After initial award, the USGS revised the scope of the planned facility. BlueScope Construction (BSC) did extensive interviews with building users to re-evaluate and re-program the facility from the original RFP, with minimal impact on the original completion date. The new facility, designed and constructed by BSC includes research laboratories, laboratory support space, offices, office support and storage facilities–all designed to obtain a LEED Silver certification from the US Green Building Council. Because the facility is located on an existing USGS campus, the building was designed to fit in with the surrounding facilities.

Project scope included a one of a kind wet lab, special exhaust systems with custom made polypropylene hoods, site utilities, surface parking lots, and demolition of existing structures. A generator for 100% back-up power and the building automation system (BAS) was integrated into the existing campus BAS. All work needed to be performed on a functional working facility, with no impact to ongoing activities. Work continued in the existing facilities until all personnel transferred to the new facility. At that time, demolition started on the old structures.

Other features include metals, wet, microbiology, river studies, and ecology labs, private and shared offices and open office work stations. Also, halar coated duct work due to the corrosive environment and a special exhaust system with acetone sniffers to alert and eliminate exposure. Green features include solar orientation of facility, a roof with high solar reflectance, natural day lighting, natural ventilation, low flow high efficiency plumbing, recycled content, site storm water retainage system and low-emitting material finishes.