def METHOD_NAME(self, units=None, t=None):
    """
    get the value (either of the constant or from the parameter) for this var
    needs to be backend safe (not passing or storing bundle)
    """
    if self.is_param:
        # TODO: CAREFUL, this may cause infinite loops if we try to run constraints through get_value
        return self._bundle.METHOD_NAME(uniqueid=self.unique_label, units=units, t=t, check_visible=False, check_default=False)
    else:
        # TODO: constants and methods
        raise NotImplementedError