Does a.s.p.TM work with Design-Build and CMAR?
Yes. a.s.p.TM is designed to support both delivery models.
10. How do we know if our project is a fit?
If steel affects schedule, sequencing, or coordination, a.s.p.TM may provide value. Greenbrook can provide a preliminary assessment.