PRDA Lab Building 3 Project Scope June 2024.docx

Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture Lab 3 Renovation

Project Background:

PRDA and USDA need renovations per bid documents prepared by Merrick, Inc. for Building 3 at the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture (PRDA) complex, near Dorado in north-central Puerto Rico. Building 3 is approximately 8,000 GSF and consists of two wings, one for administration offices and one for the laboratories; the Lab Wing was constructed in 1993 as a replacement of a smaller original wing.

1. Renovation Goals USDA and PRDA have ongoing operations in Building 3, though they do not currently work in every lab. During any part of the renovation, the following conditions must be met:

a. Laboratory operations shall continue during the renovations. Phased construction is required to ensure occupancy can be maintained.

b. For large-impact renovation items (e.g., power disruption, water connections, sprinklers), the building can be shut down only up to one week at a time. These disruptions shall be scheduled with USDA and PRDA in advance.

c. PRDA can vacate the building entirely during renovation of Areas A and E. However, USDA operations in the Lab Wing will continue throughout the project work.

Project Scope:

2. Renovation Areas Merrick has separated the building into five renovation areas to sufficiently compartmentalize the interior work in a manner that does not compromise the ongoing operations of the facility. The intent of the areas is to define an order of renovation for the contractor based on the infrastructure system zones. Areas of renovation must follow in the order of A to E.

The Contractor is required to prepare a renovation work plan for USDA/PRDA approval, documenting in detail the sequence of renovation, when spaces will be offline, and when they will be available for occupancy.

Diagram – Existing Floor Plan of Building 3 with the five proposed renovation Areas.

The Contractor is required to prepare a renovation work plan for USDA/PRDA approval, documenting in detail the sequence of renovation, when spaces will be offine, and when they will be available for occupancy.

Existing Floor Plan of Building 3 with the five proposed renovation Areas.

3. Renovation – Site & Exterior While FEMA reroofed the building and refinished the exterior envelope, the project will perform additional exterior upgrades, including new scuppers and roof flashing, sealed penetrations, and new windows for the Lab Wing. The main gate operator is planned for replacement and upgrades to be better protected from storms.

New water service will be provided to the building as required to install fire sprinklers. The existing storm piping was inspected in December 2023 to confirm integrity; initial findings conclude some leakage but no major breaks. Additional investigations of sanitary drains continued in spring 2024 with the final summary report still pending.

4. Renovation – Building-wide Systems A fire suppression system (sprinklers) will be added to the entire building. Hydrant flow tests concluded that fire pumps and water storage tanks are not required. Portable fire extinguishers compliant with NFPA 10 will also be added.

The existing HVAC systems will be completely replaced to meet laboratory ventilation requirements and current efficiency standards. The Lab Wing will have three new AHUs in the new configuration. The existing ductwork in the Office Wing could remain intact (Area E) if the renovation budget is limited at that late stage of the project. Pricing for this work in Area E shall be obtained with the proposal for this work as an add-alternate.

The existing power infrastructure will be completely upgraded, with new feeders, switch board, panels, circuit breakers, LED light fixtures, emergency lighting, and exit signs; these resolve current deficiencies and will comply with current efficiency standards. A new 300kW generator will be added under this project, and standby power will be provided throughout the Lab Wing. A new code-compliant addressable fire alarm system is designed, including heat detectors, pull stations, smoke detectors, Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) and annunciation devices.

5. Renovation – Area A Area A is the mechanical room and central corridor of the eastern Office Wing. Renovation scope includes installation of infrastructure to support new systems installed for Areas B-D in the Lab Wing. The ceiling will be salvaged and reinstalled after the infrastructure is installed. A new roof access ladder is added on the exterior of the building. A new cable bus for telecommunication is to be installed that will be routed through the corridor to the Lab Wing to connect new work to the existing telecommunication rooms in Area A. Access control backbone devices and conduit to be installed with actual devices furnished and installed by PRDA.

6. Renovation – Area B Area B focuses on Necropsy 131 in the Lab Wing, which currently is provided with cooling but no ventilation. The renovation scope includes upgrades to Necropsy 131, upgrades to the loading dock, replacement of the exterior window and door, replacement of the walk-in cooler, and the creation of an animal inspection room. The upgrades to building-wide systems – fire alarm, fire suppression, HVAC, telecommunication, and lighting—are also included. Security is being installed but only the backboxes and conduit as devices are being furnished and installed by PRDA. Power is being installed including a dedicated panel to feed only the Area B and corresponding room items as indicated.

7. Renovation – Area C Area C includes the renovation of the existing change rooms, a storage room, and the primary lab space used by USDA. The corridor area may need to be renovated first, last, or possibly in another stage to maintain ongoing operations; the change rooms will likely need to be renovated in sequence to maintain operations. The upgrades to building-wide systems –fire alarm, fire suppression, HVAC, lighting, telecommunication—are also included. Security is being installed but only the backboxes and conduit as devices are being furnished and installed by PRDA. Power is being installed including a dedicated panel to feed only the Area C and corresponding room items as indicated.

8. Renovation – Area D Area D includes the renovation of the existing mechanical room, lab support rooms, storage rooms, and three (3) lab suites. The corridor area may need to be renovated first, last, or possibly in another stage to maintain ongoing operations; the labs will likely need to be renovated in pairs to maintain operations. The upgrades to building-wide systems –fire alarm, fire suppression, HVAC, lighting, telecommunication—are also included. Security is being installed but only the backboxes and conduit as devices are being furnished and installed by PRDA. Power is being installed including a dedicated panel to feed only the Area D and corresponding room items as indicated.

9. Renovation – Area E Area E is the renovation of the eastern Office Wing and expansion of the central systems installed in the corridor. The renovation scope includes upgrades to the toilets, replacement of the ceilings and flooring, creation of the Quiet Room, and general repair of interior wall finishes. The upgrades to building-wide systems –fire alarm, fire suppression, HVAC, lighting—are also included. Telecommunications and power are to be reinstalling new items in existing backboxes as well as extending cable tray in Area A. Some of this scope could be deferred if the project budget is at risk late in the construction phase.

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