Lab renovation, Dorado, Puerto Rico

Background

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is seeking renovations for Building 3 at the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture (PRDA) complex located near Dorado in north-central Puerto Rico. Building 3, which is approximately 8,000 GSF, consists of two wings: one for administration offices and another for laboratories. The Lab Wing was constructed in 1993 to replace a smaller original wing. The goal of this contract is to facilitate necessary renovations while maintaining ongoing laboratory operations. Work Details: The renovation project involves multiple tasks categorized into five distinct areas (A to E) to ensure that laboratory operations can continue during construction. Key tasks include: 1. **Renovation Goals**: Maintain laboratory operations during renovations with phased construction; limit disruptions to one week for significant renovation items; allow PRDA to vacate during specific renovations while USDA operations continue. 2. **Renovation Areas**: The contractor must prepare a detailed renovation work plan for USDA/PRDA approval, outlining the sequence of work and occupancy timelines. 3. **Site & Exterior Renovations**: Additional exterior upgrades including new scuppers, roof flashing, sealed penetrations, new windows for the Lab Wing, and replacement of the main gate operator. New water service will be installed for fire sprinklers. 4. **Building-wide Systems**: Installation of a fire suppression system throughout the building; complete replacement of HVAC systems; upgrade of existing power infrastructure including new feeders and a 300kW generator; installation of a new fire alarm system. 5. **Area A Renovation**: Focus on mechanical room and central corridor with infrastructure installation for new systems. 6. **Area B Renovation**: Upgrades to Necropsy 131 including ventilation improvements, loading dock upgrades, and creation of an animal inspection room. 7. **Area C Renovation**: Renovation of change rooms and primary lab space with necessary upgrades to building-wide systems. 8. **Area D Renovation**: Renovation of mechanical room and lab suites with system upgrades. 9. **Area E Renovation**: Upgrades to toilets, ceilings, flooring, and creation of a Quiet Room along with system enhancements. Place of Performance: The construction projects will be performed at Building 3 within the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture complex near Dorado, Puerto Rico.