Exhibit B III ASR.pdf

U.S . COURTS

DESIGN GUIDE

JUDICIAL CONFERENCE

OF THE UNITED STATES

RLP NO. 0CA3254 Lessor: ________ Government: ________ Exhibit B-III, Agency Requirements

Revised March 2021

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Acknowledgments

The Judicial Conference of the United States (JCUS) acknowledges that the completion of the U.S. Courts Design Guide (Design Guide) could not have been possible without the participation and assistance of many people across the Judiciary whose names are enumerated in this section.

The Judicial Conference thanks each of them for their contributions.

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COMMITTEE ON SPACE AND FACILITIES

The JCUS thanks the following members of the Committee on Space and Facilities for their support, time, and expertise in reviewing drafts of this edition of the Design Guide.

Honorable David Jeremiah Barron United States Court of Appeals Judge, First Circuit Member 2019-Present

Honorable Karon Bowdre United States District Court Judge, Northern District of Alabama Member 2019–Present

Honorable Philip A. Brimmer United States District Court Chief Judge, District of Colorado Member 2019–Present

Honorable James A. Beaty, Jr.

United States District Court Judge, Middle District of North Carolina Member 2012–2018

Honorable Susan R. Bolton United States District Court Judge, District of Arizona Member 2011–2016; Chair 2016–2019

Honorable Kevin J. Carey United States Bankruptcy Court Judge, District of Delaware Member 2010–2016

Honorable Robert H. Cleland United States District Court Judge, Eastern District of Michigan Member 2011–2017

Honorable Christopher Reid Cooper United States District Court Judge, District of Columbia Member 2018–Present

Honorable Aida M. Delgado-Colon United States District Court Judge, District of Puerto Rico Member 2013–2019

Honorable Michael Walter Fitzgerald United States District Court Judge, Central District of California Member 2019–Present

Honorable Gregory K. Frizzell United States District Court Chief Judge, Northern District of Oklahoma Member 2013–2019

Honorable James Rodney Gilstrap United States District Court Chief Judge, Eastern District of Texas Member 2018–Present

Honorable F.A. Gossett III United States Magistrate Judge, District of Nebraska Member 2011–2017

Honorable Pamela Harris United States Court of Appeals Judge, Fourth Circuit Member 2017–Present

Honorable Jeffrey J. Helmick United States District Court Judge, Northern District of Ohio Member 2017–2019, Chair 2019–Present

Honorable John E. Jones III United States District Court Judge, Middle District of Pennsylvania Member 2018–Present

Honorable David C. Keesler United States Magistrate Judge, Western District of North Carolina Member 2017–Present

Honorable Denzil Price Marshall, Jr.

United States District Court Judge, Eastern District of Arkansas Member 2016–Present

Honorable Beverly B. Martin United States Court of Appeals Judge, Eleventh Circuit Member 2013–Present

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Honorable Michael J. Melloy United States Court of Appeals Judge, Eighth Circuit Member 2009–2016

Honorable Robert E. Nugent United States Bankruptcy Court Judge, District of Kansas Member 2016–2019

Honorable Sul Ozerden United States District Court Judge, Southern District of Mississippi Member 2012–2018

Honorable James E. Shadid United States District Court Judge, Central District of Illinois Member 2019–Present

Honorable D. Brooks Smith United States Court of Appeals Chief Judge, Third Circuit Member 2006–2013; Chair 2013–2016

Honorable Glenn T. Suddaby United States District Court Chief Judge, Northern District of New York Member 2018–Present

Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan United States District Court Judge, District of Columbia Member 2012–2018

Honorable Alvin W. Thompson United States District Court Judge, District of Connecticut Member 2010–2016

Honorable Michael George Williamson United States Bankruptcy Court Judge, Middle District of Florida Member 2019–Present

Honorable Richard L. Young United States District Court Judge, Southern District of Indiana Member 2013–Present

U.S. COURTS DESIGN GUIDE WORKING GROUP

The JCUS thanks the members of the Design Guide Working Group for their dedication, leadership, and expertise in planning, developing, and editing of the Design Guide.

Honorable Robert Jonker (Chair) United States District Court Chief Judge, Western District of Michigan

Cliff Harlan (Chair) Assistant Circuit Executive for Space and Facilities, Ninth Circuit

Honorable Charles Caldwell United States Bankruptcy Court Judge, Southern District of Ohio

Honorable Michael J. Melloy United States Court of Appeals Judge, Eighth Circuit

Honorable Michael Roemer United States Magistrate Judge, Western District of New York

Stephanie Butler United States Bankruptcy Court Clerk, Eastern District of North Carolina

Douglas Bys Deputy Chief Probation Officer, Central District of California

Michael Gans United States Court of Appeals Clerk, Eighth Circuit

Chris Maloney Chief Probation Officer, District of Massachusetts

Karen Mitchell United States District Court Clerk, Northern District of Texas

Laura Nelson Assistant Circuit Executive for Space and Facilities, Tenth Circuit

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Una O’Boyle United States Bankruptcy Court Clerk, District of Delaware

Amy Rice United States Bankruptcy Court Architect, Southern District of Alabama

Owen Smith United States Court of Appeals Circuit Librarian, Sixth Circuit

Robin Tabora United States District Court Clerk, District of Connecticut

Jeanne Walsh Chief Probation Officer, Northern District of Illinois

Margaret Wiegand United States Court of Appeals Circuit Executive, Third Circuit

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE U.S. COURTS

The JCUS appreciates the efforts of James C. Duff, Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and the Office of Facilities and Security staff and thanks them for their coordination, administration, and expertise in implementing the latest edition of the Design Guide.

Melanie F. Gilbert Chief, Facilities and Security Office

Jack Cummins Chief, Security and Facilities Policy Staff

David Insinga Chief, Space and Facilities Division

Christopher Smith Chief, Facilities Integration and Transformation Branch

Reema Gupta Supervisory Architect, Space and Facilities Division

Sheritta W. Taylor Management Analyst, Security and Facilities Policy Staff

Erica Carter Program Analyst, Space and Facilities Division

Lydia Piper Project Manager, Space and Facilities, U.S. District Court, District of New Mexico

CONSULTANTS

The JCUS thanks the following individuals from AECOM for their contributions to the Design Guide.

Kristine Johnson, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP Associate Vice President, Justice Market Sector Lead Southeast

Dilip Parikh, PE Senior Project Manager

Eric Zeldis, AIA Project Architect

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Preface

U.S. Courts Design Guide Update

The U.S. Courts Design Guide (Design Guide) sets forth the federal judiciary’s requirements for the design, construction, and renovation of court facilities and is intended for use by judges, architects, engineers, General Services Administration (GSA) personnel, and court administrators who are involved in federal court construction projects.

In 2017, the Judicial Conference of the United States (JCUS), upon the recommendation of the Committee on Space and Facilities, approved the undertaking of a comprehensive review and revision of the 2007 Design Guide. JCUS approved this revision in March 2021. This latest edition of the Design Guide is intended to provide guidance for the interpretation and applicability of building standards and Judiciary policy, and to incorporate industry standards and best practices for the design and construction of federal courthouses. Since every district has its own set of unique opportunities and challenges, this Design Guide update emphasizes the need for flexibility in the design and construction process. Project stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate and think creatively about their spatial needs to uphold the integrity and accomplish the mission

determine the appropriate guidance.

The Design Guide is both a design and financial commitment document. The JCUS’s space-rental budget correlates to the design standards contained in the Design Guide. The Design Guide lists and describes major spaces and spatial groupings located within federal courthouses. The number of major space groupings required for a particular court building is not determined by this document and should be determined by the program of requirements developed and submitted by the Judiciary. Individual project circumstances and requirements dictate which of the major space groupings should be included in a building program.

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How to Use this Guide

The Design Guide consists of 18 chapters, one appendix, a glossary, and an index. Each chapter begins with a cover sheet that summarizes the respective chapter. If the chapter cover sheet is viewed electronically, the information under the “Chapter Topics” and “Chapter Figures and Tables” subheadings offers hyperlinks to the respective chapter subsections, figures, and/or tables. Other cross references and hyperlinks provided in the body of the chapter will appear in blue. Cross references and hyperlinks might link the user to references within other chapters, appendices, or external information, such as websites. Each chapter contains space standards, adjacency requirements, and other applicable technical information for that chapter’s topic. The spatial and technical information in these chapters is to be used to design the various types of court projects.

Room Data Sheets A major feature of the latest version of the Design Guide is the inclusion of room data sheets (RDS) located in the appendix. The RDS compile information previously contained in the various chapters of the Design Guide and consolidate the information into one area. Each RDS contains spatial, programmatic, and technical requirements for a specific space or grouping of spaces. The RDS are not intended to be used as stand-alone documents and should be used in conjunction with information located throughout the guide.

Each RDS contains one or multiple depictions of how each space may be used. It is important to note that these graphics are not designs but are idealized diagrams and for illustrative purposes only. Each court project will contain unique challenges that may suggest alternative spatial layouts that are more appropriate for that specific project. It is essential that the Design Guide user obtain additional information from the court, GSA, and other stakeholders to tailor the design response to the specific court requirements demanded by that project or situation.

Adjacency Diagrams Adjacency diagrams are provided in Chapters 3 through 11. Each diagram represents an idealized arrangement of the required types of spaces, circulation patterns, and access points. Effort should be made during the design process to maintain the arrangements illustrated in the adjacency diagrams. In practice, however, this arrangement may not be possible.

It is important for users of the Design Guide to understand what the diagrams do and do not represent. Adjacency diagrams depict only

distances between spaces. The boxes in the adjacency diagrams represent spaces and illustrate relative size to one another. Rectangular shapes do not imply that actual spaces must be rectangular. Similarly, irregular shapes convey no particular form, since physical conditions, external constraints, and design considerations may dictate other configurations. In addition, the relationships between spaces along circulation routes indicate adjacencies only, not approximate distances.

For example, to facilitate courtroom sharing, chambers may be located

a diagram may indicate circles to represent vertical service circulation, the requirements for a freight elevator might be accommodated by a single elevator and will be dictated by building occupants and individual project requirements.

The adjacency diagrams include three circulation patterns: public, restricted, and secure. Each is indicated by a different line color.

A yellow line represents public traffic patterns used by lawyers, spectators, media representatives, and other individuals. Restricted circulation patterns within and between office spaces are represented by blue lines. Restricted circulation is generally used by judges, courtroom deputy clerks, court security officers, authorized visitors, and administrative or clerical support staff. A red line represents secure circulation for prisoner movement; secure circulation must not intersect public or restricted circulation.

Although the lines used to indicate traffic patterns imply the existence of corridors, this is not always the case. In some instances, a circulation pattern is subsumed by another space, such as when lobby space is used as a public circulation area. In other instances, a circulation pattern might intersect an indicated space—for example, where public traffic intersects a reception counter used to control access from waiting areas to restricted spaces. Any uncontrolled intersection of differing circulation patterns constitutes a breach of security and must be avoided. Additionally, lines indicating circulation do not describe egress requirements.

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Dots containing red and white triangles on the adjacency diagrams indicate either transition or circulation termination points: termination points for public or private circulation, points of transition from one circulation type to another (e.g., public to restricted or external to internal), or transition points from a circulation type to a given space (e.g., from public access to a reception area).

Vertical circulation is also shown on the adjacency diagrams. A solid yellow dot indicates vertical public circulation for movement between floors. A solid blue dot indicates restricted vertical circulation, extending to secure parking within the building and connecting with restricted circulation on other floors. A solid gray dot indicates vertical circulation for the movement of freight and other bulky items. A solid red dot indicates vertical secure circulation exclusively for in-custody defendants and security officers of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).

The types, numbers, and sizes of spaces shown on the adjacency diagrams should not be interpreted literally as specific requirements;

instead, the actual types, numbers, and sizes of spaces must be determined on a case-by-case basis, and will be dependent upon the program, design, applicable building codes, and other requirements.

For certain spaces, such as courtrooms and judges’ chambers suites, the number of boxes shown on the adjacency diagrams does not necessarily indicate the number of actual spaces in a planned facility.

The diagram should be used as a guide for determining the type of spaces required.

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgments.....................................................................iii

Preface.....................................................................................vii

Table of Contents........................................................................x

Chapter 1 - Introduction and the Federal Court System..........1-1 Introduction........................................................................................................1-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................1-2 The System.........................................................................................................1-4 Organization of the Design Guide......................................................................1-5

Chapter 2 - Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations ........................................................................2-1

Introduction........................................................................................................2-2 Supporting Documents.......................................................................................2-2 General Cost-Control Strategies.........................................................................2-4 Value Engineering and Life-Cycle Costing........................................................2-6 Typical Federal Courthouse Project Development.............................................2-7

Chapter 3 - Planning for U.S. Courthouses...............................3-1 Introduction........................................................................................................3-2 Supporting Documents.......................................................................................3-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................3-2 Spaces Common to Federal Courts....................................................................3-4 Functions of the Three Court Types...................................................................3-5 Users and Capacities..........................................................................................3-6 Access for People with Disabilities...................................................................3-6 Courthouse Zoning and Building Circulation....................................................3-7 Program Stacking.............................................................................................3-10

Chapter 4 - Courtrooms and Associated Spaces.......................4-1 Introduction........................................................................................................4-2 Supporting Documents.......................................................................................4-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................4-2 General Requirements for All Courtrooms.........................................................4-4 Appellate Courtrooms.........................................................................................4-8 District Judge Courtrooms................................................................................4-11 Magistrate Judge Courtrooms...........................................................................4-15 Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms..........................................................................4-20

Chapter 5 - Jury Facilities........................................................5-1 Supporting Documents.......................................................................................5-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................5-2 Functions and Activities.....................................................................................5-3 Users and Capacities..........................................................................................5-5 Design Requirements.........................................................................................5-5 Adjacency and Circulation.................................................................................5-7

Chapter 6 - Judges’ Chambers Suites.......................................6-1 Supporting Documents.......................................................................................6-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................6-2 Functions and Activities.....................................................................................6-4 Users and Capacities..........................................................................................6-4 Design Requirements.........................................................................................6-4 Adjacency and Circulation.................................................................................6-8

Chapter 7 - Court Libraries.......................................................7-1 Supporting Documents.......................................................................................7-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................7-2 Functions and Activities.....................................................................................7-4 Users and Capacities..........................................................................................7-5 Design Requirements.........................................................................................7-5 Planning Issues...................................................................................................7-6 Space Allotments................................................................................................7-9 Adjacency and Circulation.................................................................................7-9

Chapter 8 - Clerk’s Office.........................................................8-1 Supporting Documents.......................................................................................8-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................8-2 Functions and Activities.....................................................................................8-4 Users and Capacities..........................................................................................8-4 Design Requirements.........................................................................................8-5 Adjacency and Circulation.................................................................................8-9

Chapter 9 - Probation and Pretrial Services Offices.................9-1 Introduction........................................................................................................9-2 Supporting Documents.......................................................................................9-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................9-2 Functions and Activities.....................................................................................9-4 Users and Capacities..........................................................................................9-4 Design Requirements.........................................................................................9-5 Adjacency and Circulation.................................................................................9-9

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Chapter 10 - Other Court Units..............................................10-1 Supporting Documents......................................................................................10-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes..................................................................10-2 Functions and Activities....................................................................................10-4 Users and Capacities.........................................................................................10-4 Design Requirements........................................................................................10-4 Adjacency and Circulation................................................................................10-8

Chapter 11 - Shared Support Spaces.....................................11-1 Supporting Documents......................................................................................11-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes..................................................................11-2 Functions and Activities....................................................................................11-4 Users and Capacities..........................................................................................11-5 Design Requirements........................................................................................11-5 Adjacency and Circulation................................................................................11-7

Chapter 12 - Tenant Improvements and Furnishings.............12-1 Introduction......................................................................................................12-2 Supporting Documents......................................................................................12-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes..................................................................12-2 Tenant Improvements - Interior Finishes..........................................................12-3 Tenant Improvements - Millwork....................................................................12-10 Furnishings.....................................................................................................12-11

Chapter 13 - Interior Signage................................................13-1 Introduction......................................................................................................13-2 Supporting Documents......................................................................................13-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes..................................................................13-2 Design Requirements........................................................................................13-2

Chapter 14 - Acoustics...........................................................14-1 Introduction......................................................................................................14-2 Supporting Documents.....................................................................................14-2 Design Requirements........................................................................................14-3 Renovations and Alterations (R&A)...............................................................14-10

Chapter 15 - Building Systems...............................................15-1 Supporting Documents......................................................................................15-2 Mechanical Systems..........................................................................................15-3 Electrical Distribution Systems.........................................................................15-8 Lighting Systems.............................................................................................15-11 Communication Systems.................................................................................15-15 Renovations and Alterations (R&A)...............................................................15-18

Chapter 16 - Building Security...............................................16-1 Introduction......................................................................................................16-2 Supporting Documents.....................................................................................16-2 Agency Responsibilities...................................................................................16-2 Security Systems and Resource Request Process.............................................16-3 Security Concepts.............................................................................................16-4 Exterior Security...............................................................................................16-4 Interior Security................................................................................................16-6 Co-tenancy with the Federal Judiciary...........................................................16-10 Security Funding............................................................................................16-10

Chapter 17 - Renovations and Alterations (R&A)..................17-1 Introduction......................................................................................................17-2 Supporting Documents.....................................................................................17-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes.................................................................17-2 Roles and Responsibilities...............................................................................17-3 Types of R&A Projects....................................................................................17-4 Considerations and Suggested Actions............................................................17-7

Chapter 18 - Alternative Workplace Strategies......................18-1 Introduction.....................................................................................................18-2 Background.....................................................................................................18-2 Supporting Documents....................................................................................18-2 Programming and Budgetary Notes................................................................18-3 Functions and Activities..................................................................................18-5 Alternative Workplace Strategies Concepts....................................................18-5 Workplace Settings..........................................................................................18-6 Neighborhoods................................................................................................18-7 Alternative Workplace Strategies Programming and Planning.......................18-7 Alternative Workplace Strategies Design........................................................18-8

Appendix - Room Data Sheets.................................................A-1

Glossary

Index

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INTRODUCTION AND THE

FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM1 This chapter outlines the intent of the Design Guide, and how to use its contents. It also briefly describes the organization of the federal court system, its administrative functions, and the judicial process.

• Introduction

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• The System

• Organization of the Design Guide

Figure 1.1 U.S. Court of Appeals - Relevant Chapters Figure 1.2 U.S. District Court - Relevant Chapters Figure 1.3 U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Relevant Chapters

Chapter Topics:

Chapter Figures and Tables:

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Introduction

Scope The comprehensive design guidelines contained in this document describe the types of spaces commonly associated with facilities for the U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA), U.S.

District Court (USDC), U.S. Bankruptcy Court (USBC), Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Court of Federal Claims, and Court of International Trade. The Design Guide includes criteria for accommodating courts in both multi-tenant and leased facilities.

In accordance with Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines, new courthouses are considered critical action facilities. Where indicated, appropriate floodplain mitigation measures ensuring the life safety requirements of the facility are required. Refer to Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA PBS P-100), section 1.3.12.2 Critical Action Facilities.

The design guidelines presented in this document apply to the design and construction of new buildings, annexes, all new leased space in new locations, and repair and alteration projects in which new space is being configured for a court unit, including courtrooms and chambers.

Objectives The Design Guide has three major objectives. First, it serves as a planning tool for federal judges and key judicial personnel who are directly involved in the design of a federal court facility. Second, it provides relevant information for the General Services Administration (GSA) and an architectural/engineering (A/E) team to effectively plan, budget, program, and design a functional, aesthetically appropriate, and cost-effective court facility. Information in the Design Guide enables judges and judiciary personnel to collaborate effectively with the GSA and the A/E team throughout a project’s design and documentation phases. The Design Guide also provides information for the A/E team and specialists regarding security, acoustics, telecommunications, data, and audio-visual systems. Finally, the Design Guide provides policy guidance from the Judicial Conference of the United States (JCUS) for the overall planning, programming, and designing of federal court facilities throughout the United States and its territories, through its Committee on Space and Facilities, and the Administrative Office of the U.S.

Courts (AOUSC).

It is not the intent of the Design Guide to be overly prescriptive and hinder creative ideas to address court needs. The absence of a Design Guide standard or requirement does not mean a plan cannot be implemented given the appropriate authority. Courts should work closely with their respective assistant circuit executives (ACEs) for space and facilities, GSA, and A/E teams to identify areas of concern and develop cost-efficient and effective solutions to problems. If the best solution is outside of, or not included as part of, Design Guide standards or requirements, courts should seek the proper exception. The goal of the Design Guide is to provide guidance for new construction and renovations that addresses the needs of the Judiciary.

The Design Guide contains design criteria for courthouses. Users should read all introductory text carefully to understand the scope, function, and intent of the guidelines and their relationship to the design process.

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal courthouse projects.

Space Envelope Flexibility A total space envelope for new space will be calculated using appropriate circulation factors, allowances for support-type spaces, and the space standards described in the Design Guide. Courts have the flexibility to configure space within the envelope to meet their local needs. However, design and construction should be in general compliance with the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements tables. If the court unit wishes to significantly change the space standards described in the space and ceiling requirements tables without exceeding the total envelope of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its respective circuit judicial council.

The space envelope for a respective court unit is defined as:

• Entire clerk’s office

• Entire probation office

• Entire pretrial services office

• Entire staff attorney’s office

• Entire circuit executive’s office

• All courtrooms designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate judges, and bankruptcy judges)

• All chambers designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate judges, and bankruptcy judges)

For existing space, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing envelope to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements

RLP NO. 0CA3254 Lessor: ________ Government: ________ Exhibit B-III, Agency Requirements https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/design-construction/engineering-and-architecture/facilities-standards-p100-overview https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/design-construction/engineering-and-architecture/facilities-standards-p100-overview https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/design-construction/engineering-and-architecture/facilities-standards-p100-overview

U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 1-3 Introduction and The Federal Court System| reauthorized by Congress if the exception had not been previously identified. Contact the AOUSC for more detailed information.

For prospectus-level courthouse projects, if an exception is approved by the JCUS which would result in additional estimated costs, the chair of the circuit’s space and facilities committee or the chief judge or other judge designated by the court that sought the exception that exceeds the Design Guide criteria must be willing, if requested by the Committee on Space and Facilities, to appear before Congress concerning funding for such construction.

General Programming Notes The Design Guide is intended to be a performance document. Criteria for any space or grouping of spaces should be considered in conjunction with the specific needs of the court office or function for which space is being designed.

Criteria in the Design Guide do not represent space entitlements. The criteria apply to an array of space types that should be justified based on the specific purpose of each project.

Facility plans, programs, and designs should include only the space needed to satisfy the functional and security requirements of the court.

Differences between the space in an existing facility and the criteria in the Design Guide are not justification for facility alteration and expansion. In such cases, alternatives to space expansion are investigated before any additional space is requested. In addition, like-for-like space is not a guarantee. Space allocated in an existing location is not justification for the same amount of space in a new location if the space allocation is not warranted. Current needs should be evaluated when moving into new space to determine the appropriate space envelope. Any additional space must be approved by the appropriate authority. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from adding spaces not originally contemplated in the approved prospectus or design program. Increasing the floor area or building volume requires the necessary approvals.

General Budgetary Notes Renovation and new construction occur when the court and circuit judicial council identify space needs through the Judiciary’s asset management planning process and document these needs in the long-range facilities plan. GSA determines by what method the space is provided—for example, by the construction of a new building, the renovation of an existing building, a lease, or other means.

The Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that courthouses constructed now will last well into the future.

tables must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean that existing space must be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new construction completed as part of a renovation should be considered.

Renovations and Alterations (R&A) Many of the construction projects conducted in the Judiciary are renovations to existing space. Although the Design Guide applies to these projects, it is understood that some standards in the Design Guide are difficult or impossible to achieve in existing space, particularly in historic buildings. Courts should consult Chapter 17, “Renovations and Alterations (R&A),” and GSA PBS P-100 for guidance in these circumstances. References to R&A guidelines are also included throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.

Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards The Design Guide provides guidance on standards for courthouse construction and renovations to existing space. Any significant departure from these standards is considered an exception and must be approved by the respective authority as outlined below.

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over, and responsibility for, a circuit’s space-management program (28 USC §332 and §462(b)) and for determining the need for space. As directed by the JCUS, any significant departure from the standards in the Design Guide must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council.

Authority of the Committee on Space and Facilities The authority to approve the following exceptions to the Design Guide standards rests with the Committee on Space and Facilities: (1) exceeding the total envelope for either the court unit or the project as a whole, (2) changing the standard configurations for judges’ chambers and courtrooms, and (3) exceeding the plumbing standards. If the Committee on Space and Facilities disagrees with a circuit judicial council request for one of these exceptions, the Judicial Conference will decide whether to grant the exception.

Authority of the Judicial Conference The authority for approving any exception to prospectus-level courthouse projects that would result in additional estimated costs, including additional rent payment obligations, lies with the Judicial Conference. Approval is required, after review by the Committee on Space and Facilities, for any exception to the Design Guide approved by a circuit judicial council. The request must include (1) a justification for the exception and (2) a construction cost estimate. All approved exceptions for prospectus-level projects are reported to GSA and Congress. Approved exceptions may require the project to be

RLP NO. 0CA3254 Lessor: ________ Government: ________ Exhibit B-III, Agency Requirements https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/design-construction/engineering-and-architecture/facilities-standards-p100-overview https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/design-construction/gsa-annual-prospectus-thresholds

U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 1-4Introduction and The Federal Court System |

Following the publication of the 2007 Design Guide, the Judiciary introduced several cost-saving measures, such as courtroom sharing and the Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), that sought to provide flexibility and efficiency in court spaces while preserving the dignity of the Judiciary. Courtroom sharing for certain judge types is now a standard throughout the Judiciary, and IWI is recognized as an alternative to traditional office design. For more information on cost- and space-saving efforts and programs, contact the AOUSC Space and Facilities Division.

The System

Introduction As established by the Constitution, the federal courts constitute one of three coequal branches of our national government. The other two branches are the executive and legislative. While positions established under the Constitution for the executive and legislative branches (e.g., President, Vice President, senators, and representatives) are elected for a set number of years, justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the inferior courts established by Congress are appointed to lifetime positions by the President, with advice and consent of the Senate. These judges are subject to removal from office only through impeachment, as provided in the Constitution. The Constitution also prohibits lowering the pay of federal judges. These two forms of protection allow federal judges to make decisions, even unpopular ones, without fear of removal from office or reduction of salary and maintain the independence of the federal judiciary.

Types of Federal Courts Article III of the Constitution provides for a Supreme Court and whatever other federal courts Congress considers necessary. The number of federal judges is small. While the Supreme Court and its justices are located in Washington, D.C., most members of the federal judiciary are dispersed throughout the United States and its territories.

Trial Courts Congress has divided the country into 94 federal judicial districts, each with its own USDC. The USDCs are the federal trial courts where cases are tried, witnesses testify, and juries serve.

In the federal trial courts, the broadest judicial responsibility is given to district judges.

District judges conduct a wide range of judicial proceedings, including jury trials, and sometimes appeals from bankruptcy judges. Proceedings occur in both civil and criminal cases. Only district judges are authorized to conduct felony criminal trials.

Typically, one to five district judges are located in small- to medium-sized court facilities;

however, in several large metropolitan areas, 15 or more district judges are located in a single facility. Generally, one trial courtroom is required for each district judgeship.

Magistrate and bankruptcy judges assist district judges by conducting some of the proceedings in the federal trial courts.

Magistrate judges are appointed by the district judges to exercise jurisdiction in a narrower range of cases than district judges, as determined by statute and a delegation of authority from district judges. Magistrate judges hear preliminary matters in criminal cases and try minor criminal cases. Under certain circumstances, magistrate judges may conduct the full range of proceedings in civil cases, up to and including jury trials. Bankruptcy judges are appointed by the circuit courts and have authority under federal bankruptcy law to act over all matters involving debtor-creditor relationships. Bankruptcy judges conduct a variety of civil hearings and, in very limited circumstances, may conduct civil jury trials.

Court of International Trade The geographic jurisdiction of the United States Court of International Trade extends throughout the United States. The court hears and decides cases that arise anywhere in the nation and is also authorized to hold hearings in foreign countries. There are nine judges assigned to the Court of International Trade. The types of cases the court is authorized to decide are limited and defined by the Constitution and specific laws enacted by the Congress. Headquartered in New York City, the Court of International Trade often conducts trials in U.S. courthouses in districts throughout the country.

Court of Federal Claims The United States Court of Federal Claims is a court of record with national jurisdiction.

The United States Court of Federal Claims was created in October 1982 by the Federal Courts Improvement Act pursuant to Article 1 of the United States Constitution. The court consists of 16 judges nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate for a term of 15 years. The Court of Federal Claims is authorized to hear primarily money claims founded upon the Constitution, federal statutes, executive regulations, or contracts, express or implied in fact, with the United States. The court is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Courts of Appeals Congress grouped the 94 USDCs into 12 regional circuits and a federal circuit and established within each circuit a single USCA. Litigants who lose in the USDC may appeal their case to the USCA, which reviews cases to see whether the trial judge correctly applied the law. The USCA also reviews cases decided by the tax court and various federal agencies, such as the National Labor Relations Board. The USCA is the final stop for most litigation in the federal system. There are currently 179 circuit judges authorized to review cases in the 13 circuits, including the federal circuit. Typically, one to five circuit judges are located in a few cities in the various circuits. Occasionally, many more judges are housed in a single location. Only one headquarters courtroom (en banc courtroom) exists within each circuit. One or more auxiliary, or panel, courtrooms may be located throughout each circuit.

Most federal court facilities, however, do not house circuit judges or courtrooms.

U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 1-5 Introduction and The Federal Court System|

Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is unique among the 13 Circuit Courts of Appeals. It has nationwide jurisdiction in a variety of subject areas, including international trade, government contracts, patents, trademarks, certain money claims against the United States government, federal personnel, veterans’ benefits, and public safety officers’ benefits claims. Appeals to the court come from all federal district courts, the United States Court of Federal Claims, the United States Court of International Trade, and the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The court has 12 active judges who are appointed for life by the President. The court is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

The Supreme Court The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the nation. Cases from the 13 appellate courts and the highest courts of each state can be appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is not required to hear every case brought before it. In fact, each year the Supreme Court agrees to hear a small fraction of the appeals presented. The courtroom and other facilities for the nine Supreme Court justices are located in the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. Design criteria for the Supreme Court are not included in the Design Guide.

Administration of the Federal Courts National-level policies for federal courts are established by a standing body of federal judges called the Judicial Conference of the United States.