Why We Created Small Projects
With early planning assistance, dedicated funding for project-related costs, and transparent processes for approvals and coordination, these Small Projects initiatives aim to help UCSF projects move forward with greater clarity, fewer delays, and lower costs.
This pilot grew out of a cross-campus working group focused on improving the delivery of small projects at UCSF.
Learn how Small Projects started.
What Qualifies as a Small Project?
Small projects are generally defined as projects with construction and equipment costs under $640,000, though projects above this threshold may still be considered based on scope and governance review.
These resources are designed for the research and education community.
Explore our top three project initiatives to see which one is the best fit for you:
Early Support for Projects
Plan your project with clarity from the start. Early Support for Projects (ESP), led by Real Estate, is a program that provides funding and technical guidance before design and construction begin, helping you define your scope, budget, timeline, and next steps. Capital projects of all sizes are eligible for ESP.
This support replaces the traditional “study phase,” which is typically funded by the department requesting the project and can lead to additional back-and-forth, uncertainty, and delays. Instead, the Real Estate team assesses the project early to identify and solve the underlying need in a more consistent and cost-effective way.
Departments receive a clear, reliable project assessment with defined scope, budget, and timeline information—without additional upfront funding from the department — helping teams move forward with greater confidence and a more efficient path to execution.
How to Request Early Support for Projects (ESP) Funding
- Submit a project request and include “ESP” in the description
- Your request is reviewed and triaged
- If selected, ESP funding supports early planning
- You receive an ESP Report with recommendations
- Your project moves forward with a defined scope and path
Project Fee Funding
Cover the costs that keep your project moving. Project Fee Funding, administered by Facilities Services, provides funding for essential project-related expenses beyond construction, including permitting, inspections, compliance, and Facilities support services.
What's included:
- Permitting fees
- Inspections fees
- Environmental Health & Safety assessments and fees
- All labor for UCSF Facilities project support services, including: Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering design review for all permitted projects
- Advising project managers, consultants, and contractors on best practices, technical feasibility, and campus-specific requirements
- Shutdown coordination (physical access, jobsite walks, lockout/tagout)
- Connection of security system components (terminations), configuration of the system software (programming)
- Connection of fire alarm system components (terminations), and configuration of the system software (programming)
These are costs that are often required but are not always planned for in project budgets. By covering these items, this funding helps reduce financial barriers and ensures projects meet campus, safety, and regulatory requirements. The result is a smoother, more efficient project delivery process.
If your project could benefit from assistance with required reviews, coordination, or compliance-related costs, we encourage you to submit a request. We’re here to help keep your projects moving forward—efficiently and successfully.
Older Building Funds
Addresses unexpected infrastructure needs that arise during the maintenance and improvement of older buildings. This includes aging building systems, hidden conditions uncovered during construction, and essential upgrades. Because projects in older buildings often involve unique infrastructure costs, this fund helps cover those expenses when they arise.
We know that needs may vary, and not every situation fits neatly into a box. That’s why we’re taking a flexible, case-by-case approach as we build a clearer framework together. Your requests will help shape how this program grows and supports our community moving forward.