Land Development, Site Planning, & Design
- INS DHS/U.S. Border Patrol Stations
Calais, Jackman, & Van Buren, Maine
the challenge Post 9/11 the staff of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection was dramatically increased and consequently a major building program was undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to build or upgrade facilities to accommodate the enlarged staff. The New England District challenged the Bioengineering Group, and its large business subcontractor, to provide the fast track design for three U.S. Border Patrol Stations for construction in Jackman, Calais, and Van Buren, ME that were essential to enhancing border security.
the interdisciplinary approach To save time and money, the Bioengineering Group elected to design one common building and site-adapt the building to each of the three unique sites. A design charrette was convened to establish the core programming for the building and to agree on a conceptual layout and design approach. These facilities were designed to operate 24/7 and include support facilities such as on-site fueling stations, helipads, storage and maintenance facilities for watercraft, an emergency power generation system, and a garage with integrated maintenance facilities. The patrol stations are designed as secure facilities with limited access via card readers, full coverage surveillance cameras, and threat alarms since they serve as booking, interrogation, and detention facilities as well as the base of operations for patrol agents.
LEED design principles were incorporated in both site and building design as were DHS security standards for such facilities. Fuel systems were provided with inventory control and integrated into the nationwide fuel management program. To manage stormwater on the site, we applied Low Impact Development (LID) approaches including bioinfiltration basins, bioswales, and treatment wetlands adapted to cold climate conditions with frost depths that exceeded six feet. Fuel storage and underground piping was equipped with double containment plus integral leak detection and alarm systems. Site drainage was designed to provide tertiary containment of spills and Spill Prevention and Control Countermeasures (SPCC) Plans were developed for each site.
The Bioengineering Group provided engineering and landscape architecture services and produced construction plans and SPECSINTACT specifications as well as MCACES cost estimates. Work also included participation in a VE study and supported the development of construction bid packages. We also provided permitting services and prepared the submittals that were promptly approved to obtain all permits.
the results The Bioengineering Group successfully managed a large business subcontractor, completed all tasks on schedule and obtained all necessary permits on a rigid schedule, allowing the $18 million construction program to proceed without delays that would have impacted an already short construction season. These new facilities provide the Border Patrol agents with much needed new bases of operations, but also serve to demonstrate that a small 8(a) firm can successfully manage a larger subcontractor, meet budgets and deadlines, and produce high quality work products on sensitive and high priority projects.