LIVERMORE, California — Focused on strengthening the nation’s critical infrastructure, Burns & McDonnell joined the National Nuclear Security Administration, Lawrence Livermore National Security, RMW Architects and Interiors, Forell/Elsesser Structural Engineers and RHAA Landscape Architects on Sept. 29 to break ground on two new facilities, an emergency operations center (EOC) and a multiuse office building at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in northern California.

The 100% employee-owned firm will provide design and construction services for the new EOC and multiuse office building within the next year. The two critical facilities will be integral additions to the federal research laboratory’s 640-acre campus, which serves to facilitate the safety, security and reliability of the nation’s nuclear deterrent. The new office space will also offer an enhanced area for collaboration with both internal and external individuals and further promote the recruitment for talent.

“Burns & McDonnell has a proud legacy of supporting our nation’s energy and defense sectors for nearly 100 years,” says Matt Germann, regional Federal Group manager for Burns & McDonnell in California. “Our firm has worked with the Department of Energy at facilities nationwide since the 1950s, including several key projects at LLNL. These two new facilities further extend our unwavering commitment to support the Laboratory and strengthen our nation’s defense preparedness.”

The turnkey EOC complex will consolidate critical emergency management operations into one central facility capable of self-sustained, 24-hour operations during emergency conditions. Providing a user-friendly and convenient working environment, the new office building will support LLNL’s mission in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by offering a focal point where engineers,scientists and external organizations can collaborate. The new facilities are designed with the goal of achieving LEED Gold certification to support local and statewide sustainability efforts.

“Without a doubt, the most important component of a successful design-build project is cohesive teamwork,” says Kyle Beebe, regional Construction/Design-Build Group manager for Burns & McDonnell in California. “Our integrated teams are working together to deliver buildings that prioritize safety, quality and sustainability for years to come. We support more than 300 National Nuclear Security Administration projects annually and are excited to leverage a true core competency on LLNL’s behalf.”

Construction of the EOC is expected to be complete by February 2022, while the office building’s construction is slated to be complete by May 2021. Following completion of construction, Burns & McDonnell will provide a range of commissioning and startup services for both structures.  

Founded in 1952, LLNL was established at the height of the Cold War to meet urgent national security needs by advancing nuclear weapons’ science and technology. Today, the Laboratory’s science and engineering research is being applied to advance national efforts in counterterrorism, nonproliferation, defense, intelligence, energy and environmental security.

Throughout its history, Burns & McDonnell has completed more than 50 operations center projects nationwide, including facilities for clients in the aviation, utility, network operations and military industries. As one of the top-10 design-build firms in the U.S., Burns & McDonnell has a demonstrated history of success in design-build/EPC delivery. The firm also ranks among the top 10 design firms in California by Engineering-News Record.

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