FM01 (Facilities Management) in Singapore
- a22162
- Aug 1
- 13 min read
Updated: Aug 4
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.
Registration Requirements for FM01
Here's a breakdown of the registration requirements for FM01 in Singapore:
Key Registration Requirements for FM01 (Grades M1, M2, M3, M4):
The specific requirements vary depending on the grade (M1 being the highest). Generally, they encompass:
Financial Requirements:
Minimum Paid-up Capital and Net Worth: These figures vary by grade (e.g., M1 requires $2 million).
Audited Accounts: Firms (especially M1 and M2) are required to submit their latest audited accounts regularly (e.g., annually for M1) to demonstrate they meet financial requirements.
Track Record:
Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) Experience: A key requirement, especially for higher grades like M1, is having at least one track record in Integrated Facilities Management (IFM), which means providing at least two distinct FM services in one contract.
Completed Projects: Track records must generally be from projects completed within the past five years. Ongoing contracts might be acceptable for renewal or lower grades.
Minimum Contract Period: Individual contracts submitted as track records usually need to be for a minimum period (e.g., not less than 12 months).
Minimum Total Main Contract (MC) and Single Project (SP) Values: These financial thresholds for past projects vary by grade.
Personnel:
Qualified Personnel: Firms must have a certain number of qualified personnel with relevant experience and qualifications in Facilities Management (FM), Mechanical & Electrical (MEC), or other related built environment fields. This can include diplomas, degrees, or accreditation under relevant schemes (e.g., SIFMA's Facilities Management Accreditation Scheme).
Full-time Personnel: Some personnel requirements specify full-time employees.
Management & Development:
FMC Accreditation: A crucial requirement, particularly for FM01 Grades M1 and M2, is obtaining the Facilities Management Company (FMC) Accreditation minimally at the Certified Tier, under the scheme by the Singapore International Facility Management Association (SIFMA). This accreditation aims to uplift standards and demonstrate competency.
BizSAFE Certification: Certain grades might require BizSAFE Level 3 (Workplace Safety and Health Council).
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR FM01
Grade | Financial (Note 1-5) | Track Record (past 5 years) (Note 6-9) | Personnel (Note 10-15) | Management & Development (Note 16) |
M1 | $2.0m | $40.0m of which - $20m MC - $4.0m SP | (i) 3P of which: • 1P with FM (ii) 1 personnel with MEC* | (i) BizSAFE Star / ISO45001 (ii) FMC Accreditation (Certified Tier) |
M2 | $1.5m | $20.0m of which - $10m MC - $2.0m SP | (i) 2P of which: • 1P with FM (ii) 1 personnel with MEC* | (i) BizSAFE Star / ISO45001 (ii) FMC Accreditation (Certified Tier) |
M3 | $500,000 | $5.0m - $500,000 SP | 1P with FM +1T or 3T of which 2T with FM | BizSAFE Level 3 / ISO45001 |
M4 | $50,000 | $100,000 | 1P with FM or 2T of which 1T with FM | BizSAFE Level 3 / ISO45001 |
*The personnel with MEC qualifications can be one of the P nominated.
m stands for million, min stands for minimum.
Notes
Financial
1) Both minimum paid-up capital and minimum net worth must be met separately.
2) M1 firms are required to submit the audited accounts annually (not more than 4 months for SGX listed companies and not more than 6 months for non-SGX listed companies from the accounts closing date) and meet the financial requirements in order to retain the M1 grade.
3) M2 firms are required to submit the latest audited accounts (not more than 12 months old).
4) M3 & M4 firms are required to submit either the latest audited or management accounts (not more than 12 months old).
5) For firms with both Group and Company financial accounts, BCA will consider only the Company financial accounts in verifying that financial requirements are met. Foreign firms with Singapore Branch Office are required to submit both their Parent Company and Branch Office accounts.
Track Record
6) Track record as an FMC or MA providing IFM and/or MA services are acceptable. BCA reserves the final decision on acceptance of track record.
7) All track records must be completed in the past five years. Ongoing contracts are acceptable for renewal and M4 grade only.
8) Applicants are expected to complete
a) MC: minimum total main contract. For M1 Grade, the minimum MC shall include at least 1 IFM contract
b) SP: minimum single size Main Contract
9) The minimum contract period for each contract must be not less than 12 months.
Personnel
10) “P” shall mean any of the following:
a) A degree in Facilities Management, Civil/Structural, Mechanical/Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Architecture, Building or equivalent
b) Personnel accredited in Tier 1 to Tier 3 of any Built Environment accreditation scheme as listed in the BCA website
11) “P with FM” shall mean any of the following:
a) A degree in Facilities Management
b) Personnel accredited in Tier 1 to Tier 3 of Facilities Management accreditation scheme by SIFMA
12) “T” shall mean any of the following:
a) A diploma in Facilities Management, Civil/Structural, Mechanical/Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Architecture, Building or Advanced National Building Qualification (NBQ)/Specialist Diploma in M&E Coordination.
b) Personnel accredited in Tier 4 of any Built Environment accreditation scheme as listed in the BCA website
13) “T with FM” shall mean any of the following:
a) A diploma in Facilities Management
b) Personnel accredited in Tier 4 of Facilities Management accreditation scheme by SIFMA
14) MEC refers to a full-time personnel with either of the following qualifications/ accreditation:
a) BCA Academy: Advanced National Building Qualification in i) Supervision & Coordination in M&E Works ii) Green Building Operations & Maintenance / Certificate or Specialist Dip in M&E Coordination / Dip in Mechanical Engineering (Green Building Technology)
b) Ngee Ann Polytechnic: Dip in i) Building Services Engineering ii) Technology (Building Services) iii) Technology (Building Services & Fire Safety) iv) Engineering (Building Services & Fire Safety)
c) Temasek Polytechnic: Dip in i) Green Building & Sustainability ii) Intelligent Building Technology
d) Personnel accredited in Tier 1 to 4 of Facilities Management accreditation scheme by SIFMA
15) Local P/T - Require latest CPF statement
Foreign P/T - Require valid S-Pass/ Employment Pass, and screenshot of SGWorkPass App clearly showing the expiry date
Management and Development
16) M1 & M2 firms are required to have FMC Accreditation minimally at the Certified Tier, under the FMC Accreditation scheme by Singapore International Facility Management Association (SIFMA). More details of the scheme can be found at this link.
Application Process
Applications for FM01 registration are typically submitted through the BCA Electronic Builders Licensing and Companies Registration Systems (eBACS) portal. You will generally need to provide:
Recent ACRA BizFile.
Latest audited accounts (or management accounts for lower grades).
Personnel details (NRIC/S Pass/EP, CPF Form 90, education certificates, licenses).
Track record documents (Letters of Award/Contract Agreements, Section D1/D2 forms, Certificates of Substantial Completion, Final Statements of Account).
Important Notes:
BCA Contractor Registry: The BCA Contractor Registry is a key resource for individuals and organizations looking to hire contractors in Singapore, as it helps ensure competency and reliability.
Regulatory Framework: The facilities management sector in Singapore is governed by various legislations overseen by different ministries and statutory boards, including the Building Control Act (BCA), Workplace Safety & Health Act (MOM), Fire Safety Act (SCDF), and Environmental Management Acts (NEA).
Proportionality: Adherence to guidelines and requirements is often based on the principle of proportionality, meaning the level of compliance should reflect the nature, size, and complexity of the firm's activities.
Where to find the most current and detailed information:
Always refer to the official sources for the most up-to-date and complete registration requirements, as these can change:
Building and Construction Authority (BCA) website: Look for their "Contractors Registration System (CRS)" and "Facilities Management Registry" sections. They often publish detailed "Specific Registration Requirements (SRR)" documents for each workhead.
Singapore International Facility Management Association (SIFMA) website: For details on their FMC Accreditation scheme.
It is highly recommended to consult the official BCA documents for the specific grade of FM01 you are interested in (M1, M2, M3, or M4), as the exact financial, track record, and personnel requirements differ significantly between them.
Fees
When discussing "fees" related to FM01 (Facilities Management) in Singapore, there are generally two main categories of fees you would encounter:
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 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)/ S$935 (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 Notes:
These fees are 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.
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: 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.
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.
Fee Structure for Bestar Consultancy Services
Bestar offers a tiered fee structure based on the scope and complexity of the work. Here's a breakdown:
1. Initial Assessment & Gap Analysis (Fixed Fee)
Scope: Bestar will conduct a thorough review of your company's current status, including financial records, project track records, and personnel qualifications, against the BCA FM01 and SIFMA FMC Accreditation requirements. We will identify areas where your company falls short and provide a detailed report.
Fee: S$2,000 - S$5,000
This is a one-time fee for a comprehensive analysis and a clear roadmap. The cost will be on the lower end for smaller companies targeting a lower grade and on the higher end for larger firms seeking a higher-tier accreditation.
2. Full Project Engagement (Project-Based Fee)
Scope: This is a comprehensive service that includes:
Developing and implementing all necessary management systems and documentation (e.g., QEHS manuals).
Assisting in the preparation of all supporting documents for submission to BCA and SIFMA.
Providing guidance on how to meet personnel and track record requirements.
Liaising with the relevant authorities during the application process.
Fee: S$8,000 - S$25,000+
The total cost is highly dependent on the amount of work required.
For a company with most of the requirements already in place (e.g., solid track records, qualified personnel), the fee would be on the lower end.
For a company with significant gaps (e.g., poor documentation, lack of certified personnel, or no proper management systems), the fee will be much higher due to the extensive work involved.
Higher FM01 grades (e.g., M1, M2) and higher FMC Accreditation tiers (Gold, GoldPlus) will command higher fees due to their more rigorous requirements.
3. Ad-Hoc Assistance (Hourly Rate or Small Project Fee)
Scope: This option is for companies that only need help with specific tasks, such as:
Reviewing and refining a single project track record.
Providing advice on personnel qualifications.
Assisting with the final submission of documents.
Fee:
Hourly Rate: S$200 - S$450 per hour
Small Project Fee: S$1,000 - S$5,000 for a specific, well-defined task.
Factors Influencing the Final Fees
To get a precise fee proposal, you should be prepared to provide the following information to Bestar:
Your company's size: Number of employees, revenue, and paid-up capital.
Your current registrations: Are you already a registered contractor with BCA?
The specific grade you are targeting: FM01 M1, M2, M3, or M4.
Your company's current state of readiness: Do you have existing management systems (e.g., ISO certifications)? Do you have documented track records that meet the Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) criteria? Are your key personnel already certified?
By providing this information, Bestar can conduct a more accurate assessment and provide a tailored fee proposal that reflects the exact scope of work required to get your company registered and accredited successfully.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Performance Measurement & Reporting:
KPI Development: Establishing clear and measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for FM services.
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.
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