Challenge Design-Build Project Delivery Addressed

GSA chose a design-build delivery approach to minimize risks related to design and construction coordination by having a single point of accountability for both components.

Summary

The Hensel Phelps design-build team worked collaboratively with the General Services Administration (GSA), Social Security Administration (SSA) and JACOBS throughout the design and construction of the new National Support Center (NSC) to create a state-of-the-art facility with a commitment to innovation, sustainability and the stewardship of resources. The 300,000-square-foot facility, located in Urbana, Maryland, is comprised of a Data Center, Office Building, Facility Access Center, Warehouse, Service Yard and Energy Center and replaces the existing National Computer Center (NCC). The NCC facility had been plagued by an inadequate heating and cooling system, as well as an electrical system so old that spare parts were no longer available. Failure of these systems had the potential to shut down the NCC that houses 450 million earning records and benefit data for almost 56 million beneficiaries. The NSC project was of critical importance to the daily operations of our federal government and was deemed as one of highest priorities funded out of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Design-Build Team

Client/Owner: General Services Administration Region 3
Design-Builder: Hensel Phelps
Architects: Corgan, Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM)
Engineers: Thornton Tomasetti, Timmons Group
Specialty Contractors: Southland Industries, M.C. Dean Inc.
Other Key Professionals: Shockey Precast
Duration of Construction: 27 months
Project Cost: $208,089,847