August 26, 2002—The US Department of Defense (DoD) has selected the International Building Code (IBC) as a primary reference in its Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC). Following a multi-year review, the new guidance document, UFC 1-200-01, Design: General Building Requirements, incorporates private sector standards, including the 2000 IBC, into a single model building code for design and construction of all military projects.
DoD’s policy is to select the best model code provisions and industry standards available for military use by all DoD components. The UFC 1-200-01 continues that policy and incorporates the 2000 IBC, with modifications and limitations. The 2000 IBC is part of a comprehensive, coordinated set of codes produced by the International Code Council (ICC) and has been widely adopted by states and municipalities across the country. The IBC represents minimum standards that must be met by the private sector construction industry to safeguard public health and safety.
The DoD said that with a single model code available now, the Department can use the best lessons learned from the private sector and ensure consistent design Department-wide. Federal law requires federal use of private sector consensus standards when practical, particularly when there is potential to simplify contracting and to improve timeliness and cost effectiveness.
The International Code Council (ICC) says it is proud that its codes now serve the government as well as the private sector. The ICC’s goal is to produce one set of codes to protect public safety throughout America. The Council says that the military usage of ICC codes puts the nation one step closer to accomplishing that goal.
According to the ICC, using private industry standards for DoD projects promotes communication in the marketplace, improves competition, and results in cost savings. The military often requires higher standards to achieve more stringent life-cycle performance, and constructs facilities that do not exist in the private sector. Modifications to the model code provisions are based on unique military requirements. States and municipalities also may add provisions to the codes to meet local needs.
For more information about the IBC and other ICC codes, visit the ICC.
