Technical Services is one of the 19 functional FM knowledge areas that are categorized into four key knowledge domains.

Definition: Technical services are the activities related to the building site and structure, building systems and components, and managing, monitoring, and evaluating building system performance.

The services offered as part of operations and maintenance are generally divided into two categories: technical (or hard) and occupant (or soft). Technical services are generally related to the physical makeup of the building, and they cannot be removed.

A critical element of delivering superior technical services is proper management and oversight. Facility managers do not need to be experts in the technical aspects of each piece of equipment, but they do need to be well versed in operations, maintenance, engineering, training, and management. They are responsible for:

• Building site and structure.
• Building systems and components.
• Managing, monitoring, and evaluating building system performance.

Key Concepts:

• Scope of O&M activities.
• Role of FM with regard to technical services within O&M.
• Building site and components.
• Building site and structure condition assessment/evaluation.
• Key features/behaviors of a sustainable site.
• Building structure types.
• Building structure below-grade elements.
• Roofing systems.
• Building envelope.
• Building control systems (pneumatic, electro-pneumatic computerized, direct digital control).
• Plumbing systems.
• Conveying systems.
• Communication and cabling systems.
• IT infrastructure systems.
• Waste management and removal systems
• Interior systems.
• Rent vs. purchase decisions for furnishings, fixtures, and equipment inventory.
• Acquisition and installation of building systems.
• Facilities audit process.
• Measuring building performance; data collection methodology.
• Key technical service building metrics.
• Benchmarking process.
• Technology and tools targeting increased efficiency.

Technical Services Proficiency Indicators (Task Statements)

• Demonstrates an understanding of building systems and components (e.g., site/building, equipment, systems, infrastructure, grounds, and interior and exterior elements).
• Manages, monitors, and evaluates how well building systems perform.
• Oversees the acquisition, installation, and operation of building systems.
• Works with facilities team to determine and administer the allocation of building systems’ resources.
• Manages the service/repair requests and maintenance and cleaning needs of building structures and permanent interior elements.
• Demonstrates knowledge of key building performance measures, where and how to read them, and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrates ability to perform benchmarking.
• Demonstrates knowledge of new technology and tools targeting increased efficiency of O&M.

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