As the designers of the above noted project, we have striven to conform to the intent, requirements and technologies of the LEED Version 2.0 Rating System for a prototype project and two subsequent projects repeating the design with various modifications and improvements. These projects are all located at the same recruit training base as the original prototype project, which was registered with LEED. Our independent commissioning authority on these projects has been a separate division of the U.S. Navy from our client: Southern Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), North Charleston, South Carolina. NAVFAC mechanical and electrical engineers have been and will continue to be involved in all the projects, tied into the design and construction contracts from their inception. Their responsibilities include issuance of standards and strategies for the projects and design submittal reviews during the design process. System performance is tested and verified on site by their engineers prior to turnover of a project to the Recruit Training Command. All fundamental building commissioning authority requirements will be fulfilled by NAVFAC and documented in our submittals for LEED certification. As we move toward construction of a third project and registration of these additional projects, we request your ruling on the appropriateness of using NAVFAC as the independent commissioning authority for the fundamental building systems commissioning. Within the line of command of the U.S. Navy, they are independent of the Recruit Training Command, who is the client and user of the new facilities.
The project is inquiring whether commissioning can be performed by members of the owner\'s organization. There have been several CIRs that have addressed the issue of who may qualify to serve as the commissioning authority for this prerequisite (see CIR Rulings dated 9/21/2001, 10/26/2001, and 12/19/2001). The requirement for this prerequisite is that the commissioning team "does not include individuals directly responsible for project design or construction management." There is no restriction barring individuals who work for the owner\'s organization from serving as commissioning authorities. Applicable Internationally.