Edward Hines, Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, Illinois
Building 37 Consolidated Mail Order Pharmacy Renovation
Project Size and Scope: This $6.5 million, 70,000 square foot project comprised a major, multi-phased renovation of the office and warehouse facilities of a regional 24/7 pharmaceutical distribution center for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Project scope included all labor, materials, supervision, coordination and environmental protection to provide an entirely new floor plan for relocation of existing, in-use pharmacy spaces. This required demolition of existing MEP infrastructure, and installation of completely new plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical systems. Work included new diesel electric generators, three rooftop HVAC units, new sanitary system pumps and utility connections, new offices, conference rooms, cafeteria, locker and storage facilities. Final interior finishes were installed by Opcon and coordinated with office furniture and cubicles that were supplied and installed by the owner.
Opcon’s Role: As General Contractor (Prime), Opcon provided all construction budget, schedule, phasing and coordination services, and self-performed installation of doors, frames, and special accessories.
Primary Challenges: Three major challenges were encountered:
- This project required that demolition and construction be performed while existing, occupied spaces were in use. The work was divided into multiple phases, each of which required substantial completion before beginning a subsequent phase. The CMOP 24/7 work schedule allowed only limited access and time to assure internal security, protect adjacent areas, and perform construction.
- Existing building conditions did not always match architectural drawings due to owner-deferred projects, revised personnel relocation sequencing, or demolition discovery. This resulted in numerous project phasing revisions and scope adjustments.
- Disconnecting and bringing online entirely new plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems without a significant disruption of the client’s operations required precise coordination between the utilities and the installing trades. Each of these situations was addressed through daily communication and planning between the client, superintendent and project manager.
Successful Outcomes: Opcon delivered the project within the original schedule (nearly four months ahead of the revised schedule) and approximately four percent below the original budget. This included consideration of 19 owner-generated changes in project scope based on 53 Requests for Information.
Testimonials:
“Clay: I really appreciate the level of professionalism your crew displays on a daily basis. Steve Carlson is an AWESOME superintendent and really knows how to keep a project on schedule, no matter what obstacles are impressed upon him. I get nothing but praise from our personnel about him and the work he is leading his crew to complete. One example that sticks out in my mind is not from our staff, it was from the controls contractor. He said “working with OPCON is a night and day difference than working with other firms; no matter what date I give them for a deadline, IT IS ALWAYS MET, and NO MATTER WHAT I ASK THEM FOR, IT IS ALWAYS READY FOR ME. Well done.” Mike Rosso is an incredible project management asset; the pair of them seems to really gel. I enjoy working with both of them and am positive their success and efficient work in my building is a direct result of their great working relationship. Thank you again. Great job.”
Opcon client and subcontractor regarding a hospital facility renovation
“In eight years of managing construction projects at this agency, I have not worked with a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business that was more prepared than Opcon. Their preparation day-to-day on the job site and during bi-weekly project status meetings is outstanding. I have rated Opcon performance as ‘Superior’ in seven categories, the most important of which is ‘in satisfying the requirements of the customer’.”
Opcon client Past Performance Evaluation regarding a hospital facility renovation
Photo: www.dieteticinternship.va.gov