ARS_Facilities_Design_Standards.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Research, Education, and Economics

ARS � ERS � NASS � NIFA

Manual

Title: ARS Facilities Design Standards

Number: ARS-242.1

Date: May 1st 2012

Originating Office: Facilities Division, Facilities Engineering Branch AFM/ARS

This Replaces: Manual and P&P 242.1 dated 7/24/2002

Distribution: ARS Offices in Headquarters, Areas, and Locations

This Manual provides design policies and criteria to guide the design of ARS construction projects.

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Manual 242.1

ARS Facilities Design Standards Table of Contents

Chapter/Section Page

Manual 242.1 - ARS Facilities Design Standards

1. BASIC REQUIREMENTS

1.1 BASIC GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1.1 Purpose of the Manual

1.1.2 Design Principles/Objectives

1.2 CODES AND STANDARDS

1.2.1 General

1.2.2 Compliance with National Model Codes

1.2.3 Compliance with Other National Codes

1.2.4 Compliance with State and Local Codes

1.2.5 Code Review and Analysis

1.3 COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT

1.3.1 The National Environmental Policy Act

1.3.2 NEPA Process for Construction Projects

1.3.3 List of Potential NEPA Issues for Consideration When Developing

Environmental Assessment

1.4 PHYSICAL SECURITY DESIGN

1.4.1 General

1.4.2 Security and Risk Guidelines

1.5 METRIC DESIGN

1.5.1 Metric Conversion Act

1.5.2 Metric Policy for Construction Projects

1.5.3 Design Guide for Metric Construction

1.6 ACCESSIBILITY DESIGN

1.6.1 Architectural Barriers Act

1.6.2 The Americans with Disabilities Act

1.6.3 Accessibility Policy

1.7 ENERGY DESIGN

1.7.1 National Energy Conservation Policy Act

1.7.2 Energy Design for New and Renovation Projects

1.7.3 Special Design Consideration: High Performance and Sustainable

Buildings

1.7.4 Renewable Energy

1.7.5 Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

1.7.6 Greenhouse Gases

1.7.7 Integrated Pest Management

1.7.8 Energy Conservation Strategy Report

1.8 VALUE ENGINEERING

1.8.1 Value Engineering (VE) Policy for Construction Projects

1.8.2 Value Engineering Application in Facility Construction

1.8.3 Five Phases of VE Process During Design Phase

1.9 DESIGN DOCUMENTATION

1.9.1 General

1.9.2 Drawings

1.9.3 Specifications

1.9.4 Design Narratives and Calculations

1.9.5 Cost Estimates

1.9.6 Coordination of Design Professionals

1.10 BRIDGING DOCUMENTATION

Appendix 1A: List of Abbreviations Appendix 1B: Sustainable Buildings

2. SITE PLANNING AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN

2.1 GENERAL

2.1.1 Scope

2.1.2 Objectives

2.1.3 Codes and Standards

2.1.4 Site and Landscape Design Submissions and Coordination

2.2 SITE SECURITY DESIGN

2.2.1 General

2.2.2 Site and Landscape Security Design Considerations

2.3 SITE DESIGN ELEMENTS

2.3.1 Physical Character of the Site

2.3.2 Grading and Drainage

2.3.3 Building Orientation

2.3.4 Pedestrian and Vehicular Circulation

2.4 LANDSCAPE DESIGN

2.4.1 General Principles

2.4.2 Planting in Public Spaces

2.4.3 Planting Within or Above Portions of Buildings

2.5 SITE PLANNING/LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROCESSES

2.5.1 General

2.5.2 Coordination of Design Professionals

2.5.3 Site Surveys

2.5.4 Site Analysis

Appendix 2A: Site Design Submission Requirements Appendix 2B: Site Design Coordination Checklist Appendix 2C: Site Survey Report

3. ARCHITECTURE

3.1 GENERAL

3.1.1 Scope

3.1.2 Codes and Standards

3.1.3 Architectural Design Submissions and Coordination

3.1.4 Safety and Health

3.1.5 Accessibility

3.2 ARCHITECTURAL SECURITY DESIGN

3.2.1 General

3.2.2 Architecture and Interior Design Considerations

3.2.3 Parking Security

3.3 SPACE REQUIREMENTS

3.3.1 Scope

3.3.2 Building Area Calculations

3.3.3 Building Efficiency

3.4 SPECIAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

3.4.1 Incorporation of Recycled-Content Materials

3.4.2 Incorporation of Biobased Products

3.4.3 Acoustics

3.5 BUILDING ELEMENTS

3.5.1 Exterior

3.5.2 Interior

3.6 BUILDING SUPPORT SPACES

3.6.1 Service Areas

3.6.2 Mechanical/Electrical Spaces

3.6.3 Parking Facilities

3.7 MISCELLANEOUS ARCHITECTURAL ISSUES

3.7.1 Building Accessories

3.7.2 Specifying Uncommon Products

Appendix 3A: Architectural Design Submission Requirements Appendix 3B: Architectural Design Coordination Checklist

4. STRUCTURAL AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

4.1 GENERAL

4.1.1 Scope

4.1.2 Codes and Standards

4.1.3 Structural Design Submissions and Coordination

4.2 STRUCTURAL SECURITY DESIGN

4.2.1 General

4.2.2 General Requirements

4.3 FOUNDATIONS

4.3.1 Procedures and Criteria for the Analysis and Design of Foundations for

Buildings

4.3.2 Subsurface Investigation

4.3.3 Foundation Design

4.3.4 Retaining Walls

4.4 STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

4.4.1 Stability

4.4.2 Overall Considerations

4.4.3 Comparative Cost Analysis

4.5 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

4.5.1 Design Loads

4.5.2 Vibration

4.5.3 Foundation Considerations

4.6 ARCHITECTURAL-STRUCTURAL INTERACTION

4.6.1 Drift

4.6.2 Anchoring Exterior Walls

4.6.3 Nonstructural Partitions

4.6.4 Curtain Walls

4.6.5 Floor and Ceiling Details

4.6.6 Cladding and Insulation

4.6.7 Stairwells

4.6.8 Glass and Glazing Details

4.6.9 Waterproofing

4.7 REPAIR AND ALTERATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS AND

STRUCTURES

4.7.1 Design Requirements

4.7.2 Fire Safety

4.7.3 Foundations

4.7.4 Connection to Existing Framing

4.7.5 Contract Documents

4.7.6 Wind and Seismic Designs

Appendix 4A: Structural Design Submissions Appendix 4B: Structural Design Coordination Checklist Appendix 4C: Geotechnical Investigation and Engineering Report

5. MECHANICAL

5.1 GENERAL

5.1.1 Objective

5.1.2 Codes and Standards

5.1.3 Design Submissions and Coordination

5.1.4 Energy Conservation, Life Cycle Cost Analyses, and Environmental

Preferred Products

5.1.5 Acoustical Requirements

5.1.6 Access to Machines and Equipment

5.1.7 Installation of Equipment for Proper Operation

5.2 MECHANICAL SECURITY DESIGN

5.2.1 General

5.2.2 Mechanical Engineering Security Considerations

5.2.3 Fire Protection Engineering Security Considerations

5.3 PLUMBING

5.3.1 Fixture Requirements

5.3.2 Water Coolers and Drinking Fountains

5.3.3 Floor Drains

5.3.4 Sanitary System

5.3.5 Storm Water Drains

5.3.6 Water Supply System

5.3.7 Gas Piping

5.3.8 Fire Safety

5.4 HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)

5.4.1 Design Criteria

5.4.2 Design Calculations

5.4.3 HVAC Design Coordination

5.4.4 Ventilation and Exhaust Requirements

5.4.5 Air Cleaning Systems

5.4.6 Piping Systems

5.4.7 Air Duct Systems

5.4.8 Air Distribution Devices

5.4.9 Equipment Selection

5.4.10 Automatic Temperature and Humidity Control

5.4.11 Start-up, Testing, and Balancing Equipment and Systems

5.5 UNDERGROUND HEAT AND CHILLED WATER DISTRIBUTION

SYSTEMS

5.5.1 General

Appendix 5A: Mechanical & Plumbing Design Submission Requirements Appendix 5B: Mechanical Design Coordination Checklist Appendix 5C: Energy Saving Design Appendix

6. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

6.1 GENERAL

6.1.1 Scope

6.1.2 Codes and Standards

6.1.3 Design Submissions and Coordination

6.1.4 Economic Design

6.1.5 Energy Conservation, Life Cycle Cost Analyses and Environmentally

Preferable Products

6.2 ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SECURITY DESIGN

6.2.1 General

6.2.2 Security Considerations for Electrical System Design

6.2.3 Electronic Security

6.3 PRELIMINARY DESIGN CONSIDERATION

6.3.1 Preliminary Data

6.3.2 Estimation of Loads

6.3.3 Standards for Sizing Equipment and Systems

6.3.4 Selection of Power Sources

6.3.5 Uninterruptible (No-Break) Power

6.3.6 Installation of Site Distribution System

6.3.7 Grounding of Distribution Systems

6.4 SERVICES

6.4.1 Service Selection

6.4.2 Short-circuit, Coordination and Arc-Flash Considerations

6.4.3 Service Equipment Rooms

6.4.4 Vaults for Utility Transformers

6.4.5 Service Feeders

6.4.6 Service Feeder Conduits

6.4.7 Service Disconnecting Equipment

6.4.8 Electric Utility Equipment

6.4.9 Ground Fault Protection

6.5 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ROOMS

6.5.1 Planning

6.5.2 Clearances

6.5.3 Concrete Curbs and Housekeeping Pads

6.5.4 Equipment Removal

6.5.5 Lighting

6.5.6 Climate Control

6.6 PRIMARY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

6.6.1 General Description

6.6.2 Distribution Feeders

6.6.3 Feeder Raceways

6.6.4 Primary Substations

6.6.5 Batteries

6.6.6 Unit Substations

6.7 SECONDARY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

6.7.1 General

6.7.2 Low-Voltage Switchgear Assemblies

6.7.3 Over Current Protection

6.7.4 Motor Control Centers

6.7.5 Panelboards

6.7.6 Electrical Closets

6.8 UNDERGROUND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

6.8.1 Direct Burial

6.8.2 Duct Lines

6.8.3 Manholes and Handholes

6.8.4 Underground Cables

6.8.5 Underground Transformers

6.8.6 Safety Considerations

6.9 BRANCH CIRCUIT WORK

6.9.1 Wiring and Capacities

6.9.2 Switching

6.9.3 Receptacles

6.9.4 Emergency Lighting

6.10 EMERGENCY AND STANDBY POWER

6.10.1 General

6.10.2 Applications

6.10.3 Emergency and Standby Power Sources

6.10.4 Loads

6.10.5 Uninterruptible Power Requirements

6.10.6 Generators

6.10.7 CHP Energy Systems

6.11 ILLUMINATION

6.11.1 Scope

6.11.2 Lighting Systems

6.11.3 Lighting Fixtures

6.11.4 Maintenance

6.11.5 Switches

6.11.6 Exterior Lighting

6.12 SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

6.12.1 Elevators

6.12.2 Hazardous Locations

6.12.3 Lightning Protection

6.13 TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SIGNALING SYSTEMS

6.13.1 Telephone and Data Systems

6.13.2 Fire Alarm Systems

6.13.3 Public Address Systems

Appendix 6A: Electrical Design Submission Requirements Appendix 6B: Electrical Design Coordination Checklist

7. SAFETY AND HEALTH ELEMENTS

7.1 GENERAL

7.1.1 Purpose and Objective

7.1.2 Definition of Laboratory

7.1.3 Codes and Special Requirements

7.2 ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

7.2.1 HVAC System

7.2.2 Laboratory Ventilation

7.2.3 Fume Hood Requirements

7.2.4 Fume Hood & Laboratory Unit Exhaust Requirements

7.2.5 Radioisotope Fume Hood

7.2.6 Perchloric Acid Hoods

7.2.7 Biological Safety Cabinets

7.2.8 General Purpose Hoods

7.2.9 Incinerators

7.2.10 Chemical Storage

7.2.11 Additional Exits

7.2.12 Occupancy Classification

7.2.13 Emergency Eye/Face Wash and Shower Station

7.2.14 Laboratory Furniture

7.2.15 Health Hazards

7.2.16 Fire, Smoke and Heat Safety

7.2.17 Animal Facilities

8. VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

8.1 GENERAL

8.1.1 Scope

8.1.2 Codes and Standards

8.1.3 Guidelines/Coordination

8.2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

8.2.1 Passenger Elevators

8.2.2 Freight Elevators

8.2.3 Elevator Hoistways

8.2.4 Elevator Pits

8.2.5 Elevator Machine Rooms

8.2.6 Escalators

8.2.7 Dumbwaiters

8.3 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT

8.3.1 Wheelchair Lifts

8.3.2 Exterior Power Platforms

9. BIOHAZARD CONTAINMENT DESIGN

9.1 GENERAL

9.1.1 Scope

9.1.2 Objectives

9.1.3 Basic Requirements

9.1.4 Biohazard

9.1.5 Barriers

9.1.6 Additional Reading

9.2 HAZARD CLASSIFICATION AND CHOICE OF CONTAINMENT

9.2.1 General

9.2.2 Biosafety Levels

9.3 PRIMARY BARRIERS (CONTAINMENT EQUIPMENT)

9.3.1 General

9.4 SECONDARY BARRIERS (FACILITY DESIGN FEATURES)

9.4.1 General

9.4.2 Biosafety Levels 1 and 2 (BSL-1 and BSL-2)

9.4.3 Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3)

9.4.4 Biosafety Level 3 Agriculture (BSL-3Ag)

9.4.5 Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4)

9.5 SPECIAL DESIGN ISSUES

9.5.1 General

9.5.2 Architectural Elements

9.5.3 Mechanical Elements

9.5.4 Electrical Elements

9.6 BID DOCUMENT PREPARATION

9.6.1 Scope

9.6.2 Summary of Biological Containment Design Elements

9.6.3 Location Access and Special Conditions

9.6.4 Demolition and Temporary Work

9.6.5 Utilities

9.6.6 Containment Boundaries

9.6.7 Penetration Details and Sealing Openings

9.6.8 Pressure Levels and Directional Airflow

9.6.9 Specialized or Uncommon Products

9.6.10 Testing Requirements

9.6.11 Project Close-Out Requirements

9.6.12 Commissioning

Appendix 9A: Project Team Roles and Responsibilities as They Relate to

Biological Safety Issues:

Appendix 9B: Testing and Certification Requirements for the Critical

Components of Biological Containment Systems Appendix 9C: Glossary of Terms

10. ANIMAL FACILITIES

10.1 GENERAL

10.1.1 Scope

10.1.2 ARS Policy

10.2 ANIMAL WELFARE CONSIDERATIONS

10.2.1 General

10.2.2 Housing System

10.2.3 Caging Systems

10.3 HOUSING FACILITIES - GENERAL

10.3.1 General

10.3.2 Structural Strength

10.3.3 Water and Electric Power

10.3.4 Storage

10.3.5 Waste Disposal

10.3.6 Washrooms and Sinks

10.4 HOUSING FACILITIES - INDOORS

10.4.1 Heating

10.4.2 Ventilation

10.4.3 Lighting

10.4.4 Interior Surfaces

10.4.5 Drainage

10.5 HOUSING FACILITIES - OUTDOORS

10.5.1 Shelter From Sunlight

10.5.2 Shelter From Rain or Snow

10.5.3 Shelter From Cold Weather

10.5.4 Drainage

10.6 DESIGN FEATURES

10.6.1 Physical Relationship of Animal Facilities to Laboratories

10.6.2 Functional Areas

10.6.3 Noise Control

10.6.4 Water Supply

10.6.5 Materials and Finishes

10.6.6 Floors, Walls, and Ceilings

10.6.7 Doors and Windows

10.6.8 Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning

10.6.9 Illumination

Chapter 1. Basic Requirements

1. BASIC REQUIREMENTS

1.1 BASIC GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1.1 Purpose of the Manual

This Manual establishes design standards, technical criteria, and Agency policies to be applied during the programming, design, construction, alteration, and renovation of ARS buildings and facilities.

1.1.2 Design Principles/Objectives

ARS buildings shall be designed and constructed to best meet the functional, safety, and environmental needs of the programs they house.

A. Environmental and Functional Needs

1) ARS buildings shall provide an environment in which occupants can do their work with maximum efficiency at the optimum level of comfort, taking the following factors into consideration.

2) Arrangement of Space. Space relationships within buildings shall be planned to optimize the functions being performed by the occupant.

Interaction areas shall be provided within the building to promote informal discussion among scientists and other support staff.

3) Access for the Disabled. Buildings shall meet the needs of individuals with physical disabilities. Design shall conform to the standards as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACT) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards as promulgated by the United States Access Board. Information may be obtained from the following websites:

• www.access-board.gov/ufas/

• www.ada.gov/

4) Illumination. Natural and artificial illumination shall be sufficient to meet requirements of the tasks performed by the occupants.

5) Thermal Environment. The thermal environment shall be such as to provide safe working and healthful conditions for the occupants and proper climatic conditions for the work being performed. Provision of flexibility and suitable control is necessary. Individual control shall be considered where appropriate.

6) Acoustical Environment. New buildings and alterations shall be planned and designed to minimize noise that disturbs occupants unduly or interferes with their ability to do their work. An adequate level of privacy shall be provided so that occupants can perform their tasks effectively with minimum outside disturbance. The level of privacy required will vary depending on the tasks involved.

7) Maintenance and Operation. Designs shall be based on user needs and maintenance capabilities and shall satisfy the functional requirements for efficient operation of the facility. Materials and projects shall be durable, easily maintained, and appropriate for the intended use.

8) Harmony with Environment. Special attention shall be paid to the arrangement of streets and public space of which the building is a part.

Preferably, facilities should be readily accessible to pedestrians, near existing employment centers, and accessible to public transit. Within budgetary and site limitations, designs shall include development of well landscaped, inviting, people-oriented space. Designs should incorporate Federal, state, and local watershed and environmental management initiatives.

9) Regional Character. Buildings shall reflect the architectural character of the locale. Local building ordinances and zoning practices shall generally be followed. Use of materials and products indigenous to the locale of the project shall be given preference. Federal facilities projects shall incorporate aspects that help to strengthen the viability and livability of communities in which they are located by integrating local sustainability, transportation, renewable energy, etc. planning initiatives in the design.

10) Sustainable Design. New buildings and alterations shall be designed utilizing environmentally preferable products. To the greatest extent possible, bio-based building products that are of comparable price, proven performance, and availability will be used with other products. The project design shall incorporate Best Management Practices (BMP) for water conservation. Details of these BMP are available at FEMP’s website:

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/program/waterefficiency_bmp.html

B. Safety, Health and Security

1) ARS buildings shall provide an environment that is safe for occupants, and http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/program/waterefficiency_bmp.html� that offers them maximum protection during emergencies or disasters.

2) Structural Adequacy. Design of buildings shall be adequate for the functions to be performed and the loads imposed by building equipment, occupants, and their activities. Soil and other geotechnical problems shall be carefully analyzed and resolved during the design process.

3) Protection against Disaster. Design shall provide minimum exposure to fire, earthquake, or natural disaster, and shall provide egress and refuge for all people, including the disabled, in an emergency.

4) Security. Buildings shall be designed to minimize security risks to persons, research animals, and property. Security must be an integral part of building and site planning, starting at the earliest phase and continuing throughout the process. Appropriate security design criteria shall be determined for each project, based on a facility-specific risk assessment and an analysis of all available information on security considerations, constraints, and tenant needs.

5) Accident Prevention Design. Design shall be the result of safety analyses and shall address unsafe conditions that cause injury, illness, or property damage.

6) Health Hazards. Materials and products with known or suspected properties that are hazardous to the health of occupants and installers shall be avoided. Only materials that are free of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), lead, and asbestos shall be used in ARS buildings. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) shall only be used if no other practical materials are available. If a VOC is used it must contain the lowest practicable concentration of VOCs. This includes materials such as paint, adhesives, sealers, sealants, floor tiles, etc.

7) Repair, Renovation, and Alterations. Design shall be accomplished to reduce or eliminate hazardous exposure through selection and use of materials and methods. Prior to any renovation or demolition project, the Architect-Engineer (A-E) shall identify any existing hazardous building constituents, such as asbestos or lead, etc. If lead or asbestos-containing materials are present, the design shall stipulate that the construction contractor shall be required to submit relevant management and abatement plans as part of their proposal for ARS approval prior to initiating work.

C. Economy

1) ARS buildings shall be designed at the most reasonable cost in terms of combined initial and long-term expenditures, based on best life cycle costs, without compromising other project requirements.

2) Site Adaptation. In many, if not most instances, a site has already been selected before design begins; however, design professionals shall, where possible, have a part in the selection. The design of the building shall be sited economically and efficiently. Mitigate the heat island effect and light pollution. In site selection, prioritize:

• Building orientation to maximize energy efficiency of the building

• Locations in central business districts and rural town centers

• Sites well served by transit

• Site design elements that ensure safe and convenient pedestrian access

• Consideration of proximity to housing affordable to a wide range of Federal employees

• Adaptive reuse or renovation of buildings

• Avoiding development of sensitive land resources (such as greenfields and USDA Prime Farmland as defined in 7 U.S.C. 4201)

• Evaluation of parking management strategies

3) Efficient Utilization. The ratio of net usable area to gross area shall be as high as possible, consistent with program objectives. Space allocation for occupants shall be as low as possible consistent with General Services Administration (GSA) guidelines and the intended functions.

4) Economical Materials. Materials, products, and systems of proven dependability shall be used in the design or alteration of buildings.

Materials shall be as economical as possible, in terms of combined initial and long-term cost and consistent with program objectives. Standard commercially available products shall be used to the extent possible and consistent with requirements to use biobased, recycled, and sustainable products.

5) Cost Alternatives. Alternatives shall be considered to ensure long-term, cost-effective design.

6) Maintenance, Operation, Repair, and Replacement Costs. Buildings shall be designed, and materials selected, to minimize the cost of maintenance and repair.

7) Foster Maximum Competition in Bidding. Buildings shall be designed and building materials, components, and systems incorporated into the design and specified so as to foster maximum competition among contractors and suppliers.

8) Project Administration. Projects shall be planned and scheduled to ensure effective and efficient design.

D. Conservation and Resources. Energy, natural resources, and water conservation shall be given prime consideration in the design of ARS buildings. Products, materials, and systems shall be selected with a view toward minimizing the use of nonrenewable resources. The design must emphasize the requirements for a waste management plan and recycling of non-hazardous construction materials.

Divert a minimum of 50 percent of non-hazardous construction waste and demolition debris per Executive Order (EO) 13514.

E. Historical Preservation. Special sensitivity shall be shown in altering and retrofitting ARS buildings of historical significance to preserve and highlight their architectural integrity. The improvement design shall make no major impact upon the qualities which make these structures significant in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.

1.2 CODES AND STANDARDS

1.2.1 General

Federal Law: The Public Buildings Act of 1959, as amended by the Public Buildings Amendments of 1988, 40 U.S.C. 3312 (Public Law 100-678 and formerly section 21 of the Public Buildings Act of 1959, 40 U.S.C. 619), requires that each building constructed or altered by any Federal agency shall, to the maximum extent feasible, be in compliance with one of the nationally recognized model building codes and with other applicable nationally recognized codes. Additional requirements include compliance with State and local codes and special rules regarding State and local government consultation, review, and inspections.

1.2.2 Compliance with National Model Codes

The design shall adhere to one of the following national building codes as applicable to the project site and as further qualified in Section 1.2.3 (B) of this document.

A. International Building Code (IBC), maintained by the International Code

Counsel. (www.intlcode.org)

B. NFPA 101- Life Safety Code, maintained by the National Fire Protection

Association (www.nfpa.org).

1.2.3 Compliance with Other National Codes

Each ARS building shall be constructed or altered, to the maximum extent feasible, in compliance with other applicable nationally recognized codes. These codes shall include, but are not limited to, electrical codes, fire and life safety codes, and plumbing codes. ARS has established the following policy:

A. Fire, Fire Alarm, Fire Sprinklers. For all projects, the requirements of the

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) National Fire Codes and Chapter 7 of this manual shall apply in lieu of other codes.

B. Plumbing Requirements. For all projects, the plumbing requirements of the

National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) shall apply in lieu of other codes.

C. Electrical Requirements. For all projects, the electrical requirements of the

National Electrical Code (NEC) shall apply. Refer to Chapter 6 for a list of codes.

D. Mechanical Requirements. For all projects, all national codes shall apply.

Refer to Chapter 5 for a list of codes.

E. Telecommunications Requirements. For all projects, refer to FD PGM-06-001 and the ARS Telecommunications Distribution Design Guide, found at http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/facilities/files/PGM-06-001.doc . In addition to the ARS Telecommunication Distribution Design Guide, the following Codes and Standards should be used:

1) Electronic Industry Alliance (EIA)

2) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)

3) American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

4) Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

5) Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) Standards

1.2.4 Compliance with State and Local Codes

A. General. The policy of ARS is to comply with local building codes to the greatest extent possible; however, buildings built on Federal property are exempt from State and local building codes. In addition to using the applicable http://www.nfpa.org/� http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/facilities/files/PGM-06-001.doc� national model codes as minimum standard, special requirements directly related to local practices or circumstances which do not compromise the best interest of the Government shall be incorporated into project design.

During the planning process and development of associated environmental documentation for ARS new construction or renovation projects, the A-E shall consider all requirements (other than procedural requirements) of zoning laws and laws relating to landscaping, open space, minimum distance of a building from the property line, maximum height of a building, historic preservation, aesthetic qualities of a building, and other similar laws and regulations of a state or political subdivision of a state which would apply to the project if it were not constructed or altered by the Federal Government. The project design team is to fully address such laws and requirements in their planning and design documents. Any proposed deviations from such laws and regulations are to be documented, fully justified, and approved by ARS.

Local regulations shall be followed in the design of systems that have a direct impact on off-site terrain or utility systems, such as storm water run-off, erosion control, sanitary sewers and storm drains and water, gas, electrical power, communications, emergency vehicle access, roads, and bridges. Although with respect to the number of parking spaces, the requirements stated in the building program take precedence over any local zoning ordinances.

B. State and Local Government Consultation, Review, and Recommendations. For purposes of meeting the requirements of the Public Buildings Amendments of 1988 (Public Law 100-678), local and/or state officials shall be given the opportunity to review ARS projects for compliance with local requirements.

To effectively deal with local code compliance:

1) The A-E shall consult/meet with local code officials prior to schematic design to determine local requirements for the proposed building construction or alteration project and report those requirements to ARS for further consideration. These may include, but are not limited to, the review of drawings and specifications, on-site inspections, issuing permits, compliance with local regulations for site development, zoning regulations, hazardous material handling, and compatibility with local fire fighting practices. The A-E shall also inform the State and local government officials that ARS and its contractors are not authorized to pay any amount in compensation for any action taken by the State and/or local government officials in the exercise of their duties.

2) Once the local requirements are identified, the A-E can proceed with the design and develop the documents necessary to describe the project per

ARS requirements and for a potential plan review by State and local code officials. Upon request by ARS, the A-E shall formally submit design plans for a building department plan review, and shall time the submission in close coordination with the project schedule so as not to adversely affect progress of the project.

3) If local officials choose to review the project, the A-E shall establish a concise period of time in which comments can be accepted (e.g., 30 days).

If local officials choose not to review the project, this shall be documented in the project file.

4) Local officials may submit only written recommendations concerning measures which should be taken in the construction or alteration of ARS buildings. The A-E shall review all recommendations made by State and local government officials for consistency with ARS Design Standards.

Each recommendation shall be carefully considered and presented to ARS for approval.

5) The A-E shall then report its recommendations based on adequacy, cost, and nationally accepted practice to ARS regarding any such recommendations from state and/or local government officials; however, ARS shall have the final authority to accept or reject any of the recommendations for inclusion in the project design. All of the above project reviews by State and local officials must be completed well before construction contractors’ proposals or bids are solicited for the project.

C. Site Specific Design Review Authorities, such as Zoning Boards, Historic Commissions, Design Review Boards, Public Art Commissions, etc.:

1) In general, the A-E shall follow the same procedures described above in paragraph B.

2) For projects located in and around Washington, D.C., the following institutions may have non-exclusive jurisdiction and shall be contacted for potential project review:

a. Projects within a designated Historic District shall be coordinated with the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). For information on background, submission requirements, and review meeting calendar, go to www.cfa.gov.

b. The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) may also be responsible for reviewing certain design aspects. For additional information, go to www.ncpc.gov .

http://www.cfa.gov/� http://www.ncpc.gov/�

1.2.5 Code Review and Analysis

A. General. Code criteria shall be reviewed by each discipline to assure that the design of the project meets all applicable code requirements. The A-E is responsible for obtaining copies of all applicable codes and standards from the issuing authorities.

B. Code Edition. The current edition of each applicable code (national, state, and local, including the current accumulative supplements), in effect at the time of design contract award, shall be used throughout the project’s design and construction. To ensure flexibility, it is ARS policy to make maximum use of equivalency clauses in all recognized codes.

C. Code/Criteria Analysis. The A-E shall prepare a comprehensive analysis of applicable codes/criteria/regulations that documents an investigation of the various codes described in Sections 1.2.2 thru 1.2.4, above, and ARS criteria that will govern the design of a specific project. Paragraph AParagraph-2 in the first Appendix of each of the Chapters that follow outlines the analyses that are required. These analyses should alert the Government to any conflicts in the project’s design criteria so that they can be resolved early.

D. Conflict Between Codes and ARS Requirements. All conflicts between ARS requirements and either National or State/local codes, shall be resolved by designing for the most stringent requirements.

1) Any deviations/equivalency concepts proposed for use by the A-E must be submitted to the Government for approval no later than the 35 percent design stage through the Engineering Project Manager (EPM) for Facilities Division (FD) administered projects or Area Office Engineer (AOE) for Area-administered projects.

2) The request must state the deviation/equivalency concept proposed, reasons for the request, and supporting rationale.

3) The EPM or AOE will coordinate the request with the appropriate office and provide a response to the A-E.

1.3 COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT

1.3.1 The National Environmental Policy Act

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was established January 1, 1970, to ensure Federal agencies consider the potential impacts of their actions on the environment. As required under NEPA, the USDA and ARS published regulations to supplement the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) guidelines for NEPA implementation. The CEQ regulations appear at 40 CFR 1500-1508; USDA; USDA regulations can be found at 7 CFR 1b; and ARS regulations can be found at

7 CFR 520.

These regulations provide managers and decision-makers a means to evaluate the direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental consequences of proposed actions at the earliest possible time (i.e., before irreversible commitment of resources). They also specify how to document efforts to identify, evaluate, and quantify both the positive and negative environmental effects of proposed actions.

It is ARS policy to fully comply with the NEPA law and applicable regulations.

Whenever possible, consideration should be given to avoiding or mitigating adverse environmental effects.

Within ARS, separate procedures for evaluating the environmental effects of research programs and construction projects have been established. Environmental reviews of research programs are not a design requirement and will be handled internally by ARS. Procedures for Area and Headquarters construction projects are described below. The Area Director (AD) is responsible for making and documenting all NEPA decisions. AD’s shall have signatory authority on all final NEPA documentation. The AD will establish a process to ensure that analysis and preparation of NEPA documentation is made by appropriate staff having information relevant to the final determination. The specific process should be consistent with the management structure of the Area.

1.3.2 NEPA Process for Construction Projects

The AD will categorize each construction project upon the submission of a Procurement Request in the Agency’s automated Integrated Acquisition System (IAS).). One of the following types of decisions must be made for each construction project:

A. Categorical exclusion -- Environmental Assessment (EA) is not required; or

B. Environmental Assessment (EA) is required – EA leading to a Finding of No

Significant Impact (FONSI); or

C. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required -- leading to Record of Decision (ROD).

Since each research project conducted at the facility will undergo separate NEPA consideration, only the physical impacts of the actual construction on the environment need to be addressed.

Proposed construction projects can be categorically excluded from EA or EIS requirements if the action to be taken is non-controversial and meets one of the following criteria:

1) Repair and maintenance of an existing facility, including alterations and renovations.

2) Planning, inventory, survey, data collection, and permit activities.

3) Emergency actions to protect life, property, environment; to preserve human health and safety; and to comply with legal requirements.

If the proposed action cannot be categorically excluded (for example, new construction), then, generally, an EA is prepared (i.e., the AD may decide to move directly to an EIS if the human environmental impacts of the project are significant and warrant it.) Both EAs and EISs are required to identify and analyze impacts from energy usage and alternative energy sources for proposals for new or expanded Federal facilities under the National Environmental Policy Act.

An EA is a concise public document that is prepared during the planning and design phases of a construction project. The EA includes a discussion of the need for the proposed action, alternatives to the proposed action, the environmental impacts of the proposed action and its alternatives, and a listing of agencies and persons consulted.

The EA should assess the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of the proposed project. This assessment provides the AD with the information necessary to determine whether an EIS should be prepared or if an FONSI can be made.

If the AD makes a FONSI decision, then justification explaining why the proposed action does not have a significant impact on the human environment is documented.

If the EA highlights several human or environmental impacts that are known or anticipated to be controversial, then review of the proposed action must continue to an EIS.

An EIS is a detailed document presenting an evaluation and analysis of all relevant factors where a determination is made that Agency action will significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The EIS process begins with the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register. The Agency begins the scoping process to determine the issues to be addressed in the EIS. Public participation is encouraged during the scoping process through public hearings. Once concluded, a draft EIS is prepared based on the identified issues. The public is then provided a 45-day comment period for review of the draft EIS. During this time, members of the public, Federal, State, local agencies, American Indian Tribes, and other interested parties can review and comment. In addition, a copy of the draft EIS must be submitted to the EPA for review.

After the review process, the Agency responds to all comments and incorporates them into the final document. The final EIS is published in the Federal Register for a 30-day public comment period. At the end of this time, the AD makes a decision on the proposed action. To justify and explain the course of action, a ROD is published for public review.

1.3.3 List of Potential NEPA Issues for Consideration When Developing

Environmental Assessment

Will proposed construction action:

A. Cause or contribute to soil erosion by wind or water?

B. Affect soil surface stability?

C. Degrade water quality in a sole source aquifer?

D. Decrease aquifer yield or affect water rights?

E. Affect aquatic life?

F. Cause or contribute flow variation in a stream or spring?

G. Degrade the aesthetic properties and/or potential uses of either ground or surface waters?

H. Affect chemical quality of ground or surface waters (pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, dissolved solids, pesticides, etc.)?

I. Affect physical quality of ground or surface waters (suspended solids, turbidity, color, oil, temperature, etc.)?

J. Cause odors or release odoriferous substances to air or water?

K. Release toxic substances to the air in quantities that could affect human health or safety, or environmental quality?

L. Release particulate matter to the air?

M. Change local meteorological conditions or air movement patterns?

N. Release substances for which there is a National Ambient Air Quality Standard (i.e., sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, lead, particulate matter, etc.)?

O. Affect undisturbed natural areas or a wild and scenic river?

P. Affect game animals or fish or their taking?

Q. Affect rare, threatened, or endangered species, or a critical habitat? (A consultation with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act may be required).

R. Affect species balance, especially among predators?

S. Involve special hazards, such as radioactivity or electromagnetic radiation?

T. Affect or to be located in a wetland, flood plain, or the coastal zone?

U. Affect a known or potential cultural, historical, or archaeological site, district, or area? (A consultation with the State Historical Preservation Officer is required).

V. Affect local or regional systems related to:

1) Transportation?

2) Water supply?

3) Power and heating?

4) Solid waste management?

5) Sewer or storm drainage?

W. Affect local land use through effects on:

1) Flood plains or wetlands?

2) Location land use?

3) Aesthetics?

4) Access to minerals?

X. Affect socioeconomic aspects of an area including:

1) Population?

2) Housing supply or demand?

3) Employment?

4) Commercial activities?

5) Industrial activities?

6) Cultural patterns?

7) Environmental justice?

Y. Cause or contribute to unacceptable noise level?

Z. Affect public health or safety?

AA. Cause public reaction or controversy?

AB. Cause Climate Change

AC. Have impacts from energy usage or alternative energy?

1.4 PHYSICAL SECURITY DESIGN

1.4.1 General

A. Security design shall be an integral part of the planning, design, and construction. Appropriate security design criteria and standards for each project shall be determined based on a facility-specific risk assessment and an analysis of all available information on security considerations, constraints, and tenant needs.

B. Security criteria shall focus on detecting, deterring, and delaying terrorist and criminal attacks through planning, programming, design, access control, and engineering measures. The primary goal must be to save lives and prevent injury, and secondarily to protect ARS buildings, functions, and assets.

C. Project-specific security requirements shall be developed based on the standards and risk assessment methodology outlined in Physical Security Criteria for

Federal Facilities (PSC) which establishes a baseline set of physical security measures to be applied to all Federal facilities and provides a framework for the customization of security measures to address unique risks at a facility. The PSC will apply to all buildings and facilities in the United States occupied by Federal employees for nonmilitary activities, including existing buildings, new construction or major modernizations; facilities owned, to be purchased, or leased; stand-alone facilities, Federal campuses, and, where appropriate, individual facilities on Federal campuses; and special-use facilities. Please visit http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1271098574316.shtm and www.dhs.gov/isc for further information and specific requirements.

1.4.2 Security and Risk Guidelines

A. Standards

2010/Physical Security Criteria for Federal Facilities - For Official Use Only (FOUO): Establishes a baseline set of physical security measures to be applied to all Federal facilities and provides a framework for the customization of security measures to address unique risks at a facility. These baseline measures provide comprehensive solutions in all five areas of physical security, including site, structural, facility entrance, interior, security systems, and security operations and administration.

2010/Design-Basis Threat Report -- FOUO: Creates a profile of the type, composition, and capabilities of adversaries. It is designed to correlate with the countermeasures contained in the Physical Security Criteria for Federal Facilities and to be easily updated as needed.

2009/Use of Physical Security Performance Measures: New Interagency Security Committees (ISC) policy requires all Federal agencies to assess and document the effectiveness of their physical security programs through performance measurement and testing. This standard provides guidance on how to establish and implement a comprehensive measurement and testing program.

2008/Facility Security Levels Determinations -- FOUO: Defines the criteria and process to be used in determining the facility security level of a Federal facility, a categorization that then serves as the basis for implementing ISC standards.

B. Project-Specific Requirements. The building’s specific security requirements shall be based on a risk assessment done at the earliest stages of programming.

The risk assessment shall consider, at a minimum, the risk factors, tactics, and http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1271098574316.shtm� http://www.dhs.gov/isc� http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/isc_physical_security_performance_measures.pdf� the severity level of the risk to the building as defined in the Physical Security Criteria for Federal Facilities document.

Once the risk has been defined and quantified, funding, costs, site requirements, and other considerations or restrictions shall be factored in to develop building specific design requirements. If the desired mitigation of identified risks is not attainable, some portion of the risk may have to be accepted. One of the objectives of a risk assessment system is to achieve a responsible and prudent balance between risk and mitigation measures, considering available agency resources to implement these countermeasures.

C. A building-specific risk assessment shall consider the following factors, at a minimum.

1) Symbolic Importance: Some facilities are highly visible symbols of this country, either nationally, regionally, or locally.

2) Criticality: This measures the degree to which a building houses operations and functions critical to national or regional interests of the United States.

3) Consequence: This measures a successful attack's impact on a building's occupants, assets, and functions, as well as on the larger community

4) Threats: These are classified as either criminal or terrorist threats. Tactics may include bombs, forced entry, chemical and biological attacks, criminal acts, etc.

D. Risk Assessment Methodology. 2009/Use of Physical Security Performance

Measures: New ISC policy requires all Federal agencies to assess and document the effectiveness of their physical security programs through performance measurement and testing. This standard provides guidance on how to establish and implement a comprehensive measurement and testing program.

The risk assessment is a major element in determining which security criteria apply to a facility. Since many building features, including structure and mechanical and electrical systems, are difficult and costly to change, risk must be carefully and thoughtfully evaluated in all its complexity. Risk assessors should have intelligence on past, current, and future threats. Projections must be made over the life of the facility - as difficult as that may be to do - because of the inflexibility of most building systems, some of which may be designed to last 30-100 years.

Risk assessors also need to consider the separate characteristics as well as the interrelatedness of building systems. Each element and system, e.g., architectural, mechanical, electrical, structural, etc., should receive its own protection level rating. Throughout the security design process, professionals from many disciplines need to consider how threats and mitigating measures applied to one element affect the rest of the facility.

1.5 METRIC DESIGN

1.5.1 Metric Conversion Act

The Metric Conversion Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-168), as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-418, Section 5164),), and the Savings in Construction Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-289), including Executive Order 12770, Metric Usage in Federal Government Programs, requires Federal procurement, grant, and other business-related activities to be “metric” by September 1992, to the extent feasible.

1.5.2 Metric Policy for Construction Projects

ARS Policies and Procedures (P&P) 242.6 provides policy and guidance for implementing the metric system of measurements in procurement, grants, and construction program activities of the Agency. In construction, the policy of ARS is to implement the metric system, to the extent economically feasible, in a manner and on schedule consistent with Section 5164 of Public Law 100-418, Public Law 104- 289, and Executive Order 12770 of July 25, 1991. The project team will evaluate and document the use of metric design and its economic feasibility regarding project construction cost, contractor’s capabilities, material availability, and location of construction.

A. All designs for repair and maintenance, renovation, and alteration work shall be done with the measurement system in which the existing facility, system, or equipment is originally designed.

B. When specifying structures or systems of “concrete masonry” or “recessed lighting fixtures” for ARS metric construction projects, hard metric versions of these products may be specified only when: the product’s application requires it to coordinate dimensionally into the 100-millimeter building module; market research demonstrates the product’s availability and is sufficient to ensure competitive process; and the product’s total installed cost is reasonable.

1.5.3 Design Guide for Metric Construction

The A-E shall use the current edition of the “Metric Guide for Federal Construction” (published by the National Institute of Building Sciences) and the “GSA Metric Design Guide” (published by the Public Building Services of the General Services Administration) as guidance in the design of ARS metric construction projects.

1.6 ACCESSIBILITY DESIGN

1.6.1 Architectural Barriers Act

The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA) (Public Law 90-480), as amended, requires that Federal and Federally-funded facilities built or altered after 1968 be accessible to persons with disabilities.

1.6.2 The Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) P.L. 101-336 was signed into law in 1990. The ADA is an anti-discrimination statute that guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public transportation, accommodations, State and local government services and telecommunications. The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) is a document that sets guidelines for accessibility in places of public accommodation and commercial facilities by individuals with disabilities.

1.6.3 Accessibility Policy

The United States Access Board is the Federal agency responsible for establishing accessibility standards for the design, construction, & alteration of Federal buildings so that they are accessible and usable by disabled individuals. The document that sets applicable standards for accessible Federal facilities is the ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards manual as promulgated by the Board. Further information may be obtained from the following websites:

• www.access-board.gov/ufas/

• www.ada.gov/

ARS is committed to providing accessible work places and environments as mandated by Public Laws. The design of ARS projects shall conform to the requirements of the United States Access Board.

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1.7 ENERGY DESIGN

1.7.1 National Energy Conservation Policy Act

The…