Design and Construction Challenges of a Federal Laboratory Building: A Case Study

Abstract

This paper presents a case study regarding design and construction challenges of a federal laboratory building. The case study illustrates the successful collaboration of two federal agencies, General Services Administration (GSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Creative methods were used to resolve complex design, construction, and budgetary issues. This paper describes lessons learned from a specific laboratory project on issues such as: A master plan and its role in locating secure laboratory buildings, site planning issues, contracting mechanisms, building security, energy, project development, design and construction excellence, and funding. Although CDC and GSA approved the release of this paper, the authors offer a disclaimer that the opinions and conclusions drawn in the papers are those of the authors, and are not necessarily shared by the CDC and GSA.