Front-end loading (FEL), also known as front-end planning (FEP), is a
highly valuable process in the capital project life cycle that, if well-
executed, can greatly improve project success. It includes the
development of strategic information and key documentation necessary
for project owners to address potential project risks, decide whether or
not to move forward with the project and commit resources, and
maximize the potential for project success.
FEL consists of three distinct phases:
1. FEL 1: Opportunity Identification and Assessment
2. FEL 2: Scope Development and Conceptual Engineering
3. FEL 3/Front-End Engineering Design (FEED): Execution
Planning and Basic Engineering
If utilized as a formal stage gate process, FEL can be used as an
approval process with gates after each phase to allow key stakeholders
to make informed decisions regarding investments. Each gate must be
passed before proceeding to project execution. Individual phases of FEL,
such as FEL3/FEED, can also be performed standalone depending on the
level of planning required for a given capital project.
According to CII, FEL can produce significant value for project owners,
providing benefits such as the following:
Increased schedule and cost predictability.
A reduced probability of project failures.
Improved operational performance.
Better achievement of business goals.
Fewer changes to the project scope.
Aside from producing a robust scope definition and highly accurate cost
estimate, FEL produces a breadth of valuable deliverables that can be
referenced and leveraged throughout the entire project life cycle. Here is
a look at some of the most common FEL deliverables you are likely to
encounter.
Common FEL Deliverables for Capital Projects
Every capital project is unique; consequently, FEL deliverables are likely
to vary a bit from project to project depending on the project scope,
provided items, project drivers, project characteristics and risk profiles,
and of course, client requirements. Common FEL deliverables by phase
are detailed below.
Standard FEL 1 Deliverables
Typically <5% of Eng cost - TIC Estimate +/- 50%
Preliminary:
Overall
Justification
Scope of Work
Project Schedule (level 2)
Infrastructure Review (power, utilities, etc.)
Total Installed Cost (TIC) Estimate
Process
Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs, block flow)
Heat and Material Balance (H&MB)
Mechanical/Piping
Plot Plan
Major Equipment List
Instrumentation and Electrical
Control Philosophy
Instrument List
Location Plans
Area Classification Review
Early/Optional FEL 1 Deliverables
Process Design Basis
Identification/Evaluation of Licensing Technology
Preliminary HSE Guidelines
General Quotes
Standards and Specifications
Tie-In Photos
Foundation and Structural Support Sketches
Civil/Structural Layout
Constructability Review
Standard FEL 2 Deliverables
Typically 5-10% of Eng. Cost TIC Estimate +/- 20% to 30%
Preliminary:
Overall
Scope of Work
Project Schedule (level 2)
TIC estimate
Process
Block Flow Diagram
Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID)
Process Drawing List
Utility Consumption
Mechanical/Piping
Plot Plan
Equipment Arrangement Plan
Utility Requirements
Major Line Routing Schematic
Line Test
Tie-In List
Major Equipment Calculations
Major Equipment Process Data Sheets
Major Equipment List
Initial Quotes for Major Equipment
Civil/Structural
Foundation Location Plan
Foundation/Steel Sketches
Existing Soil Analysis
Instrumentation and Electrical
Single-Line Diagrams (SLDs)
Instrument List
Major Electrical Equipment List
Control System Philosophy
Plans
Motor List
Issued for Design (IFD):
Process
PFD
Heat and Material Balance (H&MB)
Early/Optional FEL 2 Deliverables
3D Scan
3D Model
Hazard Analysis
Flare Load Summary
Sewer System Definition
Environmental Assessment Plan
List of Proposed Licensors
Updated Design Basis
Piping Stress Analysis
Probing Drawings
Existing Support Analysis
Safety Control System
Constructability Review
Standard FEL 3/FEED Deliverables
Typically 10-20% of Eng. Cost - TIC Estimate +/- 10% to 15%
Preliminary:
Overall
Scope of Work
Project Schedule (level 2)
TIC Estimate
Process
Pressure Safety Valve (PSV) Sizing
Civil/Structural
Structural Design and Analysis/Sketches
Building Plans and Elevation
Instrumentation and Electrical
Distributed Control System (DCS) I/O count
Spec Sheets
Issued for Design (IFD):
Process
PFDs
Block Flow Diagram
H&MB
Process Drawing List
P&ID
Hydraulic Study
Mechanical/Piping
Plot Plan
Equipment Arrangement Plan
Utility Requirements
3D Model/Piping Plans
Line List
Tie-In List
Tie-In Location Plan
Global Material List
Major Equipment List
Purchase-Ready Equipment Data Sheets
Major Equipment Process Data Sheets
Outline Drawings
Bid Tab for Major Equipment
Vendor Data Sheets
Civil/Structural
Foundation Location Plan
Foundation Sketches
Steel/Concrete Estimation
Instrumentation/Electrical
SLDs
Instrument Index
Major Electrical Equipment Details
Block Diagrams
Electrical Area Classification (EAC) Plans
Cause and Effect (Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP))
Motor List
Early/Optional FEL 3/FEED Deliverables
3D Laser Scan
3D Model
Hazard Analysis
Flare Load Summary
Sewer System Definition
Operating Guidelines
HAZOP Report
Updated Design Basis
PSV Distribution Study
Equipment Insulation Requirements
Equipment Specification Sheets
Demolition Drawings
Piping Insulation Schedule
Fire Water System Design
Process Sewer System
Pipe Support Details
Pipe Stress Analysis
New Soil Study
Contaminant Calculations
Safety Control System
Identify Substation, Transformer, or Feeder Needs
Constructability Review
H+M Industrial EPC: Delivering Leading Front-End Planning Services
Whether your capital project requires a formal stage gate process, or
you are looking to determine the minimum information requirements for
an EPC proposal, H+M Industrial EPC’s strategic, client-oriented front-
end planning services support you in making the best investment
decision possible. Our in-house tools, resources, capabilities, and
experience planning capital projects help guide you to the best project
decisions.
