Have an idea for a new capital project? Are you ready to begin? Do you need an estimate?
You have reached the right place to start working with Capital Strategies. Even if you don't have your project idea all figured out - we are here to help.
Welcome to Unifier, our online system for capital projects.
All UC Berkeley departments should log in to Unifier to begin new projects of any size and budget, to request estimates, or begin a study.
Accessing Unifier:
- Your CalNet ID is your username and password.
- But first, you must request access to the Unifier system to log in.
- Contact Michael Daplas at unifiersupport@berkeley.edu to request Unifier access. Please be prepared to provide your: 1) CalNet username, 2) UCPath ID number, and 3) Home department code.
Unifier Support:
- For technical support, email Capital Strategies at unifiersupport@berkeley.edu.
- For questions about the information requested in Unifier to submit a new project or request an estimate, please email Todd Henry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Unifier:
I'm a new user. How do I get access to Unifier?
Your CalNet ID is your username and password. But first, you must request access to the Unifier system to log in. Contact Michael Daplas at unifiersupport@berkeley.edu to request Unifier access.
In your email requesting access, please be prepared to provide your:
- CalNet username
- UCPath ID number
- Home department code
Where do I log-in to Unifier?
Click the blue box at the top of this page to log-in to the Unifier system. You must request Unifier system access before you can log-in using your CalNet ID. Contact Michael Daplas at unifiersupport@berkeley.edu to request Unifier access.
I'd like to request a study or long-term planning. Do I submit a request through Unifier?
Yes. Use Unifier to initiate studies and long-term planning, in addition to estimates and new projects of any size and amount.
I would like my project to be completed during the summer or winter break. When should I submit my new project request into Unifier?
Capital Strategies receives a large volume of requests for new projects to be completed during summer and winter breaks. While we do our best, due to the large volume, not all can be accommodated.
Additionally, due to regulatory requirements that drive the timing of projects, new project requests need to be submitted well in advance of summer or winter breaks. If you would like to request a project to be completed during these times, please submit your new project request according to the following schedule:
- Very small construction projects (budget of $50,000 - $500,000):
Due to regulatory requirements, very small projects such as an office refresh (new flooring, paint, ceiling, lighting) typically take at least eight months to complete. Accordingly, if you would like to request a very small project be completed during winter or summer break, please submit a new project request at least eight months in advance. This corresponds to:
Summer break projects (May - July): Submit before October 1, at minimum.
Winter break projects (December - January): Submit before May 1, at minimum.
- Small construction projects (budget of $1 million - $3 million):
Due to regulatory requirements, small projects such as office space reconfiguration take at least twelve months to complete. Accordingly, if you would like to request a small project be completed during winter or summer break, please submit a new project request at least twelve months in advance. This corresponds to:
Summer break projects (May - July): Submit before May 1 of the previous year, at minimum.
Winter break projects (December - January): Submit before December 1 of the previous year, at minimum.
What is a gateway estimate?
A gateway estimate is a general cost evaluation for a project concept that has a preliminary scope of work. The estimate is prepared without the benefit of drawings or detailed investigation. A gateway estimate is not a firm or final budget. Rather, it can help your department or division determine if it has the necessary funds to proceed with a project.
There is a fee for gateway estimates. Please see the approved recharge rates for Capital Strategies for the current fiscal year, which are posted by the Office of Financial Planning and Analysis.
Please note: If your project is complex and exceeds the fee for a standard gateway estimate, Capital Strategies will inform you of the additional cost and guide you on the next steps after you've submitted your request.
Can I use Unifier to make changes or ask questions about my space allocation?
No. Please contact the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic and Space Planning. Capital Strategies does not oversee space allocations or assignments.
Do I use Unifier to lease rental space in campus-owned or privately-owned buildings?
No. Please see our Real Estate section for details on how to request leases for rental space in campus-owned and privately-owned buildings.
What project information/details will I need to submit a request in Unifier?
Be prepared with the following:
- Each project has an owner (usually the unit/department initiating the project)
- Each project needs a sponsor (dean or vice chancellor responsible for your unit/department)
- Programmatic justification
- Project description
- Project type
- Location
- Cost estimate
- Funding strategy
- Requested schedule
Important notes:
- Support from the project sponsor is required for a project to be reviewed by campus senior leadership.
- For proposal questions in advance of receiving your sponsor's approval, please contact Todd Henry.
What are Capital Strategies' recharge rates?
Recharge rates for every UC Berkeley campus department are posted in one, central location by the Office of Financial Planning and Analysis. Recharge rates are updated annually.
What happened to the PIR and PRR forms? Do I still need to submit a PIR or PRR form?
Capital Strategies launched a new system called Unifier in November 2020 for campus units and departments to initiate new projects of any size and amount, as well as to request estimates and studies. Unifier has replaced and eliminated the old PIR and PRR forms.
Once I submitted my request for a new project or estimate through Unifier, what will happen next?
Capital Strategies staff will review your information within five working days. The proposal will either move forward and a project manager will be assigned for implementation, or be sent for review by campus leadership. If your proposal cannot move forward at this time (for example, because it is inconsistent with UC policy or State of California law), Capital Strategies staff will be in touch to discuss your proposal further.