FM01 (Facilities Management) in Singapore

Singapore FM01 Facilities Management Explained

"FM01" refers to a specific workhead classification under the Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) Contractors Registration System (CRS) in Singapore. This classification is for Facilities Management Companies (FMCs) that provide Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) and/or Managing Agent (MA) services for completed buildings or properties.

Here's a breakdown of what that entails in Singapore:

What is FM01?

• Integrated Facilities Management (IFM): This means the provision of at least two distinct Facilities Management (FM) Services within a single contract. These services can include:

  
  

  • Building maintenance services

  • Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) maintenance services

  • Security services

  • Cleaning services

  • Landscaping services

  • Pest control services

    
    

• Managing Agent (MA) services: This involves overseeing and managing various aspects of a property's operations.

Key aspects of Facilities Management in Singapore (especially relevant to FM01):

• BCA's Role: The BCA is a key government agency regulating the construction and built environment industry in Singapore, including Facilities Management. They maintain the FM Registry and set the registration requirements for companies like those under FM01.

  
  

• Industry Transformation Map (ITM): Singapore's Real Estate ITM aims to transform the FM industry by leveraging technology and strengthening professionalism, with a focus on "smart FM" (e.g., using data analytics, predictive maintenance, IoT).

  
  

• SIFMA (Singapore International Facility Management Association): SIFMA is a prominent association representing FM companies and individuals in Singapore. They play a crucial role in promoting technology adoption, developing the profession, and providing industry resources. SIFMA also runs the Facilities Management Company (FMC) Accreditation scheme, which is now a requirement for FM01 Grades M1 and M2 firms.

  
  

• Accreditation: For FM01 (specifically M1 and M2 grades), companies are required to obtain the Facilities Management Company (FMC) Accreditation, minimally at the "Certified Tier," from SIFMA. This scheme has "Certified," "Gold," and "GoldPlus" tiers, indicating different levels of adherence to FM standards.

  
  

• Personnel and Track Record: To qualify for FM01 registration, companies need to demonstrate a proven track record of successfully completing relevant IFM/MA projects within a specified timeframe (e.g., past five years for ongoing contracts, past three years for completed projects). They also need to employ qualified personnel with relevant degrees or accreditations in areas like Facilities Management, Engineering, or Building.

  
  

• Smart FM & Technology: There's a strong emphasis on adopting smart FM solutions, including:

  
  

  • Building Information Modelling (BIM) for FM

  • Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)

  • Building Management Systems (BMS)

  • Internet of Things (IoT) solutions

  • Data analytics for predictive maintenance

    
    

• Training and Development: Institutions like BCA Academy and Singapore Polytechnic offer specialist diplomas and courses in Facilities Management and Smart Facilities Management to equip professionals with the necessary skills for the evolving industry.

In essence, FM01 in Singapore signifies a recognized and regulated category for companies providing comprehensive and integrated facilities management services, with an increasing focus on technology adoption and professional standards.

Fees

When discussing "fees" related to FM01 (Facilities Management) in Singapore, there are generally two main categories of fees you would encounter:

1. BCA Contractors Registration System (CRS) Application/Registration Fees:

   
   

   • Purpose: These are fees paid to the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) for applying for or renewing your company's registration under the FM01 workhead. This registration is mandatory for companies wishing to participate in public sector facilities management tenders.

     
     

   • Structure: The fees vary depending on the grade of FM01 you are applying for (M1, M2, M3, M4). Higher grades generally have higher fees, reflecting the higher tendering limits and stricter requirements associated with them.

     
     

   • Current Fees:

     
     

     • L1, M4: S$562 (inclusive of GST)

     • L2: S$688 (inclusive of GST)

     • L3: S$749 (inclusive of GST)

     • L4: S$935 (inclusive of GST)

     • L5, M3: S$1,122 (inclusive of GST)

     • M2: S$1,497 (inclusive of GST)

     • L6, M1: S$2,580 (inclusive of GST)

       
       

   • Important Notes:

     
     

     • These fees are typically non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome.

     • These fees are for registration under a single workhead and respective registration grade. If you apply for multiple workheads or grades, the fees would be cumulative.

       
       

2. SIFMA Facilities Management Company (FMC) Accreditation Fees:

   
   

   • Purpose: For FM01 grades M1 and M2, it is mandatory to obtain the Facilities Management Company (FMC) Accreditation from the Singapore International Facility Management Association (SIFMA), minimally at the "Certified Tier." This accreditation demonstrates your company's adherence to FM industry standards.

     
     

   • Structure: SIFMA's FMC Accreditation scheme has different tiers: "Certified," "Gold," and "GoldPlus." The fees for each tier would vary, with higher tiers incurring higher costs due to more rigorous assessment and criteria.

     
     

   • Fee Details:  are the public domain in the same way as BCA's CRS fees. You would need to contact SIFMA directly or refer to their official accreditation scheme documents for the specific fee amounts for SIFMA's FMC Accreditation. They involve:

     
     

     • Application fees

     • Assessment fees (for auditors/assessors to evaluate your company against the accreditation criteria)

     • Annual renewal fees

       
       

In summary: If you're looking to operate as an FM01 company in Singapore, you should budget for both the BCA registration fees (which depend on your desired grade) and the SIFMA FMC Accreditation fees (especially if aiming for M1 or M2 grades). Always consult the official BCA and SIFMA websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date and accurate fee information.

Professional Fees for Registration under FM01 and Obtaining Facilities Management Company (FMC) Accreditation 

These are distinct types of fees:

1. Professional Fees for BCA FM01 Registration:

These are administrative fees paid directly to the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) for the application and maintenance of your company's registration under the FM01 workhead within their Contractors Registration System (CRS).

• What it covers: The cost to be formally recognized by the BCA as an eligible Facilities Management Company (FMC) to tender for public sector projects.

  
  

• How it's structured: The fees vary based on the grade of FM01 you are applying for (M1, M2, M3, M4, and potentially L grades for other FM workheads). Higher grades have higher fees due to the larger project tendering limits they allow.

  
  

• Current Fees:

  
  

  • M4: S$562 (inclusive of GST)

  • M3: S$1,122 (inclusive of GST)

  • M2: S$1,497 (inclusive of GST)

  • M1: S$2,580 (inclusive of GST)

    
    

• Important Note: These are non-refundable processing fees regardless of whether your application is successful. They are for the registration itself.

2. Professional Fees for SIFMA Facilities Management Company (FMC) Accreditation:

For FM01 grades M1 and M2, it is a mandatory requirement to obtain the Facilities Management Company (FMC) Accreditation from the Singapore International Facility Management Association (SIFMA), minimally at the "Certified Tier." These fees are paid to SIFMA or their appointed auditors/assessors.

• What it covers: The cost of the assessment process to verify that your company meets specific industry standards for Facilities Management, as set out by SIFMA. This involves:

  
  

  • An initial application fee.

  • An assessment fee, which covers the cost of auditors reviewing your processes, documentation, and potentially conducting site visits or interviews.

  • Annual renewal fees to maintain your accreditation.

    
    

• How it's structured: SIFMA's FMC Accreditation scheme has three tiers: "Certified," "Gold," and "GoldPlus." The fees increase with higher tiers, as they involve more stringent criteria and assessment.

  
  

• Specific Fee Amounts: You would need to:

  
  

  • Contact SIFMA directly: This is the most reliable way to get the most current and accurate fee schedule for their FMC Accreditation scheme.

  • Refer to their application guidelines: Detailed documents provided by SIFMA for the accreditation process would contain the fee structure.

    
    

Additional "Professional Fees" Considerations:

You might incur other professional costs to prepare for or maintain your FM01 registration and FMC Accreditation:

• Consultancy Services: If your company needs assistance to meet the stringent requirements for higher FM01 grades (e.g., developing management systems, preparing documentation, improving track records, ensuring personnel qualifications), you might engage Bestar. Our fees would be separate and based on the scope of work.

  
  

• Auditing Fees: Beyond SIFMA's assessment, you might engage independent auditors for internal audits to ensure compliance with quality management systems (like ISO 9001, ISO 45001, which are also requirements for certain FM01 grades).

In summary:

• BCA FM01 Registration Fees: Fixed, published administrative fees based on your desired FM01 grade.

  
  

• SIFMA FMC Accreditation Fees: Variable assessment fees that depend on the accreditation tier, requiring direct inquiry with SIFMA.

Both are essential "professional fees" your FM company must incur to legally and credibly operate and bid for projects under the FM01 workhead in Singapore.

How Bestar can Help

Engaging Bestar can be immensely beneficial for companies navigating the complexities of FM01 registration, obtaining FMC Accreditation, and optimizing their overall Facilities Management operations in Singapore. Here's how we can help:

For BCA FM01 Registration & SIFMA FMC Accreditation:

These are often intertwined, especially for higher FM01 grades (M1, M2) where FMC Accreditation is mandatory.

1. Expertise and Regulatory Knowledge:

   
   

   • Understanding Requirements: Bestar is well-versed in the latest BCA CRS criteria for FM01 (including track record, financial, and personnel requirements) and SIFMA's FMC Accreditation standards. We can quickly assess your company's current state against these benchmarks.

     
     

   • Navigating Complexity: The application processes can be intricate, with specific documentation, submission formats, and evaluation criteria. Bestar streamlines this, ensuring all requirements are met accurately and efficiently, minimizing delays or rejections.

     
     

   • Staying Updated: Regulations and accreditation criteria can change. Bestar stays informed of these updates, ensuring your application is always compliant.

     
     

2. Gap Analysis and Strategy Development:

   
   

   • Identifying Deficiencies: We can conduct a thorough gap analysis to pinpoint areas where your company falls short of the FM01 or FMC Accreditation requirements (e.g., insufficient track record, lack of qualified personnel, absence of required management systems like ISO certifications).

     
     

   • Roadmap Creation: Based on the gap analysis, we can develop a tailored roadmap and action plan to help your company bridge these gaps and meet the necessary standards for your target FM01 grade and accreditation tier.

     
     

3. Documentation and Evidence Preparation:

   
   

   • Track Record Validation: A critical part of FM01 is a strong track record of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) projects. Bestar can help you properly document and present your past projects to meet BCA's specific definitions of IFM.

     
     

   • System Implementation & Documentation: For higher grades and accreditation, you'll need robust management systems (e.g., Quality Management System, Environmental Management System, Occupational Health & Safety Management System). Bestar can guide you in establishing, documenting, and implementing these systems (often aligning with ISO standards).

     
     

   • Template Provision: We can provide templates for necessary policies, procedures, work instructions, and records, saving you significant time and effort.

     
     

4. Personnel Development:

   
   

   • Identifying Skill Gaps: Bestar can advise on the specific qualifications and certifications required for your key personnel to meet FM01 criteria (e.g., Facilities Management diplomas, relevant engineering degrees, Fire Safety Manager certifications).

     
     

   • Training Recommendations: We can recommend suitable training programs or help you structure internal development plans to upskill your team.

     
     

5. Audit Preparation and Support:

   
   

   • Internal Audits: Bestar can conduct mock audits to identify any non-conformities before the official SIFMA accreditation audit, allowing you to rectify issues proactively.

     
     

   • On-site Support: Bestar offers support during the actual SIFMA accreditation audit, helping to address auditor queries and ensure a smooth process.

     
     

6. Time and Resource Savings:

   
   

   • By leveraging external expertise, your internal team can focus on core business operations rather than getting bogged down in the complex and time-consuming application and preparation processes.

     
     

   • Bestar can expedite the process, helping you achieve registration and accreditation faster, which means you can start bidding for projects sooner.

For Improving Overall Facilities Management Operations:

Beyond just getting registered and accredited, Bestar can significantly enhance your operational efficiency and service delivery.

1. Performance Measurement & Reporting:

   
   

   • KPI Development: Establishing clear and measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for FM services.

     
     

2. Sustainability and Green FM:

   
   

   • Green Mark Compliance: Assisting in achieving Green Mark certification for buildings and implementing sustainable FM practices.

     
     

   • Energy Efficiency: Conducting energy audits and recommending solutions to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint.

     
     

By engaging Bestar, companies can not only achieve the necessary certifications and registrations like FM01 and FMC Accreditation but also transform their Facilities Management functions into a more strategic, efficient, and value-adding part of their business.