Our Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

SITUATION:

UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST) is an internationally recognized research institution located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the nation’s top fishing port. SMAST’s cutting-edge programs emphasize interdisciplinary basics to applied marine sciences and development of innovative technologies.

With a goal to bring together the marine science activities of the university in one location, UMass Dartmouth decided to build a new, 64,500 state-of-the art square foot facility. Closely collaborating with architect Ellenzweig, and project manager Hill International, BOND provided preconstruction and construction management at-risk services for the new SMAST building. The new facility supports the largest marine science program in the UMass system.

CHALLENGES:

  • Construction within an occupied campus
  • Working in a residential neighborhood
  • Working directly on the shoreline, within a flood zone
  • Managing asbestos abatement
  • Working within a defined budget, with the constraints of a compressed project schedule
  • Performing the work as a CM at Risk defined under MA General Law Chapter 149A
  • Obtaining 10.4% MBE/WBE participation requirements

SOLUTIONS:

  • Use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) during the Preconstruction Phase
  • Utilize value management principles to explore the project objectives and aspirations from the client’s perspective
  • Work closely with the OPM and the design team during preconstruction to resolve potential problems early in the planning stages
  • Partner with the project team, fine-tuning the project’s specifications to best suit the project needs
  • Use of laser scanning and precise digital layout of coordinated penetrations to ensure every item is installed properly
  • Careful selection of subcontractors filling the MBE/WBE requirements

RESULTS:

  • Consolidated space for students, faculty and staff of the Marine Science program, featuring wet labs, dry labs, and a seawater lab
  • Advanced features ensure regulated temperatures enabling SMAST scientists to conduct experiments across all seasons
  • LEED Silver certified building opened on-time for Fall 2017 semester