A04_Air_Handler_Replacement_Project.docx

STATEMENT OF NEED

AIR HANDLER REPLACEMENT PROJECT

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

a. Introduction: The Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC), 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI requires replacement of an existing multizone unit (identified as FS-6), including demolition and removal of the existing air handling unit, furnishing and installation of new air handling system, reinstallation of existing controls, and testing and balancing of associated air and hydronic systems.

b. Background: The National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) was established in 1975 to serve the nation and its natural resources by providing sound science and technical support regarding wildlife disease, and to disseminate information to promote science-based decisions affecting wildlife and ecosystem health. In 1996, the NWHC, along with other Department of Interior research functions, was transferred to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), where it remains one of many entities that provides the independent science that forms the basis for sound management of the Nation’s natural resources. The USGS NWHC personnel study emerging and resurging diseases, wildlife and ecosystem health, zoonotic diseases, and environmental health and degradation. The center is located on 24 acres and maintains offices and high security disease laboratories in the Main Building (MB) and the Tight Isolation Building (TIB) (Fig. 1). This request is for construction services to replace an air handling unit (FS-6) in the Main Building serving the lower-level spaces.

c. Justification of Need: Due to the importance of occupant safety and reliability in the facility ventilation systems in the areas served by this unit, it is imperative that this work be performed.