242-01M - Draft June 10th 2009.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Research, Education, and Economics

ARS ‘ CSREES ‘ ERS ‘ NASS

Manual

Title: ARS Facilities Design Standards

Number: 242.1-ARS

Date: June 10, 2009

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.

DRAFT

Manual 242.1 ARS Facilities Design Standards Table of Contents

Chapter/Section Page

1. ..................................................................................................................... BASIC REQUIREMENTS

1.1 GENERAL

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

1.4 PHYSICAL SECURITY DESIGN

1.4.1 General

1.4.2 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

1.5.4 Exception/Waiver Process

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

1.8 DESIGN DOCUMENTATION

1.8.1 General

1.8.2 Drawings

1.8.3 Specifications

1.8.4 Design Narratives and Calculations

1.8.5 Cost Estimates

Appendix 1A: List of Abbreviations Appendix 1-B: The Five Guiding Principles of High Performance Sustainable

Buildings

Chapter/Section Page

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

Chapter/Section Page

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 Acoustics

3.4.3 Incorporation of Biobased Products

3.5 BUILDING ELEMENTS

3.5.1 Exterior

3.5.2 Interior

3.6 BUILDING SUPPORT SPACES

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

4.2.3 New Construction

4.2.4 Existing Construction Modernization

4.2.5 Historic Buildings

4.2.6 Good Engineering Practice Guidelines

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 EQUIPMENT SUPPORTS

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 Submission Requirements 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 Design Submission Requirements Appendix 5B: Mechanical Design Coordination Checklist

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

6.2 ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SECURITY DESIGN

6.2.1 General

6.2.2 Electrical Security Design Considerations

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 Source

6.3.5 Uninterruptible (No-Break) Power

6.3.6 Installation of Distribution System

6.3.7 Grounding of Distribution Systems

6.4 SERVICES

6.4.1 Service Selection

6.4.2 Short-Circuit 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

6.5.4 Equipment Removal

6.5.5 Lighting

6.5.6 Ventilation

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 Secondary Substations

6.6.6 Batteries

6.6.7 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 POWER

6.10.1 General

6.10.2 Applications

6.10.3 Emergency Power Sources

6.10.4 Loads

6.10.5 Uninterruptible Power Requirements

6.10.6 Generators

6.10.7 Total Energy Systems

6.11 ILLUMINATION

6.11.1 Scope

6.11.2 Lighting Systems

6.11.3 Luminaires

6.11.4 Maintenance

6.11.5 Grounding

6.11.6 Switches

6.11.7 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: General

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

7.2.2 Laboratory Ventilation

7.2.3 Fume Hood Requirements

7.2.4 Fume Hood 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 Asbestos

7.2.16 Fire, Smoke and Heat Safety

7.2.17 Animal Facilities

8. ..................................................... ELEVATORS (VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS)

8.1 GENERAL

8.1.1 Scope

8.1.2 Codes and Standards

8.1.3 Coordination

8.2 EQUIPMENT

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

8.2.8 Wheelchair Lifts

8.2.9 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

Chapter/Section Page

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

Manual 242.1 - ARS Facilities Design Standards Pg 1 of 270

1. BASIC REQUIREMENTS

1.1 GENERAL

1.1.1 Purpose of the Manual

This Manual establishes Agency policies, design standards and technical criteria 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 between scientists.

3) Access for the Disabled

. Buildings shall meet the needs of individuals with physical disabilities. Design shall conform to the requirements as outlined in Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) or the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) whichever is more stringent.

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 healthy working conditions for the occupants and proper climatic conditions for the work being performed. Provision of flexibility and

Pg 2 of 270 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.

Within budgetary and site limitations, designs shall include generous development of well-landscaped, inviting, people-oriented space.

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.

B.

Safety, Health and Security

1) ARS buildings shall provide an environment that is safe and healthful for occupants, and 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 risk 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

Pg 3 of 270 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 PCB, lead or asbestos free shall be used in ARS buildings. 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 - asbestos or lead etc. If lead or asbestos containing materials are present, the 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.

3) Efficient Utilization

. The ratio of net usable 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. To the extent possible, consistent with requirements to use biobased, recycled and

Pg 4 of 270 sustainable products, standard commercially available products shall be used.

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 so as to foster full and open competition among bidders, suppliers, and contractors.

8) Project Administration

. Projects shall be planned and scheduled to ensure effective and efficient design.

D. Conservation and Resources

Energy 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.

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

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

Pg 5 of 270

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. Uniform Building Code (UBC)

, maintained by the International Conference of Building Officials. (http://www.icbo.org/ )

B. National Building Code (BOCA)

, maintained by the Building Officials and Code Administrators. (http://www.bocai.org/ )

C. Standard Building Code (SBC)

, maintained by the Southern Building Code Congress International. (http://www.sbcci.org/ )

D. International Building Code (IBC)

, maintained by the International Code Counsel. (http://www.intlcode.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 not limited to, electrical codes, fire and life safety codes, and plumbing codes. ARS has established the following policy:

A. General

. For all projects, the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) National Fire Codes shall apply in lieu of other code references.

B. Plumbing Requirements

. For all projects, the plumbing requirements of the National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) shall apply in lieu of other code references.

C. 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)

Pg 6 of 270

4) Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

5) Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) Standards

1.2.4 Compliance with State and Local Codes

. The policy of ARS is to comply with local building codes to the greatest extent possible In addition to using the applicable 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, and historic preservation, esthetic qualities of a building, and other similar laws of a state or political subdivision of a state which would apply to the building if it were not a building constructed or altered by the Federal Government.

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.

2) Once the local requirements are identified, the A-E can proceed with the design and develop the documents necessary for a building department plan review as a prerequisite to obtaining a building permit.

3) Upon request, the A-E shall submit design plans for a building department plan review, in close coordination with the project submittal schedule.

4) Local officials may make recommendations concerning measures which should be taken in the construction or alteration of ARS buildings.

The A-E shall then give consideration to any such recommendations, but ARS has the final authority to accept or reject any of the

Pg 7 of 270 recommendations.

1.2.5 Code Review and Analysis

Code criteria shall be reviewed by each discipline to assure that tasks accomplished during the design of the project meet 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, 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 code/criteria analysis that documents an investigation of various codes and ARS criteria that will govern the design of a specific project. This analysis 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/equivalent 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.

Pg 8 of 270

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, 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's at 7 CFR 1b, and ARS' 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, quantify, and consider 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. Procedures for conducting environmental reviews of research programs/projects are described in the ARS CRIS Documentation Manual while 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 insure 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 an AD 700.

One of the following types of decisions must be made for each construction project:

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

B. EA required - Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI); and

C. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required.

Pg 9 of 270

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 is not exempt from EA or EIS requirements, 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.)

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 an 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, Pg 10 of 270

Federal, State, and 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 these 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 Record of Decision (ROD) is published for public review.

1.3.3 List of NEPA Issues for Potential 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?

Pg 11 of 270

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?

Pg 12 of 270

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?

1.4 PHYSICAL SECURITY DESIGN

1.4.1 General

U . 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 “Interagency Security Committee (ISC) Security Design Criteria for New Federal Office Buildings and Major modernization Projects.”

Pg 13 of 270

1.4.2 Risk Guidelines

A. 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 the severity level of the risk to the building as defined in the ISC Security Design Criteria 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 every countermeasure.

B. Assessment Designation

. The ISC Security Criteria use designations ranging from Low to Higher for two purposes. The first is to indicate the severity of the risk to a facility; the second is to designate the appropriate protection level, which means the degree to which the building should offer protection against specific tactics.

C. Risk Factors

. For the purposes of the criteria, risk levels are rated Low, Medium/Low, Medium, or Higher. The risk levels are communicated by tactic severity. For example, the vehicle bomb tactic is categorized according to the varying charge weights of the explosives. The lowest weight dealt within this document is considered a Low risk; the heaviest weight is a Higher risk.

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. The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, for instance, was the primary symbol of the U.S.

Government in Oklahoma City

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

Pg 14 of 270 may include bombs, forced entry, chemical and biological attacks, criminal acts, etc.

D. Protection levels

. As used in the ISC Security Criteria document, protection levels Low, Medium/Low, Medium, and Higher refer to how the building is to perform during an emergency, and the degree to which the building and its constituent elements should offer protection against specific tactics.

The designation of protection levels, as well as the actual planning, design, and construction of a project should be closely guided by emergency operations objectives to ensure that the resulting Occupant Emergency Plans (OEPs) are reliable, efficient, and cost effective. For example, if an OEP calls for evacuation down a stairwell, the plan for the building should consider where the stairs will discharge, the need for pressurization, and the need for a source of electrical power that will function in that area if a design-basis event occurs. If a project-specific OEP does not exist, use either a generic OEP or an OEP from a similar project.

An entire building should not simply be assigned a single protection level. A facility with a low protection requirement for bomb blast may require a higher protection level for crime; a building's structure may require a higher protection level than its mechanical system; a building requiring low structural protection may need a higher protection level CCTV system.

E. Risk Assessment Methodology

. A security risk assessment for each new or major alteration is essential, first because it channels limited budgets to best minimize risk, and second because it optimizes the performance of a building during a criminal or terrorist event.

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.

Pg 15 of 270

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 in a manner and on schedule consistent with Section 5164 of Public Law 100-418, Public Law 104-289, Executive Order 12770 of July 25, 1991, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture regulation 1020-38 of May 25, 1992.

A. All ARS new building construction shall be designed and built in metric. All measurements in drawings, plans, specifications, and cost estimates shall be stated exclusively in metric. Commercial and industrial products made to hard metric sizes, dimensions, or characteristics shall be specified, purchased and used to the extent possible. Refer to “GSA Metric Design Guide” for general listing and information on hard metric product availability.

B. 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.

C. 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, 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”

Pg 16 of 270

(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.

1.5.4 Exception/Waiver Process

A. Exception Guidance

. Federal law and implementing guidance and regulations allow for exceptions to metric usage within certain constraints. ARS has identified the following conditions or circumstances for accepting metric use in construction projects.

1) Metric use will cause an inability of the agency to fulfill its responsibilities under the laws of the Federal government and the United States.

2) Metric use is impractical or will likely cause significant inefficiencies to or loss of markets to U.S. firms such as when a U.S. industry sector is predominantly non metric and cannot easily supply a product to metric specifications, which could give an unintended competitive advantage to foreign-owned firms.

3) Metric use would substantially reduce competition for federal contracts.

B. Request for Waiver from Metric Design

. Within the above guidelines, when use of metric units is deemed impractical for a specific construction project not generally exempted, a waiver or partial waivers to metric requirements maybe submitted and approved by the Chief, Facilities Engineering Branch (FEB), Facilities Division (FD). Waiver requests shall be submitted to Chief FEB, by the contractor through the EPM (for FD projects) or AOE (for Area projects).

Waiver requests will not be considered without the submission of documentation demonstrating the economic or technical infeasibility of a metrication. The evaluation criteria for waiver requests will include such factors as initial life-cycle costs or loss of markets to U.S. firms, and unavailability of industry-accepted metric standards.

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. The Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) is a document that sets uniform standards for design, construction, &

Pg 17 of 270 alteration of Federal buildings so that they are accessible/usable by disabled individuals.

1.6.2 The Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 (P. L. 101- 336). 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 to places of public accommodation and commercial facilities by individuals with disabilities.

1.6.3 Accessibility Policy

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 UFAS or ADAAG, whichever is more stringent.

1.7 ENERGY DESIGN

1.7.1 National Energy Conservation Policy Act

The National Energy Conservation Policy Act (Public Law 95-61 9), as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (PL 109-58), and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and including all applicable Executive Orders, set out and reinforce long-standing requirements for energy conservation in Federal buildings and facilities. The ARS Policies and Procedures (P&P)134.2 , ARS Energy Water and Sustainability Policy, was established in response to these mandates and is based on a policy that fosters cost effective energy and water management practices to ensure the efficient use of energy, while maximizing the ability of the Agency to accomplish its mission and maintaining the health and safety of ARS employees and visitors. Details of this plan are available at http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppweb.

1.7.2 Energy Design for New and Renovation Projects

A. New Construction and Major Renovation Projects

. All new construction projects including major renovation projects (where an entire facility is to be renovated), shall be designed in accordance with the energy design standard of 10 CFR, Part 433, Energy Efficiency Standards for the Design and Construction of New Federal Commercial and Multi-Family High Rise Residential Buildings, and 10 CFR, Part 434 – Energy Code for New Federal Commercial and Multi- Family High Rise Residential Buildings.

Pg 18 of 270

ARS has adopted the latest edition of ASHRAE Standard 90.1, Energy Efficient Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, published by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) for energy conservation. New buildings must be designed to meet the energy requirements described in ARS 242.1, Chapter 5.

B. Minor Renovation/Alteration Projects

. For minor renovation/alteration work, the following standards shall apply.

1) ASHRAE Standard 100.2006 - Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings.

1.7.3 Special Design Consideration: High Performance and

Sustainable Buildings

Executive Order 13423 requires the design of high performance and sustainable federal buildings The A-E’s design therefore shall provide for the protection of the environment through energy and water efficiency, recycling, pollution prevention, and affirmative procurement. On January 23, 2006 USDA signed The Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The MOU can be found on the WBDG website at http://www.wbdg.org/sustainableEO/mou.php. All designs shall incorporate the five guiding principles of the MOU:

1. Use integrated design and commissioning

2. Optimize energy efficiency using measurement and verification

3. Protect and conserve water

4. Enhance indoor environmental quality

5. Reduce the environmental impact of materials in Federal buildings.

See Appendix 1-0B for more information on the Five Guiding Principles

A. Pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13423 - Strengthening Federal

Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management, ARS is committed to conducting their environmental, transportation, and energy-related activities under the law in support of their mission in an environmentally, economically and fiscally sound, integrated, continuously improving, efficient, and sustainable manner.

B. Executive Order (EO) 13423 - Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management, requires the use of biobased products in Federal buildings. ARS is committed to incorporating biobased products into Federal facilities. A biobased product is a commercial or industrial product (other than from food or feed) that utilizes biological products or renewable domestic agricultural (plant, animal, or marine) or forestry materials. Biobased http://www.wbdg.org/sustainableEO/mou.php�

Pg 19 of 270 products are to have procurement preference if they are comparable in price, performance, and availability to non-biobased products. If there is a choice between a recycled product and an equivalent recycled product, the recycled product should be used. Refer to the USDA BioPreferred website at http://www.biobased.oce.usda.gov/fb4p/ for information on biobased products designated as preferred. For recycled products see 3.4.1. For biobased products also see 3.4.3.

1.7.4 Renewable Energy.

The A-E shall consider incorporating renewable energy technology in all designs where life cycle cost effective.