FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Mike Dorman, Director of Engineering
SUBJECT:
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NEW LABORATORY FACILITY, PROJECT NO. J-133
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
A. Award a Progressive Design-Build Contract with Sundt Construction, Inc., to provide Phase 1 progressive design-build services for the New Laboratory Facility, Project No. J-133, for an amount not to exceed $8,496,991; and
B. Approve an upper limit for this Contract of $9,346,690, which includes a 10% contingency for Phase 1 services.
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BACKGROUND
Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) operates the existing Water Quality Testing Laboratory at Plant No. 1, which supports regulatory compliance and environmental testing activities. In 2021, OC San initiated a study comparing rehabilitation of the existing laboratory with construction of a new facility. The study was completed in 2023 and concluded that construction of a new laboratory was the more efficient and cost-effective long-term approach.
The evaluation considered the additional space needed to support increased regulatory testing requirements, need for seismic upgrades, replacement of aging building systems, and the impacts of renovation during ongoing laboratory operations. The existing laboratory is approximately 36,000 square feet, while the proposed replacement facility is approximately 56,000 square feet.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
Comply with environmental permit requirements
Ensure the public’s money is wisely spent
Protect public safety
Maintain a culture of improving efficiency to reduce the cost to provide the current service level or standard
PROBLEM
The existing Water Quality Testing Laboratory at Plant No. 1 was constructed in 1991 and has numerous building code and seismic deficiencies. Major building and utility systems are also approaching the end of their useful lives and require significant ...
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