ST-111 Building Engineering Services

The Building Engineering Services Branch provides architectural and engineering planning, design, and technical services related to BLM buildings. These buildings may be related to administration, recreational use, historical sites, or fire services.

Integral parts of the Building Engineering Branch mission are (1) accessibility, (2) architectural design, (3) electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering, and (4) interior design.

Accessibility

Branch professionals work with our customers to ensure that all new facilities are fully accessible to people with disabilities, and that all existing facilities, especially those undergoing remodeling or retrofitting, meet certain requirements regarding accessibility. Emphasis is on:

• Interpretation and clarification of the technical requirements of the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).
• Review construction documents (specifications and/or drawings) of existing or planned buildings and recreation sites for conformance with UFAS and ADAAG, as well as the International Building Code.
• Prepare reports, including drawings, narratives, and construction cost estimates, outlining measures to improve accessibility and code compliance.

Principle point of contact is:

Frank Ciesel
(303)236-1158
frank_ciesel@blm.gov

Architectural Design

The Branch provides planning and design solutions for BLM buildings and administrative sites. Emphasis is on:

• Development of designs for new sites as well as designs for renovations and additions.
• Prepare contract documents, including bid schedules, drawings, specifications and cost estimates.
• Identify and document customer needs; analyze and develop site-specific solutions; select materials and systems; estimate project costs; develop computer-aided design drawings; and review designs prepared by others.
• Prepare feasibility studies, site studies, conceptual plans, and master plans for recreation and administrative projects.
• Inspect and review submittals from contractors to determine applicable code or design compliance.
• Inspect existing buildings to determine safety and rehabilitation requirements and prepare full reports with findings and recommendations.

The point of contact is:

Tom Busch
(303)236-1155
Tom_busch@blm.gov

Electrical, Mechanical, and Structural Engineering

The Branch provides services that are common to each of these disciplines, such as interdisciplinary planning (feasibility studies, site studies, conceptual plans, master plans); design development: preparation of final contract documents, including bid schedules, drawings, specifications, and cost estimates; inspection and review of submittals by contractors; and safety inspections and reports. In addition, a variety of other service specific to each discipline is provided:

• Electrical Engineering: The Branch develops or reviews site-specific solutions for power distribution systems, including isolated ground distribution systems for connecting computer and related equipment; interior and exterior lighting systems, including selecting replacement lamp and ballast types; control systems for pumps, HVAC, and other motor type systems; and fire detection and alarm and security systems.
• Mechanical Engineering: The Branch develops or reviews site-specific solutions for heating ventilating, and air conditioning systems; plumbing, water, and waste systems; and pipelines and well systems.
• Structural Engineering: The Branch develops site-specific structural designs relating to buildings (including roofs, walls, and foundation) and bridges (both substructure and superstructure).

The point of contact is:

Tom Busch
(303)236-1155
tom_busch@blm.gov