Convert B3162 to General Instruction Facility

This 21,355 sq. ft. project facilitates the move of the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Academy and the Joint C-UAS Academy to Fort Sill, a critical strategy for the joint C-UAS Training Academy Program.

Project Scope
The new facility includes classroom spaces, lecture spaces, multipurpose training, offices, and administrative support spaces. Two of the classroom spaces are compliant with Open Secret Storage (OSS) requirements.

The scope of work includes upgrading existing infrastructure and systems as well as adding new infrastructure and systems to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations for the functionality of the facility. Infrastructure that requires upgrades is building structural system, ABA accessibility compliance, life safety and fire protection compliance, and ability for the structure to adapt to the new electrical system, information system, mechanical and plumbing systems.

New systems within the facility include a video surveillance system, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Energy Monitoring and Control System (EMCS), as well as incorporating measures for cyber security.

Site work required securing the existing parking area with a new 7-foot chain-link and swing gates, along with new light poles for security lighting.

The contract also included design for Comprehensive Interior Design (CID) which included Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E) and Audio-Visual (A/V) Systems that were later added to the construction contract by modification.

Design charrettes
We conducted a design kickoff meeting with all of the project stakeholders where the Basis of Design was presented and discussed. During these discussions it was determined that the User Group required OSS capabilities in accordance with Army Information Security Program (AR 380-5) requirements in two of the classrooms. Our team worked with the Design-Build (DB) contractor and Tulsa District to determine a technical solution for the contractor to price and negotiated a change order quickly into the contract. We were able to maintain the design schedule and incorporate this requirement into each design submittal.

Concept designs
Our team developed conceptual designs and a Design Analysis to delineate the project's design objectives, assumptions, and associated calculations. The contract also included design for CID which included FF&E and A/V Systems that were later added to the construction contract by modification.

Planning and scheduling management
The planning and scheduling management process involved the use of project management software to create timelines, allocate resources, and track progress. This included defining milestones, setting deadlines, and coordinating tasks among various teams to ensure the project stayed on schedule.

Preparing drawings and specifications
Drawings and specifications were prepared to communicate the design intent and technical requirements of the B3162 conversion project. These documents included detailed architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings, as well as utilizing SpecsIntact software to develop technical specifications in UFGS format outlining materials, finishes, and construction methods.

Experience in providing quality designs consistent with the firm’s design quality management plan
Our team has a well established Integrated Design Process (IDP) outlining processes and procedures for ensuring the quality of design deliverables. This includes measures such as peer reviews, quality control checks, and adherence to USACE and DOD standards.

Project Challenges
The B3162 conversion project was required to follow the concepts outlined in UFC 1-200-02 and meet the performance requirements of a High-Performance Sustainable Building, HPSB. UFC 1-200-02 requires Total Building Commissioning as Directed by Engineering Regulation ER- 1110-345-723. Whole Building analysis and Full Building Commissioning are required by these directives. Other documents referenced in the UFC and ER are ASHRAE Guideline 0, ASHRAE 202, NEBB Standard, and ACG Commissioning Guideline. Engineering Construction Bulletin 2015-6 is a companion to ASHRAE 202. The scope of work also required a structural assessment performed after demolition was complete to identify any concerns that were not visible during design. The assessment revealed several non-supported openings in the CMU that were made during previous renovations. The DB team worked together to develop economical solutions to address each area identified during the assessment.

Innovation
This building was unique from a life safety perspective in that the building's structural systems were load-bearing CMU and steel framing (non-combustible), but the roof structure and attic space were all wood framing (combustible). The attic space was considered non accessible but still required some type of fire protection because of the construction type. The attic was vented, so a traditional wet-pipe sprinkler system would require significant heating equipment to prevent pipe freezing. There was insufficient floor space to add a separate dry-pipe system. After much discussion and coordination with the USACE Fire Protection engineer, the team determined that applying an intumescent protective coating to the wood materials would be the most cost-effective approach to code compliance for the contractor.

Local Conditions
Fort Sill, OK, sits very centrally within the USACE Southwestern Division. Our deep understanding of this part of the country was essential for site planning, construction logistics, and ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations. Factors such as climate, terrain, and community concerns were taken into consideration for establishing long-term decisions and construction methods.