Category: US GSA

Source: United States General Services Administration

December 19, 2022

Expansion project to better support port operations and reduced vehicle crossing times

TACOMA, Wash. — The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced its selection of AECOM Technical Services, Inc., to provide construction management services for the expansion of the Pacific Highway Land Port of Entry (LPOE) in Blaine, Washington at the Canadian border. The $1,026,996 contract was funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

The Pacific Highway LPOE expansion project will modernize the port from its current configuration to better meet the needs of both nations. GSA plans to add four vehicle entry lanes to the port, further supporting the NEXUS program, which allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing. Additionally, the port will have enhanced secondary inspection capabilities, including six enlarged bays for vehicle inspections.

“We are excited to begin investing dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Washington’s land ports,” said Lisa K. Pearson, Acting Regional Commissioner for the GSA Public Buildings Service in the Northwest/Arctic Region. “The project at the Pacific Highway Land Port of Entry will enable our partners at U.S. Customs and Border Protection to better serve travelers entering Western Washington.”

GSA is responsible for constructing and maintaining LPOEs along the nation’s borders in partnership with and support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection and other federal inspection agencies. Through the BIL, GSA is modernizing LPOEs along the Canadian and Mexican borders. These upgrades will strengthen supply chains, create good-paying jobs, enhance safety and security, and provide other sustainable solutions to keep these ports operating efficiently and effectively for years to come.

Source: United States General Services Administration

December 19, 2022

Capital projects and retrofits aim to spur emerging technologies and boost demand for low-carbon construction materials

SAN LUIS, AZ – The U.S. General Services Administration today announced more than $300 million in construction and renovation projects funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, which President Biden signed in August. This first set of projects aims to catalyze clean energy innovation and spur domestic clean manufacturing by incorporating emerging technologies and low-carbon materials into construction and renovation projects at federal facilities across America. The funds, the first of $3.4 billion in GSA investments, will also accelerate efforts to achieve President Biden’s goal of a net-zero emissions federal building portfolio by 2045.

Administrator Robin Carnahan announced the projects during a visit to the San Luis I Land Port of Entry in Arizona, which will undergo a modernization and expansion with funding from both the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The former will provide approximately $100 million, allowing the project to plan for LEED Platinum certification and incorporate low-embodied carbon asphalt, concrete and steel, as well as emerging technologies and other measures to improve efficiency and reduce operational emissions. The project will improve traffic flow, increase operational security, and help agencies better address risks, combat drug trafficking, and more.

“The Inflation Reduction Act gives us a historic opportunity to supercharge GSA’s efforts to spur clean energy innovation and boost demand for cleaner, more sustainable construction materials manufactured right here in the United States,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan. “These projects will create good jobs in communities and put us another step closer to turning federal facilities in San Luis and across the country into high-tech, high-efficiency models of clean energy innovation.”

Also today, Administrator Carnahan visited Solterra Materials LLC, in Buckeye, Ariz., which supplied environmentally-preferable asphalt for GSA’s first completed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law project in June at another LPOE in Lukeville, Ariz. The San Luis and Lukeville projects are aligned with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Buy Clean Initiative, which promotes American-made construction materials with lighter environmental footprints.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, we’re moving forward on the clean, electrified federal buildings of tomorrow,” said White House Federal Chief Sustainability Officer Andrew Mayock. “As our country’s largest energy consumer, taking bold action to modernize the way we build, buy, and manage federal operations creates good paying jobs in places that need them and helps us reach our nation’s climate goals.”

“I was proud to help secure this $100 million investment for San Luis Land Port of Entry while shaping the Inflation Reduction law, building on the historic investments in Ports of Entry included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to strengthen Arizona’s border security and keep our communities safe and secure,” said Senator Kyrsten Sinema.

“One of my top priorities since being sworn into the U.S. Senate has been to secure the funding necessary to rebuild the San Luis I Port of Entry, and upgrade critical port of entry and border security infrastructure throughout Arizona. These investments will boost our economy, strengthen our supply chains, create jobs, and help stop the flow of illegal drugs. That’s why I worked with Republicans and Democrats to secure funding for our land Ports of Entry in the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, and worked with Administrator Carnahan to ensure all aspects of the San Luis I project were completed, thanks to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, our border personnel will be better equipped to expedite cross-border travel and trade while stopping illegal cargo,” said Senator Mark Kelly.

These first Inflation Reduction Act projects were selected based on their potential to maximize the use of low-embodied carbon asphalt, concrete, glass and steel — as well as emerging and sustainable technologies — in previously-approved construction projects. GSA estimates that this first round of projects will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 120,000 metric tons while reducing energy costs by $35 million over the next 20 years.

In addition to the San Luis Land Port of Entry project above, these projects are slated to receive Inflation Reduction Act funding as part of this initial round:

• Federal Center HHS-FDA Laboratory – Lakewood, CO. To replace an aging laboratory, approximately $80 million will go toward building a new, all-electric, high performance laboratory that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and use energy saving technologies like recapturing otherwise wasted heat from chillers. The site aims to be net zero with extensive use of solar panels. GSA is evaluating software controlled switch reluctance motors, a technology identified by the GSA Green Proving Ground program, for this project.
• John C. Kluczynski Federal Building – Chicago, IL. GSA plans to consolidate the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) entire Chicago real estate portfolio into two locations, the Kluczynski Federal Building and the nearby Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building, reducing their space by over 50 percent. The consolidation is expected to save HHS over $3.5 million in annual rent costs and dramatically improve space utilization. More than $3 million in Inflation Reduction Act funds will support new low-embodied carbon flat glass and other improvements. New technologies being evaluated include occupancy sensors and tubular LED lighting.
• Edward T. Gignoux U.S. Courthouse – Portland, ME. More than $3.2 million will support the Gignoux Courthouse renovation project with low-embodied carbon materials and emerging technologies. The overall project will repair and replace the building’s deficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, as well as the fire alarm system, with a new efficient system that reduces carbon and saves energy. GSA plans to install air-to-water heat pumps which will help convert the building’s HVAC system to all-electric power.
• Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building – Detroit, MI. The project will receive approximately $24 million to complete critical structural and related system upgrades to a rapidly deteriorating parking garage. The funding will allow for the incorporation of low-embodied carbon materials (asphalt, concrete and steel) and emerging technologies. GSA is studying converting the garage’s HVAC system to all-electric power and incorporating electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Courthouse – Kansas City, MO. This project will receive $61 million for materials to help the Whittaker Courthouse project reduce its embodied carbon footprint while improving efficiency and tenant satisfaction. GSA will replace the deteriorating curtain wall, including windows and seals. GSA plans to install new low-embodied carbon glass windows over 100,000 square feet of curtain wall.
• Frank E. Moss U.S. Courthouse – Salt Lake City, UT. More than $23 million will go to the Frank E. Moss U.S. Courthouse for low-embodied carbon materials and other improvements. The overall project will: address seismic and structural deficiencies; upgrade mechanical and HVAC systems; provide new and repaired floor, wall and ceiling finishes in areas impacted by seismic retrofits; and address electrical and lighting issues. GSA will then move federal agencies from leased space into this building. As part of this project, GSA is evaluating converting the entire building to all-electric power, and making this a net zero operational emissions building.
• Lewis F. Powell, Jr., U.S. Courthouse – Richmond, VA. With an investment of approximately $7 million, the Powell Courthouse renovation project seeks to incorporate low-embodied carbon glass to repair and replace windows, eliminate leaks, and increase energy efficiency. Those upgrades will help avoid over 1,400 metric tons of emissions — equivalent to taking 300 cars off the road. The overall project involves replacement and repair of deteriorated components of the roof, gutters and storm drain pipes to eliminate leaks and stop resulting interior damage, while adding fall protection safety features.

GSA also plans to use Inflation Reduction Act funding for two investments totaling about $18 million for Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) that support deep energy retrofits for several federal buildings. These investments will leverage private sector funding to catalyze a total investment of about $38 million, and are estimated to save taxpayers about $55 million over their performance periods.

• Projects at 12 federal buildings in Louisiana and Texas aim to include energy conservation measures such as new chillers, chiller improvements, high efficiency transformers, heating, ventilation and air conditioning system improvements, building automation system enhancements, solar panels, and new window insulation panels. These projects aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 34 percent or over 6 million metric tons.
• Projects at four federal buildings in Ohio plan to include energy conservation measures such as lighting upgrades, chiller and electric boiler replacements, and building automation system enhancements. These projects target reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 30 percent or over 1.5 million metric tons.

Overall, the Inflation Reduction Act provides GSA with $2.15 billion for low-embodied carbon materials for construction projects; $975 million to support emerging and sustainable technologies; and $250 million for measures to convert federal facilities into High Performance Green Buildings.

GSA estimates that the $3.4 billion it will invest will create over 9,500 average annual economy-wide jobs across the length of the projects, support $2.8 billion in labor income, and generate nearly $1 billion in tax revenue for federal, state and local governments. In total, Inflation Reduction Act investments from GSA are expected to help drive an estimated avoidance of more than 2.5 million metric tons of emissions and $720 million in cost avoidance over the next 20 years.

To read more about GSA and the Inflation Reduction Act visit: www.gsa.gov/InflationReductionAct

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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.

Source: United States General Services Administration

December 12, 2022

BOSTON – The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded a contract for the design of a new Land Port of Entry at Highgate Springs, Vermont. This project is funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The $13.8 million contract was awarded to Davis Brody Bond LLP in a joint venture with Spacesmith LLP, a woman-owned Architect/Engineer firm. Both companies are based in New York City. Davis Brody Bond has a portfolio encompassing cultural, academic, research and civic projects, with a focus on innovative solutions to complex design challenges. Spacesmith is an architecture, planning, and interior design firm with an emphasis on craftsmanship, heightened service and design excellence.

The scope of the contract award is to design a new Land Port of Entry capable of handling the increased traffic expected when Canada completes construction of its Autoroute A35, which will connect to U.S. Interstate 89 at Highgate Springs. The overall project will modernize the Highgate Springs port, one of the busiest land ports of entry in New England.

“America’s land ports are vital to our economy and our security, with billions of dollars in goods and services crossing our borders each and every day,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan, who visited the site in September 2021. “The investments created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are a historic opportunity to modernize our land ports in ways that will create good-paying jobs and strengthen supply chains, while enhancing safety and security.”

When completed, the new port will improve public and U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Customs and Border Protection officer safety, as well as expedite crossing times for the traveling public and businesses that rely on binational commerce.

“The Highgate Springs border crossing is integral to communities on both sides of the border, and I am delighted that it will continue to receive the federal investment it needs to meet the modern demands of our economy and national security,” said Senator Patrick Leahy (Vermont), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “As Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I have worked to support programs that will improve the border crossing experience, grow local economies, and keep us safe.”

“The Highgate Springs port is more than just a secure, welcoming gateway to our country,” Region 1 Public Buildings Service Commissioner and Acting Regional Administrator Glenn C. Rotondo said. “It is intrinsic to the fabric of life and community along the New England border with Canada. We are excited for the opportunity to partner with our federal partners and begin the process to improve this facility, and the economic prospects this project will bring to the region.”

GSA’s goal is to provide long-lasting and durable buildings which are sustainable and climate resilient, with low maintenance and operating costs. Additionally, these buildings will be highly functional, technologically efficient and flexible while providing a welcoming gateway into and out of the United States.

About GSA:
GSA provides centralized procurement for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet and overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services across government, in support of the Biden-Harris administration’s priorities. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.

Source: United States General Services Administration

December 9, 2022

GSA Contact: william.powell@gsa.gov

Courts Contact: Peter_Welsh@pamd.uscourts.gov

PHILADELPHIA – Today, the U.S. General Services Administration and the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania cut the ribbon on the new Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse in midtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The new courthouse features eight courtrooms and 11 chambers and is anticipated to be substantially complete in winter 2023.

“The building and its surrounding landscape will be a civic icon and public space that serves as a catalyst for further revitalization of the area while promoting stronger visual and physical links to the Capitol Complex and the rest of Harrisburg,” said Judge Rambo. “As we gather here today, we commemorate the dedication of this building as a United States Courthouse to the ever-vital role that the federal judiciary plays in our democracy.”

Judge Rambo is one of a few living women to have a courthouse named after her. The Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse is only the third, following the Sandra Day O’Connor U.S. Courthouse in Phoenix, Arizona (2000), and the Diana E. Murphy U.S. Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minnesota (2019).

“We are thrilled to be at the finish line for this beautiful building,” said GSA’s PBS Commissioner Nina Albert. “The Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse will meet the needs of people who work in and visit this building, which includes sustainable features, impressive design and reflects a strong partnership among GSA, the Courts, and the City of Harrisburg to bring a modern courthouse to the city.”

“Our nation’s great experiment in democracy is a legacy that belongs to every single American,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “The judicial branch upholds the laws of our nation. It upholds the rights Americans hold dear. I am glad to be here to mark the completion of this incredible facility, which will serve Pennsylvanians and our nation’s courts as we grow into the future. This new courthouse will be a center of justice and democracy, and the people who walk its halls every day will continue the work of upholding the laws of this nation and the rights of its residents. Thank you to everyone who commits themselves to this important work here in Pennsylvania.”

“Judge Sylvia Rambo advocated tirelessly for the new federal courthouse’s planning, construction, and funding. Her trailblazing career inspired future generations of woman lawyers in Pennsylvania and beyond, and I can think of no better tribute than naming the building in her honor,” said U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). “I was proud to work closely with Judge Rambo and a bipartisan group of Pennsylvania lawmakers to secure federal funding to complete this state-of-the-art courthouse for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.”

The building includes two GSA Art in Architecture commissions. Monique van Genderen’s 250-foot mural, “I Thought of You…the People’s Painting,” is front and center in the lobby, visible from the street and rolling through the space reminiscent of the nearby Susquehanna River. Van Genderen said her work was “to transport the viewer to a space apart from our everyday reality, a space that speaks to our individuality and commonality at the same time.”

The mural was completed in October 2022. When touring the facility at the time, GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan met Judge Rambo and interviewed van Genderen.

The second commission, Claire Sherman’s eight painting series “Trees and Vines,” will be installed on floors 3-10. The compositions of the paintings on the lower floors are denser with foliage, while the paintings on the upper floors reveal progressively larger areas of open sky. Installation is estimated for spring 2023.

The courthouse occupies four acres at 6th and Reily streets. Tenants of this new courthouse will be the U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit, Middle District of Pennsylvania, along with U.S. Attorneys, Federal Public Defender, GSA, Dept. of Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Trustees.

Ennead Architects designed the courthouse, Mascaro Construction is the general contractor for the building, and Hill International provided construction management services.

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About GSA: We provide centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. Our mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @US_GSAR3.

Source: United States General Services Administration

December 7, 2022

Contact: tanya.schusler@gsa.gov

CHICAGO – The U.S. General Services Administration will host a public scoping meeting in support of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to address the expansion and modernization of the International Falls Land Port of Entry (LPOE) in northern Minnesota on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6-8 p.m. CT.

This meeting will provide project information and solicit public input on what resources and issues are most important. That input will help determine the scope and content of the SEIS.

Members of the public may attend in-person or virtually, and a GSA staff member will assist virtual attendees in providing comments. The event will be at the Koochiching County Court Administration Building, 715 4th Street, 3rd floor, International Falls, Minnesota, and webcast via Zoom.

The International Falls LPOE is owned and managed by GSA and operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This facility serves as the port of entry to travelers crossing the international bridge that connects to the town of Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada. CBP currently inspects private vehicular, pedestrian, and commercial truck traffic at the LPOE on the U.S.-Canada Border.

This SEIS will serve as an update to the International Falls LPOE Improvements Study Final Environmental Impact Statement, released in 2011. Since 2011, GSA has identified changes to the project, which differ from the preferred alternative described in the 2011 EIS. The SEIS will examine the impacts on human, natural, and cultural environments from potential improvements at the LPOE, including site expansion (up to approximately 20 acres), demolition, and new construction.

Members of the public who do not have access to a personal computer may join the meeting by calling 646-931-3860, entering Meeting ID 817 8441 8631 and the pound (#) key, and then pressing # again when prompted for a participant ID. Dialing into the meeting is only necessary if you are not accessing the meeting through a personal computer or mobile app, or if you would like to provide oral comments during the meeting but do not have a computer microphone.

The meeting will include a presentation followed by a public comment session, in which both in-person and virtual attendees may participate. Those not able to attend in person or virtually may submit comments via mail or e-mail as instructed below. All written or verbal comments will be treated with equal importance.

In order to be considered during the preparation of the draft SEIS, comments must be received by January 13, 2023. Comments may be submitted at the scoping meeting, by email to michael.gonczar@gsa.gov (include “International Falls SEIS Scoping Comment” in subject line), or mailed to:

ATTN: Michael Gonczar, International Falls LPOE SEIS
U.S. General Services Administration, Region 5
230 S. Dearborn St., Suite 3600
Chicago, IL 60604

For more information or if special assistance is needed to participate in the public scoping meeting, contact Michael Gonczar, GSA Region 5 NEPA program manager, at 312-810-2326 or michael.gonczar@gsa.gov.

WHAT: Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Public Scoping Meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6-8 p.m. CT.
WHERE: 715 4th Street, 3rd floor, International Falls, MN 56649.
WHO: General public.
HOW: Virtual meeting option: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/31. A GSA staff member will be available to assist the public in providing public comments via the virtual platform.

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About GSA: We provide centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. Our mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.