DesignIntentNarrative.docx

March 29, 2018

Project Narrative Modernization of the NLAE Ames, Iowa

This requirement is for design and construction of the Modernization Improvements to the ARS National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (NLAE), located on the Iowa State University (ISU) campus in Ames, Iowa.

The prospective Design Build (DB) contractor shall perform all professional services necessary to plan, develop, and furnish construction drawings and specifications in accordance with 50% Bridging Documents (BDs) provided by the government, provisions, terms and conditions for the Modernization of the NLAE. The DB Contractor shall also furnish all labor, tools, materials, equipment, supplies, transportation, and supervision for complete construction of the NLAE Modernization project in accordance with the Bridging Documents (BDs) and the accepted design submittals (by DB Contractor).

The proposed construction at NLAE will be performed on an active research facility. NLAE must remain operational throughout construction. A phasing plan to accommodate existing NLAE operations is included in the BDs.

Background The project building was originally completed in 1989 as the ARS Soil Tilth Laboratory and has since been renamed the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (NLAE). No major renovation or upgrades have been completed on the building since it was constructed. The building has ~91,000 GSF of laboratory & support spaces on 3 floors and a basement. The original construction anticipated greater reliance on formal chemistry laboratory functions than current needs and the number wet laboratories with fume hoods are being reduced.

Scope of Modernization Improvements The scope of the Modernization includes a selective renovation generally described as follows:

Base Proposal:

HVAC Improvements: Convert the building HVAC controls from pneumatic to DDC, replace VAV and TAB boxes, replace thermostats, demolish and replace fume hood exhaust fans, manifold fume hood exhausts, reroute the building exhaust ventilation discharge from the penthouse, upgrade the Air Handling Units, and recommission the building HVAC systems. The HVAC controls will be expanded on the existing NLAE/ISU JCI Metasys/Extended Architecture platform and conform to the ISU construction standards. The building will be commissioned with night set-back and ventilation rates will be reduced to 8/4 changes per hour (Occupied/Unoccupied).

Laboratory Improvements: Demolish and replace existing wood laboratory casework, relocate existing shelving units, demolish fume hoods, and install new fume hoods, flooring, ceilings, emergency showers and eyewashes, and install oxygen depletion alarms in two laboratory rooms.

Building Entrance: Expand and upgrade the building entrance lobby to comply with current Federal building security requirements and include a secure waiting space and reception/guard sign-in counter.

ADA Improvements: Update parking lot striping for 2 ADA parking stalls, complete ADA updates to the fire alarm system, replace existing stair railings, update interior signage, remodel existing restrooms and construct 2 new ADA-compliant restrooms, and install operators on laboratory/workroom doors.

Plumbing System Improvements: Complete demolition and replacement of valves, corroded fittings, etc., for existing piping systems including domestic water distribution, HVAC reheat piping, heat recovery piping and pumps, and some sprinkler piping. Replace steam-fed water heaters, condensate pumps, water softener system, and install back-flow preventers. Automate the switchover of the growth chamber and rhizotron cooling systems from campus chilled water to back-up cooling water.

Option #1: Lab Casework Replacement Scope includes replacement of existing wood casework and laboratory countertops in 3 additional laboratory/workrooms. This work will comply with the specifications and requirements for laboratory improvements in the Base Proposal and is addition to the Base Proposal.

Option #2: Replace Computer Room CRAC Unit Scope includes replacement of the existing DX cooling system serving the Computer Rooms.

Option #3: Replace Laboratory Air Compressors The building is piped for a central/house compressed air system serving the laboratories supplied by redundant air compressors located in the basement mechanical room. Scope includes replacement of the air compressors and air dryer.

Option #4: Replace Laboratory Vacuum Compressors The building is piped for a central/house vacuum system serving the laboratories supplied by redundant vacuum compressors located in the basement mechanical room. Scope includes replacement of the existing vacuum compressors.

Option #5: Replace Growth Chambers and upgrade controls of existing Growth Chambers Scope includes replacing 2 existing Growth Chambers with new Conviron units, upgrading the controls on 8 existing Conviron Growth Chambers, and integrating all the growth chamber controls into the existing Conviron Argus control/management system.