An Important Seat at the JOC Table: Facility Managers
In every JOC, SABER, or IDIQ program, there are a handful of voices that usually dominate the room: the owner, the contractor, and sometimes the consultant. These are the people negotiating scopes, pushing schedules, and reviewing estimates.
We have determined that one group is often overlooked: the facility managers.
These are the people who live with the results long after a ribbon is cut. They’re the ones called when a repair doesn’t hold, when equipment fails, or when a space doesn’t function the way it was promised. They are closest to the day-to-day reality of what the work really means.
Why Facility Managers Are a Critical Role
Facility managers see projects differently than anyone else. While contractors focus on what it will take to build, and owners focus on budgets and approvals, facility managers are focused on what happens after the crews leave.
They know which systems break down every six months.
They know which repairs have failed three times already.
They know where the weak spots are in an aging facility.
Ignoring their insight creates blind spots and inefficiencies that eventually cost time, money, and credibility.
Where They Fit in JOC Programs
Job Order Contracting is designed to move faster than traditional procurement. Speed without accuracy is just wasted motion and facility managers bring the context that keeps projects grounded.
When they’re included early, they can:
Flag recurring issues that contractors may not see on the first walk-through.
Validate that the scope aligns with how the facility actually functions.
Save the team from “fixing symptoms” instead of solving root problems.
In short, they make sure the work being procured is the work that will last.
The Tools They Need
Here’s the thought: many platforms treat facility managers as an afterthought. They’re either excluded entirely or given read-only access that doesn’t allow them to contribute meaningfully.
If we want stronger JOC programs, that has to change. Facility managers need:
Visibility into the scope while they’re being developed, not after they’re submitted.
A way to add comments, photos, or questions about product selection, maintenance and warranties into the scoping and proposal.
An understanding of the construction schedule and material selections.
When those needs are met, the entire program benefits. Owners gain confidence. Contractors reduce rework. Consultants have fewer challenges to resolve. Facility Managers feel they are a part of the process, and they should.
The Bottom Line
Facility managers maintain the buildings, but more importantly, they protect the investments we make in public infrastructure. Leaving them out of the process is like ignoring the operator of a machine while redesigning it.
The next time you’re in a kickoff meeting or reviewing an estimate, ask yourself: who speaks for the facility managers? If their voice isn’t at the table, you’re missing an important perspective and the truth of how the work will hold up, long after the job is done.
See how eConverge™ can help you build a stronger JOC Program with all stakeholders. Schedule a 15-minute demo today and let’s talk about how you can level up your Job Order Contracting projects.