For the highly publicized project executed through the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Office of Safety, Infrastructure and Operations (NA-50) Pilot Program, LLNS turned to Burns & McDonnell for design-build services to successfully deliver the new EOC. Our professional engineering team will provide initial survey and geotechnical investigation through schematic design and released for construction drawings. Our internal construction design-build team will collaboratively provide constructability reviews and lead the construction efforts through commissioning and final turnkey turnover. RMW Architecture & Interiors was also a partner on the project.
To align with client program goals, this design-build project is being fast‑tracked, using two separate design packages. Package one is the early civil, foundation and preliminary structural package, while package two includes the remaining detailed design and system components. This allows the design‑build team to streamline the permitting and approval process to break ground within six months of award, while building system components are finalized. With this approach, the project team aligns with LLNS for a streamlined approach to complete the project earlier than originally expected.
The new single-story, 20,550- square‑foot, fully secured EOC facility is strategically located on a greenfield site in the laboratory buffer area, prompting a unique security requirement. This includes realigning the perimeter fence and providing controlled perimeter security measures to allow accessibility and parking for general access from the north and secure turnstile laboratory access from the south and east. Exterior landscape site improvement supports the use of sustainable features and aligns with LLNS goals to soften the facility appearance and redefine the face of the laboratory.
Site improvements will include grading, bioretention swales and 100-year stormwater improvements, asphalt‑paved parking areas, mobile command vehicle parking with power, electric vehicle charging stations, concrete sidewalks, site lighting and associated utilities, and an outdoor collaboration space. Additional security measures will feature setbacks and passive landscaped vehicle barriers to soften the bunkerlike feel, while the public‑facing exterior wall will provide hardened protection.
Inside, security vestibules at each building entrance will provide physical protection and allow for airtightness during positive pressurization. The EOC operations room will be equipped with a fully functional turnkey emergency operations system.
The new EOC is designed to meet certified LEED Gold requirements, and expected delivery of the project is February 2022, approximately eight months of ahead of schedule. The new turnkey facility will support LLNS’s mission by consolidating critical emergency management operations into one central facility. The facility will be habitable, capable of surviving initial effects of disaster, and self‑sustainable for 24-hour operations during emergency conditions for up to 72 hours.
In addition to addressing the unique design challenges of this facility, the team continues to make progress on the project, maintain project schedule and meet client expectations despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and weather delays.
