Attachment 3 - ARS Design Standards (242.1M-ARS).pdf

BY United States Department of Agriculture Research, Education, and Economics

ARS □ ERS □ NASS □ NIFA

Policies and Procedures

Title: ARS Facilities Design Standards

Number and Date: P&P 242.1M-ARS Issue Date: (02/28/2022)

Originating Office: Facilities Division Approval Date: (02/28/2024)

This Replaces: Manual and P&P M-ARS dated May 1, 2012

Distribution: ARS Offices in Headquarters, Areas, and Locations

This P&P describes:

• This P&P Manual provides design policies, standards, and criteria to guide the design of ARS construction projects.

This is an official, version controlled document and may be referenced only by hyperlink to the REE Issuances web page. This document may not be reposted.

https://usdagcc.sharepoint.com/sites/ARS-AFM/SitePages/REE-Administrative-Issuances.aspx

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Table of Contents

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 Jurisdictional Local Codes

1.2.5 Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC)

1.2.6 Review of Codes, Standards, and Their Analysis

1.3 Compliance With National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

1.3.1 Construction and Renovation Projects Executing NEPA via Third-Party

1.3.2 Construction and Repair Projects Executing NEPA Internally

1.3.3 Area Director (AD) and Responsibilities

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 Accessibility Policy

1.6.2 Architectural Barriers Act

1.6.3 The Americans with Disabilities Act

1.7 Energy Design

1.7.1 National Energy Conservation Policy Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

1.7.2 Energy Design for New and Renovation Projects

1.7.3 Special Design Consideration: Efficient Federal Operations 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

1.7.9 Electrification of Standard Building Operations

1.7.10 Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations

1.8 Value Engineering (VE)

1.8.1 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 Risk Category

4.5.3 Load Combinations

4.5.4 Vibration

4.5.5 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 Analysis 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 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, Adjusting and Balancing and Commissioning of Equipment and Systems

5.5 Underground Heat and Chilled Water Distribution Systems

5.5.1 General

Appendix 5A: Mechanical, Fire Protection & Plumbing Design

Appendix 5B: Mechanical Design Coordination Checklist

Appendix 5C: Energy Saving Design

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 BSCs

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

8.1.4 Elevator Emergency Communication System (ECS)

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 (BSL)

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 Basic Requirements

10.3 General Considerations

10.3.1 Structural Strength and Integrity

10.3.2 Construction and Design Features

10.3.3 Construction Materials

10.3.4 Floors, Walls, and Ceilings

10.3.5 Doors and Windows

10.3.6 Noise Control Strategies

10.4 Water Sources and Systems

10.4.1 Water Supply Options

10.4.2 Plumbing Systems and Design

10.4.3 Drainage Systems and Design

10.4.4 Specialized Plumbing Features

10.5 Electrical Power

10.5.1 General Requirements

10.5.2 Protecting Electrical Assets and Safety Features

10.5.3 Emergency Power

10.5.4 Lighting and Illumination

10.6 Environmental Control Systems

10.6.1 Maintaining Optimal Environments for Animal Housed Indoors

10.6.2 Maintaining Optimal Environments for Animal Housed Outdoors

10.7 Storage Systems

10.7.1 Feed and Bedding Storage

10.7.2 Animal and Feed Waste Storage Systems

10.7.3 Animal Carcasses Storage and Disposal

10.8 Specialized Laboratory, Administrative, and Support Areas

11. Signature Block

Signature for approval: Date of approval

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 Agricultural Research Service (ARS) buildings and facilities.

This Manual also references various third-party-model-building codes, design standards, technical criteria, etc. and every effort has been made to provide accurate titles and URLs to assist users with accessing the material. Because third-party entities manage the referenced content, the stability and accuracy of that information is inherently beyond the control of this Manual’s authors. Therefore, users are cautioned accordingly when attempting to access reference standards.

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 and protect the health, safety, welfare, and morale of ARS employees.

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.

a) 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.

b) 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/

• http://www.ada.gov/

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

https://www.access-board.gov/sitemap.html https://www.access-board.gov/sitemap.html http://www.ada.gov/

d) 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.

e) 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.

f) 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 products shall be durable, easily maintained, and appropriate for the intended use.

g) 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.

h) 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.

i) Sustainable Design. New buildings and alterations shall be designed utilizing environmentally preferable products. FAR Subpart 23.4 requires that Federal agencies give preference to biobased products when purchasing products designated under USDA’s Bio Preferred Program.

Agencies must purchase these products or require in the acquisition of services, the delivery, use, or furnishing of such products. Contracts should specify that these products at least meet the minimum biobased content identified by USDA. Exceptions may be made when:

i. The item does not meet performance needs.

ii. There are less than two suppliers available for an item.

iii. The item is unreasonably priced (including delivery costs); or

iv. Regular delivery cannot be guaranteed.

v. The project design shall incorporate Best Management Practices (BMP) for water conservation. Details of these BMP are available at the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) website:

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/program/waterefficiencyb mp.html

B. Safety, Health, and Security

1) ARS buildings shall provide an environment that is safe for occupants, and that offers them maximum protection during emergencies or disasters. A Risk Analysis will be required for facilities identified by the government for critical operations.

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. A safety analysis of the design shall be performed. The design shall be reviewed to ensure that the facility will comply with OSHA standards and minimize tripping hazards, obstacle hazards, sound hazards, health hazards, and environmental hazards.

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.

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

7) Repair, Renovation, and Alterations. Design shall be accomplished to reduce or eliminate hazardous exposure through the 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, mold, radon, etc. If lead or asbestos-containing materials or other hazards 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:

a) Building orientation to maximize the energy efficiency of the building.

b) Locations in central business districts and rural town centers.

c) Sites well served by transit.

d) Site design elements that ensure safe and convenient pedestrian access.

e) Consideration of proximity to housing affordable to a wide range of federal employees.

f) Adaptive reuse or renovation of buildings.

g) Avoiding development of sensitive land resources (such as greenfields and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prime Farmland as defined in 7 U.S.C. 4201).

h) 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 USDA Space Policy for Admin Space, AGPMR 21-01, Space Utilization. Also, ARS has a policy to size Laboratory/Office Buildings (LOBs) to 3,000 SF per Scientific Year or Principal Investigator. This initial grossing is a starting point for sizing LOBs.

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 and execution.

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 by Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 75 percent by FY 2030 of non-hazardous construction waste and demolition debris per Executive Order (EO) 14057.

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 that make these structures significant in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.

F. Anti-Deficiency Act. Title 31 of U.S. Code prevents federal employees from spending or obligating funds beyond the amounts or purposes approved by Congress. Reference P&P 157.2 Facilities Construction Authorities (CA) for Capital Asset (Re) Investment Projects for Construction Authority limitations on spending (e.g., Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) are not included in the appropriation limitation amounts). It is also not appropriate to use funds for purposes other than approved (e.g., the comingle of Building and Facilities (B&F) funds and annual funds).

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), establishes building code compliance requirements for Federal agencies.

Public Law 104-113, National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995, requires Federal use of private sector consensus standards wherever practicable. The goal of the law is to reduce reliance on Federal standards by using industry standards when there is potential to simplify contracting, increase timeliness and cost-effectiveness, and promote the safety and welfare of users.

The project design and construction shall comply with Federal and State Codes and Regulations, all applicable USDA/ARS Design Standards, all applicable local design standards (e.g., university standards), all applicable NFPA codes/criteria, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) planning, design, and directives identified for the project. Use of Unified Facility Criteria (UFC) may be applicable when identified in the project’s Project Requirements Document (PRD).

In the event of conflict between documents and references, precedence shall be given to the following in descending order:

A. Federal and State Codes and Regulations.

B. ARS Manual 242.1, Facility Design Standards, most current version.

C. AGPMR Advisory 16-01, Space Utilization Rate Policy, most current version.

D. REE Manual 230.0, most current version.

E. APD Policy Memorandum 23-02A, most current version.

F. UFCs.

G. ARS project team for final confirmation if previous requirements do not resolve the conflict.

The design and construction of real property improvements shall also comply with all current applicable state and local codes, and with all other applicable laws and regulations governing development, design, and construction at the site. Some state and local code and regulatory agencies may not have jurisdiction over Federal design and construction on Federal property.

The A-E remains responsible for compliance with these agencies’ codes and regulations. If certain requirements appear particularly constraining to the required functionality or maintainability of the facility, the AE may recommend the Government waive compliance or accept a lesser requirement.

All materials and/or products required or specified in the design shall be verified to meet the Buy American Act.

1.2.2 Compliance with National Model Codes

The design shall adhere to the current version of the following national codes as applicable to the project site and as further qualified in Chapters 1.2.3 and 1.2.4 of this document.

A. International Building Code (IBC), maintained by the International Code Council (ICC). (www.intlcode.org) IBC shall be utilized for Life Safety issues, however NFPA 101 shall govern Means of Egress issues. See Chapter 1.2.3.A.

B. International Mechanical Code (IMC) maintained by the International Code Council. (www.intlcode.org)

C. International Plumbing Code (IPC) maintained by the International Code Council.

(www.intlcode.org)

D. International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) maintained by the International Code Council.

(www.intlcode.org)

E. International Existing Building Code (IEBC) maintained by the International Code Council.

F. International Fire Code (IFC) maintained by the International Code Council.

(www.intlcode.org)

G. International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) maintained by the International Code Council. (www.intlcode.org)

H. NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC)

1.2.3 Compliance with Other National Codes

Each ARS building shall be constructed or altered, in compliance with the current editions of the 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. Means of Egress. For all projects, the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life safety code shall apply to Means of Egress in lieu of the other codes.

B. Fire, Fire Alarm, Fire Sprinklers. For all projects, the requirements of the NFPA National Fire Codes and Chapter 7 of this manual shall apply in lieu of other codes.

http://www.intlcode.org/ http://www.intlcode.org/ http://www.intlcode.org/ http://www.intlcode.org/ http://www.intlcode.org/ http://www.intlcode.org/

C. Safety and Health. Refer to Chapter 7 for a list of codes and standards.

D. Biohazard Containment. Refer to Chapter 9 for a list of codes and standards.

E. Animal Facilities. Refer to Chapter 10 for a list of codes and standards.

F. Telecommunications Requirements. For all projects, refer to the most recent version of the USDA 3300 – Telecommunications Management Directives and any applicable Facilities Division (FD) Policy Guidance Memorandums, maintained by ARS FD electronically. In addition to the USDA 3300 – Telecommunications Management Directives, the following Codes and Standards should be used:

1) Electronic Industry Alliance (EIA).

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

3) UFC 3-580-01 Telecommunications Interior Infrastructure Planning and Design.

a) The services of a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) shall only be required on a project when triggered by one or more of the following:

i. Provision/alteration of greater than 24 Category Cable drops.

ii. Fit-out of more than 3,000 sf of interior office space.

iii. Any new building or structure requiring the establishment of new service connections.

b) For smaller renovations and interior fit-outs utilize the UFC for performance characteristics of products. Utilize the size requirements of telecommunication spaces that the existing building footprint is able to support.

G. Cyber Security Requirements. For all projects, refer to the most recent version of the USDA 3500-3599 – Cyber Security Directives and any applicable Client Experience Center (CEC) and/or Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) guidance or requirements. All construction and renovation projects should be coordinated with CEC and/or ITSD representatives to assure currents standards are met. In addition to the USDA 3500-3599 Cyber Security Directives the following Codes and Standards should be used.

1) UFC 4-010-06 Cybersecurity of Facility-Related Control Systems (FRCS).

2) NIST SP 800-82 Guide to Operational Technology (OT) Security.

1.2.4 Compliance with State and Jurisdictional Local Codes

A. General. Although buildings built on Federal property are exempt from State and local building codes, the policy of ARS is to comply with local jurisdictions building codes unless special requirements directly related to local practices or circumstances would compromise Federal standards (such as accessibility) or unique ARS design standards (such as biosafety). It is anticipated that most local jurisdictions have adopted a version of the suite of model national codes referenced above. In the event that a given jurisdiction has not adopted codes effectively equivalent to the suite of model national codes referenced above, the project designer shall adopt the most current version of the codes referenced in Chapters

1.2.2 and 1.2.3 as a minimum standard for application to the project. The project design team is to fully research, identify, report on, and 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 by utilizing the Waiver process described in Chapter 1.2.6. E.

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. The project design team is to fully research, identify, report-on, and 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 terrains or utility systems, such as storm water run-off, erosion control, sanitary and storm sewers, water, gas, electrical power, communications, emergency vehicle access, roads, and bridges. The requirements stated in the ARS building program take precedence over any local zoning ordinances with respect to the number of parking spaces.

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 jurisdictional code review and permitting reviews, the A-E shall document the following:

1) The A-E shall contact 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 firefighting 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. The A-E shall confirm project compliance with state and local energy and/or fossil fuel requirements or confirm acceptance of alternative requirements in writing from the government and the state/local authorities.

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. The A-E shall notify the government of any special code requirements as applicable (e.g., hurricane design).

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 by the A-E in the project file.

4) Local officials may submit only written recommendations concerning measures that 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. Local Jurisdictional 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.

1.2.5 Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC)

When required by the project’s Program Requirements Document (PDR), UFCs prescribed by MIL-STD 3007 shall be used for planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance criteria. UFC are distributed in electronic media from the Internet site:

https://wbdg.org/FFC/dod/unified-facilities-criteria-ufc.

1.2.6 Review of Codes, Standards, and Their Analysis

A. General. Code criteria shall be reviewed by each discipline to ensure 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 Chapters 1.2.2 through 1.2.4, above, and ARS criteria that will govern the design of a specific project. Paragraph A, Paragraph-2 in the first Appendix of each of the Chapters that follow outlines the analyses that are required.

The code criteria shall be reviewed by the A-E to the degree of detail necessary to ensure that the design meets code requirements. 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.

E. Waiver Process:

http://www.cfa.gov/ http://www.ncpc.gov/ https://wbdg.org/FFC/dod/unified-facilities-criteria-ufc

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 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. The A-E’s submission must state the specific requirement(s), the deviation/equivalent concept proposed, reasons for the request, and supporting rationale. Each waiver item shall also indicate date(s) initiated or updated, date of government review/acceptance with identification of individual(s) involved, and comments noting the resolution of the item.

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

4) Facilities Division (FD) Director is responsible for approving all modernization and construction project waivers.

1.3 Compliance With National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

1.3.1 Construction and Renovation Projects Executing NEPA via Third-Party

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. Projects shall comply with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40 Chapter V Subchapter A Part 1500- 1508 and Title 7 Subtitle A Part 1b and Title 7 Subtitle B Chapter V Part 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 the 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.

Third-Party organizations executing NEPA requirements on behalf of the Government shall be responsible for identifying, communicating, documenting, and making recommendations in accordance with the above regulations. The Area Director (AD) is responsible for making and documenting all NEPA decisions and AD shall have signatory authority on all final NEPA documentation.

1.3.2 Construction and Repair Projects Executing NEPA Internally

ARS established a process and procedure for implementing NEPA analysis and determining and documenting NEPA decisions to ensure compliance with NEPA requirements. The process includes the use of guidance documentation and tools that will assist the decision maker with the

NEPA process for ARS. Engineering project managers shall review and discuss these tools and guidance prior to developing project specific NEPA documentation (e.g., Environmental Assessment [EA], Environmental Impact Statement [EIS], etc.) as early as feasible in the design process. The guidance contains detailed information on ARS processes, implementing NEPA in ARS, and includes descriptions of the tools, etc. The tools will assist decision makers with making a NEPA decision (e.g., categorical exclusion [CATEX], EA, EIS). The available tools also include both EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) templates for use and reference when developing such documentation. These templates contain the format, example text and specific resource information that are necessary for NEPA analysis and completing the document(s). The specific tools and guidance are available upon request from the Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Branch (SHEMB) or may be accessed on Axon at https://usdagcc.sharepoint.com/sites/ARS-SHEM/SitePages/Environmental-Management.aspx

1.3.3 Area Director (AD) and Responsibilities

The AD will document a NEPA decision for each project and include it and the supporting determination documentation with the submission of a Procurement Request. The NEPA decision will be one of the following for each construction project:

A. Categorical Exclusion – Environmental Assessment (EA) is not required; or

B. 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).

No project shall proceed to bid for construction or renovation until the AD has signed the NEPA decision document.

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 deterring, detecting, 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 The Risk Management Process – 2021 Edition, For Official Use Only (FOUO) Appendix A – Design-Basis Threat Report, 2021 Edition and FOUO The Risk Management Process for Federal Facilities, https://usdagcc.sharepoint.com/sites/ARS-SHEM/SitePages/Environmental-Management.aspx

Appendix B Countermeasures, 2021 Edition, that 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 ISC Standard 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 https://www.dhs.gov/isc-policies-standards-best-practices for further information and specific requirements https://www.cisa.gov/isc-policies-standards-best-practices.

1.4.2 Security and Risk Guidelines

A. Standards

The Risk Management Process (RMP), An Interagency Security Committee Standard (ISC), 2021 Edition. Defines the criteria and processes that are used to determine the facility security level (FSL) of department facilities. It introduces the risk management process and outlines the approach to identify, assess, and prioritize the risks to federal facilities. These identified baseline measures provide comprehensive solutions in all seven areas of physical security, including site, structure, facility entrances, interior, security systems, security operations, administration, and cybersecurity.

Risk management decisions are based on the application of risk assessment, risk mitigation, and - when necessary and otherwise reasonably unavoidable - risk acceptance.

1) Appendix A: 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 Appendix B: Countermeasures.

2) Appendix B: Countermeasures - FOUO. Establishes the level of protection (LOP), a baseline set of physical security countermeasures to be applied to facilities based on their FSLs. These baseline countermeasures provide comprehensive solutions under the seven criteria of physical security.

3) Appendix C: Child-Care Centers Level of Protection Template - FOUO.

Specifies the LOP to be incorporated as the basis for security planning for a child-care center.

4) Appendix D: How to Conduct a Facility Security Committee. Provides guidance on how to establish and conduct a Facility Security Committee (FSC) when presented with security issues that affect the entire facility.

5) Appendix E: Use of Physical Security Performance Measures. Requires federal https://www.dhs.gov/isc-policies-standards-best-practices https://www.cisa.gov/isc-policies-standards-best-practices https://www.cisa.gov/isc-policies-standards-best-practices 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.

6) Appendix F: Forms and Templates. Provides additional guidance.

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 the severity level of the risk to the building as defined in the ISC RMP.

USDA DR 1650-001 requires Mission Area, Agency, and Staff Office Heads to ensure that physical security assessments are conducted for all USDA Federal Facilities and assets as outlined in ISC standards and timelines and ensure a design-phase security survey is conducted and meets the facility security level baseline criteria for all new facility construction, major renovations, and new leases.

C. Risk Assessment Methodology

The ISC process provides the method for determining the facility security level (FSL) based on the characteristics of each facility and the federal occupant(s) who inhabit that facility. The five factors quantified to determine the FSL are mission criticality, symbolism, facility population, facility size, and threat to tenant agencies.

After using the five factors, the assessor may then consider any intangibles that might be associated with the facility. An adjustment to the FSL may be made accordingly, and a final FSL is determined. A building-specific risk assessment shall consider the following factors, at a minimum.

1) Criticality: Measures the degree to which a facility houses operations and functions critical to the national or regional interests of the United States.

2) Symbolism: Based on both a facility’s attractiveness as a target and the consequence of an undesirable event, some facilities are highly visible symbols of this country, either nationally, regionally, or locally.

3) Facility Population: Many terrorist organizations aim to inflict mass causalities and do not…