NISTIR 7941

Forensic Science Laboratories: 

Handbook for Facility Planning, 

Design, Construction, and Relocation

James Aguilar, AIA

Stantec Architecture, Inc. 

Tom Barnes

 Oregon State Police 

Joseph Browne 

Alison Kennedy 

Romeo Miranda 

Shannan Williams

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. 

Yvette Burney

Scientific Investigation Division 

Los Angeles Police Department 

John Byrd

Central Identification Laboratory 

Joint POW/MIA Accounting 

Command 

Bonnie Carver 

Jim McClaren 

Russell McElroy

McClaren, Wilson & Lawrie, Inc. 

Adam Denmark 

Michael Mount

SmithGroupJJR 

Susan Halla 

Lou Hartman 

Kenneth Mohr

Crime Lab Design 

Deborah Leben

United States Secret Service 

Greg Matheson

Los Angeles Police Department 

Steve Sigel

Virginia Department of Forensic 

Science 

Jennifer Smither 

Science Applications International 

Corporation

Melissa Taylor

Law Enforcement Standards Office 

Office of Special Programs 

Aliece Watts

Integrated Forensic Laboratories 

June 2013 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

Cameron F. Kerry, Acting Secretary 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Patrick D. Gallagher, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director

Cover photographs of the Johnson County, Kansas, Sheriff’s Office Criminalistics Laboratory taken by Joe Atchity and used 

with permission of Crime Lab Design, Inc. 
Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation 

Contents 

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CONTENTS

FIGURES...........................................................................................................................................................................................iv

TABLES ............................................................................................................................................................................................. v

Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................................................vi

BACKGROUND...............................................................................................................................................................................vi

PURPOSE .........................................................................................................................................................................................vi

SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY..........................................................................................................................................................vii

TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP..................................................................................................................................................vii

ABOUT THE SPONSORS...............................................................................................................................................................viii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...............................................................................................................................................................viii

DISCLAIMER ....................................................................................................................................................................................ix

1. Document Layout, Process, and Roles .....................................................................................................................................1

1.1 DOCUMENT LAYOUT............................................................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 PROCESS OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.3 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES................................................................................................................................................ 3

2. Planning .............................................................................................................................................................................................7

2.1 PLANNING PHASE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................................ 7

2.2 THE PLANNING PROCESS ...................................................................................................................................................... 8

2.2.1 INITIATE....................................................................................................................................................................... 8

2.2.2 RESOURCING .............................................................................................................................................................. 9

2.2.3 PROGRAMMING ....................................................................................................................................................... 11

2.3 PLANNING PROCESSES AND TOOLS .................................................................................................................................. 14

2.3.1 SPACE-TO-STAFF RATIOS ....................................................................................................................................... 14

2.3.2 ALTERNATIVE FUNDING OPTIONS........................................................................................................................ 15

2.3.3 PLANNING PHASE CHECKLIST .............................................................................................................................. 15

3. Design ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 16

3.1 DESIGN PHASE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................................................. 16

3.2 THE DESIGN PROCESS......................................................................................................................................................... 17

3.2.1 INITIATE.................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Contents 

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3.2.2 SCHEMATIC DESIGN................................................................................................................................................ 19

3.2.3 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT .......................................................................................................................................... 20

3.2.4 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS ............................................................................................................................. 22

3.3 DESIGN PROCESSES AND TOOLS ....................................................................................................................................... 22

3.3.1 BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM)........................................................................................................ 23

3.3.2 TECHNICAL LABORATORIES................................................................................................................................... 23

3.3.3 DESIGN PHASE CHECKLIST..................................................................................................................................... 23

4. Construction ................................................................................................................................................................................ 25

4.1 CONSTRUCTION PHASE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES................................................................................................... 25

4.2 THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS......................................................................................................................................... 26

4.2.1 INITIATE.................................................................................................................................................................... 27

4.2.2 CONSTRUCT............................................................................................................................................................ 29

4.2.3 POST-OCCUPANCY ................................................................................................................................................ 31

4.3 CONSTRUCTION PROCESSES AND TOOLS ....................................................................................................................... 32

4.3.1 CONTRACT TYPE AND PROCUREMENT OPTIONS .............................................................................................. 32

4.3.2 CONSTRUCTION PHASE CHECKLIST..................................................................................................................... 32

5. Relocation ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 33

5.1 RELOCATION PHASE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES......................................................................................................... 33

5.2 THE RELOCATION PROCESS............................................................................................................................................... 34

5.2.1 INITIATE.................................................................................................................................................................... 35

5.2.2 PLAN......................................................................................................................................................................... 36

5.2.3 RELOCATE................................................................................................................................................................ 38

5.3 RELOCATION PROCESSES AND TOOLS ............................................................................................................................. 39

5.3.1 VACATING A LABORATORY................................................................................................................................... 39

5.3.2 DECOMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS..................................................................................................................... 39

5.3.3 TRANSITION PROCESS ............................................................................................................................................ 39

5.3.4 RELOCATION PHASE CHECKLIST........................................................................................................................... 40

Glossary ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 42

Commonly Used Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................................... 47
Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation 

Contents 

iv

Appendix A: Standards, Regulations, and Other Guidance ................................................................................................... A-1

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations.......................................................................................................................B-1

Appendix C: Contract and Procurement Types ...................................................................................................................... C-1

Appendix D: Cost Considerations .............................................................................................................................................. D-1

Appendix E: Needs Assessment.................................................................................................................................................... E-1

Appendix F: Key Activities Checklists ......................................................................................................................................... F-1

Appendix G: Relocation Activities Checklists .......................................................................................................................... G-1

FIGURES

Figure 1-1: The forensic science laboratory Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation process............................2

Figure 1-2: Project team......................................................................................................................................................................3

Figure 2-1: Forensic science laboratory project Planning Phase................................................................................................8

Figure 2-2: Initiate stage of the Planning Phase..............................................................................................................................8

Figure 2-3: Resourcing stage of the Planning Phase....................................................................................................................10 

Figure 2-4: Programming stage of the Planning Phase................................................................................................................11 

Figure 2-5: Needs assessment process..........................................................................................................................................12

Figure 3-1: Forensic science laboratory project Design Phase................................................................................................17

Figure 3-2: Initiate stage of the Design Phase..............................................................................................................................17 

Figure 3-3: Schematic design stage of the Design Phase............................................................................................................19 

Figure 3-4: Increasing cost of changes as a function of time.....................................................................................................21 

Figure 3-5: Design development stage of the Design Phase.....................................................................................................21

Figure 3-6: Construction documents stage of the Design Phase.............................................................................................22

Figure 4-1: Forensic science laboratory project Construction Phase....................................................................................27 

Figure 4-2: Initiate stage of the Construction Phase..................................................................................................................27 

Figure 4-3: Construct stage of the Construction Phase............................................................................................................29 

Figure 4-4: Post-occupancy stage of the Construction Phase..................................................................................................31

Figure 5-1: Forensic science laboratory project Relocation Phase.........................................................................................34 
Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Contents 

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Figure 5-2: Initiate stage of the Relocation Phase.......................................................................................................................35 

Figure 5-3: Plan stage of the Relocation Phase............................................................................................................................37 

Figure 5-4: Relocate stage of the Relocation Phase....................................................................................................................38

TABLES

Table 1-1: Project Team Roles and Responsibilities Summary...................................................................................................4 

Table 2-1: Project Team Activities during Planning Phase...........................................................................................................7 

Table 2-2: Project Team Members.................................................................................................................................................12

Table 2-3: Average Space-to-Staff Ratios for Laboratories.......................................................................................................14

Table 2-4: Planning Phase Checklist...............................................................................................................................................15 

Table 3-1: Project Team Activities during Design Phase...........................................................................................................16

Table 3-2: Design Phase Checklist..................................................................................................................................................23 

Table 4-1: Project Team Activities during Construction Phase...............................................................................................26 

Table 4-2: Construction Phase Checklist......................................................................................................................................32

Table 5-1: Project Team Activities during Relocation Phase....................................................................................................34 

Table 5-2: Relocation Phase Checklist...........................................................................................................................................40 

Table C-1: Popular Contract Types.............................................................................................................................................C-1

Table C-2: Primary Contractor Selection Methods.................................................................................................................C-2

Table D-1: Laboratory Cost Components.................................................................................................................................D-1 

Table E-1: Key Elements of a Needs Assessment Report.......................................................................................................E-2 
Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation 

Introduction 

vi

INTRODUCTION

In November 1996, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s

(NIST) Law Enforcement Standards Office (OLES), and the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors held 

a joint workshop to develop guidelines for planning, designing, constructing, and moving into crime laboratories. 

The workshop’s by-product, Forensic Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Moving, was 

published in April 1998 and was still in use up to the publication of this update. Over the 15 years since its original 

publication, however, significant changes have developed within the design and construction industry, specifically in 

regards to its focus on energy and sustainability. Additionally, dramatic advances in forensic science and research, 

and the resultant increased demand for forensic services have necessitated this first update to the 1998 handbook. 

Today’s capital investment decisions focus on the integration of new technologies, efficiencies, processes, and 

sustainable design/construction. The current economic climate demands an increased level of review and 

justification for each significant investment, especially in physical infrastructure and facilities. 

In addition to the changes in the building industry and the economic environment, the increased demand for 

forensic science services has grown sharply in recent years. This increase is due in part to the increase in complex 

criminal activities that were not as prevalent when the handbook was first released. Cyber-crimes, increased 

terrorist activity, and advances in DNA analysis, in addition to the popularity of forensic science resulting from its 

glorification in television, have all driven an increased demand for forensic science services, and, therefore, an 

increase in the need for forensic science laboratory space. 

BACKGROUND

The original Forensic Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Moving was developed by a 

committee of 23 professionals from across the forensic science industry, including scientists, architects, engineers, 

laboratory directors, and representatives from state and local police laboratories. The group’s unofficial charter 

called for the development of a resource for laboratory directors faced with building a new (or significantly 

renovating an existing) forensic science laboratory facility. The handbook was designed to help laboratory 

directors achieve three objectives related to their forensic science laboratory projects: 

1. maximize organizational efficiency 

2. ensure the economical expenditure of resources 

3. develop a safe, secure, and well-designed facility 

This first update to Forensic Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Moving preserves the 

charter’s original intent and builds upon its content to reflect the advances and current focus within the forensic 

science and facility construction industries. 

PURPOSE

The information in this handbook provides laboratory directors, designers, consultants, and other stakeholders 

with guidance and tools to increase their knowledge of the project delivery process, their roles within that 

process, and their awareness of pertinent considerations. These considerations ensure that the end users receive 

an efficient, flexible, and functional facility that evolves with mission requirements. This handbook clarifies the 

laboratory director’s role at each phase of the project life cycle, describes the impact of major decisions, and 

empowers users to ask the right questions at the right time. In addition, the handbook builds upon the original 

objectives of increased efficiency, fiscal stewardship, and sound facility design by doing the following: 
Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Introduction 

vii

providing a more cohesive and structured document that follows a logical flow of information in a format 

standardized across chapters, thus facilitating document navigation and increasing document use 

incorporating updated policies, processes, and tools into the document and highlighting the relevance and 

anticipated benefits of each 

integrating considerations of statutory compliance requirements, as appropriate and applicable 

developing a document that can be leveraged by a broader audience to include laboratory directors, 

project managers, laboratory leadership, architects, engineers, and other project stakeholders as 

necessary 

Each core phase of the facility delivery process leverages the collective insights, lessons learned, and best practices 

accrued by various forensic science laboratory facility projects already completed or currently underway. 

SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY

This revised handbook is intended to serve as a resource for laboratory directors, designers, consultants, and 

other stakeholders involved in the construction or major renovation of forensic science laboratories. Each 

laboratory will have its own unique needs and requirements because of regional services and client base. Because 

many of the principles, processes, tools, resources, and considerations are applicable across a broad range of 

facility types, this document strives to highlight basic facility life cycle processes as well as those specific 

requirements that are unique to forensic science laboratories. 

Although this handbook is intended to provide guidance and not to establish policy, the best practices and lessons 

learned outlined in this document should be strongly considered and integrated into new projects, where possible, 

to help ensure successful project execution. 

TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP

The Forensic Science Laboratories Facilities Technical Working Group (TWG) was formed to support the 

preparation of this handbook. This group includes 16 professional forensic science planning experts with various 

backgrounds (laboratory directors, forensic science planners, architects, and engineers) from Federal, state, and 

local agencies as well as commercial architecture firms who participated in preparing this edition, Forensic Science 

Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation (the “handbook”). In November 2011, 

the TWG (listed below) met for a working session to focus the document structure and to refine its content. The 

TWG members also reviewed draft versions of the document and provided additional content prior to final 

issuance. 

TWG Members 

James Aguilar, AIA, Senior Architect, Stantec Architecture, Inc. 

Tom Barnes, Laboratory Director, Oregon State Police 

Yvette Burney, Commanding Officer, Los Angeles Police Department, Scientific Investigation Division 

John Byrd, Laboratory Director, Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, Central Identification Laboratory 

Bonnie Carver, Principal Architect, McClaren, Wilson & Lawrie, Inc. 

Adam Denmark, Principal, Forensic Architect, SmithGroupJJR 

Susan Halla, Project Leader, Crime Lab Design 

Lou Hartman, Principal Engineer, Crime Lab Design 

Deborah Leben, Laboratory Director, U.S. Secret Service 

Greg Matheson, Laboratory Director, Los Angeles Police Department 

Jim McClaren, Senior Principal Architect, McClaren, Wilson & Lawrie, Inc. 
Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation 

Introduction 

viii

Russell McElroy, Senior Principal Architect, McClaren, Wilson & Lawrie, Inc. 

Kenneth Mohr, Principal Planner, Crime Lab Design 

Michael Mount, Forensic Architect, SmithGroupJJR 

Steve Sigel, Deputy Director, Virginia Department of Forensic Science 

Aliece Watts, Quality Director, Integrated Forensic Laboratories 

Staff 

Melissa Taylor, Project Leader, NIST, OLES 

Shannan Williams, Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. 

Joseph Browne, Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. 

Alison Kennedy, Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. 

Romeo Miranda, Lead Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. 

Jennifer Smither, Technical Editor, Science Applications International Corporation 

ABOUT THE SPONSORS

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the research, development, and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department 

of Justice and is dedicated to researching crime control and justice issues. NIJ provides objective, independent, 

evidence-based knowledge and tools to meet the challenges of crime and justice. The Office of Investigative and 

Forensic Sciences is the Federal Government’s lead agency for forensic science research and development as well 

as for the administration of programs that provide direct support to crime laboratories and law enforcement 

agencies to increase their capacity to process high-volume cases, to provide needed training in new technologies, 

and to provide support to reduce backlogs. Forensic science program areas include Research and Development in 

Basic and Applied Forensic Sciences, Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants, DNA Backlog Reduction, 

Solving Cold Cases with DNA, Postconviction DNA Testing Assistance, National Missing and Unidentified Persons 

System, and Forensic Science Training Development and Delivery. 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s mission is to advance measurement science, standards, and 

technology. It accomplishes these actions for the forensic science community through the Law Enforcement 

Standards Office (OLES) Forensic Science Program. The OLES Forensic Science Program directs research efforts 

to develop performance standards, measurement tools, operating procedures, guidelines, and reports that will 

advance the field of forensic science. OLES also serves the broader public safety community through the 

promulgation of standards in protective systems; detection, enforcement, and inspection technologies; public safety 

communication; and counterterrorism and response technologies. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Forensic Science Laboratories Facilities Technical Working Group (TWG) gratefully acknowledges the following 

individuals for their contributions to the development and review of this handbook. Reviewers provided 

constructive suggestions but were not asked to approve or endorse any conclusions or recommendations in the 

draft handbook. Responsibility for the final content of this handbook rests with the members of the working group. 

Ron Arndt, Lab Director, Weld County Police Department

Susan Ballou, Forensic Science Program Manager, NIST, OLES 

Greg Czarnopy, Deputy Director, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) 

Ramond DePriest, Forensic Lab Director, Metropolitan Police Department of Nashville and Davidson 

Rita Dyas, Lab Director, Chandler Police Department 

Steve Garrett, Forensic Services Director, Scottsdale Police Department 
Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Introduction 

ix

Steve Hackman, Principal, SmithGroup 

Lindsey Horvat, Staff Assistant, Denver, CO Police Department 

John Paul Jones, Working Group Program Manager for Forensic Sciences, NIST, OLES 

Ken Konzak, Lab Director, California Department of Justice DNA Lab 

Teresa “Terry” Long, Director, MD State Police Department 

Pete Marone, Director of Technical Services, VA Department of Forensic Science 

John Matthies, AIA, Senior Vice President, HDR 

Mark Stolorow, Director, NIST, OLES

Ann Talbot, Assistant Director, Metropolitan Police Department of Nashville and Davidson 

Richard Tontarski, Jr., Forensic Analysis Division, US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory 

William T. Vosburgh, Director, Forensic Science Division, Prince George’s County Police Department 

DISCLAIMER

It is NIST policy to use the International System of Units (metric units) in all its publications. In this report, 

however, information is presented in U.S. Customary Units (inch-pound), as this is the preferred system of units in 

the U.S. building industry.
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Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Document Layout, Process, and Roles 

1

1. DOCUMENT LAYOUT, PROCESS, AND ROLES

This chapter describes the document’s layout, introduces the overall facility development and relocation process, 

defines the key roles of the process’ participants, and describes the document’s key format elements. 

1.1 DOCUMENT LAYOUT

To simplify document navigation and to provide readers with a standardized approach for addressing each phase of 

the project delivery process, this updated handbook follows a common, logical, and standardized format that is 

consistent across the process chapters. Each section is composed of the following: 

project team roles and responsibilities within the particular process 

process diagrams and narrative descriptions 

tools to support each phase 

an actions checklist. 

Many sections also include a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ). 

A blueprint icon highlights key deliverables produced in each of the phases of the project life

cycle. 

The document also features quotes from various forensic science laboratory professionals. 

These quotes point out key insights these professionals had during the project experience.

1.2 PROCESS OVERVIEW

The life cycle of securing new laboratory space follows four key, primary phases – Planning, Design, Construction, 

and Relocation. This document models itself on these phases, one chapter for each phase. 

These phases map out as illustrated on the following page in figure I-1. 

“Quotes are placed in the document to draw 

attention to key insights professionals had during the 

project experience.”

— Process Participant
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Document Layout, Process, and Roles 

2

Figure 1-1: The forensic science laboratory Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation process. 
Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Document Layout, Process, and Roles 

3

1.3 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Facility design and construction projects rely on project teams 

with diverse memberships and skill sets for a successful 

outcome. A robust, involved, and integrated project team is 

essential to ensuring that new projects are appropriately 

coordinated, planned, and executed. This section introduces 

team members typical of those required to build a forensic 

science laboratory and defines each member’s responsibilities and the lines of communication among all team 

members. 

Although specific team configuration is driven by the project’s available resources (e.g., funding and organizational 

capabilities), the project’s goals and constraints (e.g., deadline), and ownership hierarchy of the facility (e.g., facility 

owned or leased by project requestor), most projects will still include the four primary stakeholder groups listed 

below and included in figure 1-2. The amount of interaction between the parties will vary by phase. Maintaining the 

same team members, especially the laboratory director and technical manager, throughout the project’s lifetime 

helps ensure delivery of the highest quality facility. 

User Group: The organization using the 

laboratory to perform its mission is referred 

to as the user group. 

Property Owner: The owner of the facility 

(if different than the facility user) is the 

property owner. Laboratories often lease 

space in a facility owned by a third party, such 

as another Government entity or a private 

owner. 

Construction Team: A group of 

contractors who will perform the physical 

construction of the facility is referred to as the 

construction team. 

Design Team: The design team consists of 

facilities design professionals who work with 

the user group to plan the laboratory and who 

prepare the construction documents needed 

to build the facility. The core design team includes, but is not limited to, forensic consultants; architects; 

interior designers; and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers. 

“The technical manager and laboratory 

Director need to define the project’s expectations 

and inspire the staff to engage in the process as 

soon as the ‘vision’ begins to be ‘planning.’”

—Laboratory Director

Figure 1-2: Project team.
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Document Layout, Process, and Roles 

4

Table 1-1: Project Team Roles and Responsibilities Summary 

Group Role Responsibilities

User

(internal to laboratory)

Laboratory Director

Laboratory chief executive officer/project initiator and owner of all 

major decisions from the user’s perspective. Navigates political 

and bureaucratic environments. 

Technical Manager Internal team project manager. Ensures project effectiveness and 

progress on a day-to-day basis.

Project Committees

Functional and technical capabilities experts. End users of 

laboratory space (functional) and/or technical staff members (e.g., 

information technology, security, etc.) who provide detailed 

subject-matter expertise focused on the specific functions, 

mission, or required technical requirements for the laboratory.

Contracting Agent

Manages of all contracting requirements during project life cycle. 

Negotiates and executes agreements for all activities necessary 

to complete the laboratory space (e.g., consultant agreements or 

construction contracts).

Property Owner Facilities Project Manager

Main point of contact for facility. If the facility is owned by entity 

other than user group, the facilities project manager represents 

the property owner's interests during project. Assists with 

coordination of design and construction with project team 

members.

Design Team

Forensic Science Consultant

Subject-matter expert on forensic science laboratory design. 

Specially qualified to prepare the Needs Assessment and Design 

Program. Offers value-added services throughout the balance of 

the project. Typically a multidiscipline team.

Architect/Engineer (A/E) Team

Team of architects, mechanical engineers, security personnel, 

electrical engineers, commissioning agents, and other 

professionals (programmer, cost consultant, space planner, etc.)

responsible for providing comprehensive A/E services throughout 

the Planning, Design, and Construction Phases. Multiple teams 

may be hired to complete different aspects of the projects. 

Construction Team

General Contractor

Owner of construction contract. Responsible for delivery of 

constructed facility. Typically reports to property owner, laboratory 

director, and/or technical manager.

Subcontractor

One who reports to only the general contractor. Performs specific 

construction tasks, such as designing and installing electrical 

systems, plumbing, and concrete work.

Various project delivery methods will impact the roles of each member noted in Table 1-1. Further description of 

the project team members’ roles follow. 

Laboratory Director: The laboratory director is typically the project advocate and initiator. The 

director’s primary engagement during the project is to drive any decision making that would impact the 

project’s scope and funding during the Design Phase. The laboratory director may also choose to manage 

the day-to-day activities of designing and building the laboratory. Because of the heavy time commitment 

of project management, the laboratory director may consider designating a technical manager to perform 
Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Document Layout, Process, and Roles 

5

the day-to-day functions. If this delegation is made, it is crucial to project success that the laboratory 

director maintains a high level of visibility during the entire life cycle of the project. 

Technical Manager: The technical manager is assigned to the project team by the laboratory director 

to represent the laboratory’s interests and to act as a facilitator/coordinator during the project’s life cycle. 

This team member represents the laboratory in the 

project’s day-to-day tasks by overseeing, orchestrating, 

and coordinating the laboratory’s project activities. The 

technical manager’s primary responsibility is to make 

decisions on key elements of the project. Interaction 

with the project team includes responding to issues 

directly affecting the forensic science laboratory’s 

functional design requirements and facilitating the exchange of information between laboratory staff and 

any external team members (e.g., forensic science consultant) as necessary. To realize project success, the 

technical manager should be an able communicator who can effectively work with all team members. The 

technical manager should also possess working knowledge of the design and construction process, 

although the technical manager will most likely not possess formal construction management training. The 

ideal candidate is a scientist with construction knowledge. Performance of the technical manager role can 

be a full-time job and, depending on the project, will most likely require that the technical manager 

temporarily set aside some, if not all, other job responsibilities. Based on expertise and time 

requirements, the technical manager’s role may be supported by an owner’s representative. 

Project Committees: The two project committees, the functional committee and the technical 

committee, provide review and input to ensure the effectiveness of the constructed laboratory. Each 

includes internal stakeholders and experts who are the end users of the laboratory space. Their roles 

during the project process are to field and answer questions from the design team and to review and 

comment on major milestone design submissions. These activities focus on ensuring the desired 

functionality of the laboratory. The functional committee assists with ensuring the effectiveness of the 

laboratory’s mission-essential functions. This committee is composed of scientists and, ideally, one staff 

member from each laboratory section. The technical committee focuses on operational effectiveness of 

the laboratory and is composed of individuals involved in information technology (IT) and security. Both 

committees are assembled by and report to the technical manager. 

Contracting Agent: The contracting agent is responsible for administering all contract documentation 

on behalf of the laboratory. The contracting agent provides legal advice and subject-matter expertise on 

the acquisition process to assist the laboratory leadership with decision making. To ensure success, the 

technical manager must understand the contracting agent’s responsibilities. Both must work together 

when administering acquisitions. The contracting agent’s main point of contact is the contracting officer 

within the agent’s organization, which can vary depending on the laboratory. Most construction contracts 

are administered through a facilities management/planning or contracting office. Some organizations do 

not have internal contracting teams. In this case, leadership must secure contracting support through 

outside organizations or engage a construction management firm outside the construction agreement to 

administer acquisition. 

Facilities Project Manager: When the laboratory facility is not owned by the user group, a facility 

project manager is assigned by the property owner to participate in the project. This individual assists the 

Design and Construction Phases by providing building information (e.g., base drawings) and by performing 

“Emphasize to your staff that if you don't get 

involved and speak up early in the project, it will 

likely be too late. Everyone has too much to do, but 

everyone needs to take the time if they want the 

best outcome.”

—Laboratory Director
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Document Layout, Process, and Roles 

6

any activities as required by the lease agreement. The ideal candidate for this role is the organization’s 

current facility manager. 

Forensic Science Consultant: The forensic science consultant prepares most deliverables during the 

Planning Phase, including the Needs Assessment and Design Program. The forensic science consultant 

interacts with the technical manager and project committees throughout the Planning Phase to ensure 

that the project requirements are thoroughly captured, documented, and integrated into the Design 

Program. The forensic science consultant submits major deliverables within the Planning Phase. The 

forensic science consultant is typically retained during the Design and Construction Phases to ensure that 

design requirements are appropriately integrated into the design solution. Responsibilities may vary from 

an oversight role to preparation of deliverables specifically related to the forensic laboratory design. If the 

property owner or laboratory director hires the forensic science consultant, this consultant reports 

directly to the technical manager. However, this consultant is typically part of the A/E team and, in this 

case, reports directly to the principal in charge of the A/E team. 

Architect/Engineer Team: The A/E team prepares all other deliverables during the design process. 

The A/E team possesses the subject-matter expertise to develop a constructible solution for the 

laboratory and interacts with the user group throughout the design process to ensure the final design 

effectively deliver’s mission requirements. The A/E team submits major deliverables, as described in the 

Design process section and finalizes construction documents that will be used to build the project. The 

A/E team is hired at the project inception and is retained through the Construction Phase in an oversight 

(administrative) role to ensure that construction meets the standards defined in the drawings and to 

address unexpected site conditions. The A/E team reports directly to the technical manager. 

General Contractor: The general contractor is responsible for the actual construction onsite. The 

general contractor’s staff may perform some or all of the construction or may use subcontractors. 

Subcontractor: Subcontractors are engaged by the general contractor to perform pieces of the 

construction that the general contractor does not possess the ability or capacity to perform. 

Subcontractors often include specialty contractors, such as plumbers or electricians. Subcontractors’ 

communication is routed through the general contractor. 
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Planning 

7

2. PLANNING

As with any new project or major renovation/repair project, proper planning is the first step in ensuring project 

success. Issues during the Design, Construction, and Relocation Phases can be greatly reduced through careful and 

deliberate planning at the start of the project life cycle. This includes ensuring that the right stakeholders are 

integrated into the project delivery process as early as possible and that the project team has access to subjectmatter experts (SMEs) to help guide them through the complicated and time-consuming process of planning a new 

facility or major renovation. An integrated project team involved throughout the process is critical to ensuring 

project success. 

A deliberate planning process ensures (1) that project owners are designing and building the right facility for their 

particular needs now and into the foreseeable future and (2) that capital investment projects not only meet the 

mission needs of the requesting organization but also integrate and support overall agency or enterprise goals and 

objectives related to mission effectiveness. 

2.1 PLANNING PHASE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

During the Planning Phase, active project team members should be the individuals identified in table 2-1. Additional 

project team members may be required depending on the project scale, organizational construct, or special 

requirements. 

Table 2-1: Project Team Activities during Planning Phase 

Group Role Planning Phase Responsibilities

User

(internal to laboratory)

Laboratory Director Leads project visioning. Selects team. Ensures completion of 

deliverables. Builds consensus for project advocacy.

Technical Manager Manages day-to-day activities. Takes lead on development 

of Project Management Plan. Assists with team assembly.

Project Committees Assist with development of Needs Assessment and Design 

Program.

Contracting Agent

Assists in contracting consulting services. Assists planning 

and decision making by providing guidance on contracting 

options for entire project life cycle.

Property Owner Facilities Project Manager Maintains project awareness. Provides input on how facility 

constraints impact Design Program options.

Design Team

Forensic Science Consultant Leads the development of the Needs Assessment and 

Design Program. Key external resource.

A/E Team Not typically engaged.

Construction Team

General Contractor Not typically engaged.

Subcontractor Does not participate.
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2.2 THE PLANNING PROCESS

The process of planning for a new facility or major renovation is composed of three distinct stages in which the 

project owner and related staff members must be intimately involved. The process depicted in figure 2-1 

summarizes the primary stages of the Planning Phase: initiating, resourcing, and programming. Each of these stages 

is described in detail in the sections that follow. 

Figure 2-1: Forensic science laboratory project Planning Phase. 

2.2.1 INITIATE 

Every new project or major renovation request starts with an identified need, which can be driven by a number of 

considerations, including, but not limited to, advances in technology or methodologies, lack of existing 

space/capacity, growth in staff or scientific requirements, increased demand for forensic science services, or the 

need to update facilities and major infrastructure systems because they have outlived their design life. The initiation 

of a new project begins with identifying the need and then diagnosing existing operations, capabilities, and 

requirements to start the process of defining the need. Specific steps within the initiate stage of the Planning Phase 

are illustrated in figure 2-2. 

❶ Identify Need: This step establishes a decision to pursue a major laboratory 

infrastructure project. The need for a project can be received from or 

conceived by any number of sources, such as research staff members, 

laboratory directors, operations and maintenance (O&M) staff members, or 

headquarters. As noted above, the need can also be driven by any number of 

considerations, such as mission growth, increased demand for forensic 

science services, and inadequate space. 

Figure 2-2: Initiate stage 

of the Planning Phase.

Design
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❷Diagnose: This step commences the process of defining the scope of the laboratory infrastructure 

project. Once the need for a new facility project is preliminarily determined, the agency performs a SelfEvaluation (deliverable) to define the mission requirements that must be addressed by a new facility or 

existing facility renovation. The evaluation should highlight current, past, and future (projected) mission 

requirements, as well as organizational requirements. These mission and organizational requirements 

should be developed collaboratively among laboratory staff, management, headquarters components, etc., 

to ensure that all potential stakeholders have the opportunity to define the need. 

The activities outlined in the initiate stage of the Planning Phase are typically performed by laboratory staff 

members, specifically the laboratory director and/or his or her designated technical manager. 

Initiate Stage Best Practices 

Use a self-evaluation survey or questionnaire to identify deficiencies in the current laboratory. 

Predict growth trends and consider other external influences. 

Look for partners to strengthen the project justification. 

Bolster project justifications by leveraging data from growth trends and external influences, such as courtmandated changes, crime data, demographics, case loads, and economic trends. Fully develop these data 

points during the Needs Assessment process. 

Rethink existing laboratory processes, as they may not be the ideal benchmarks for developing project 

justifications. If possible, take tours of newer facilities. 

FAQ 

Q: What questions should I (laboratory director) ask to support the advocacy/justification for my proposed project?

A: Ask the following questions: 

Is the project essential to ensuring the safety and security of both assigned personnel and/or facility 

operations? 

Is the project required to meet current/new/emerging regulatory compliance requirements, or will it 

improve the margin of compliance? 

Is the project required to improve the integrity/handling/preservation of evidence? 

Will the project improve mission performance, evidence analysis, and/or other critical operational 

requirements? 

Is the project required to avoid a highly probable critical system(s) failure and/or provide mission 

redundancy to maintain mission reliability? 

Have the existing facility’s major infrastructure systems reached/exceeded their estimated design 

life/system capacity? 

Is the project required to address a change/growth to the current mission and associated staffing? 

Is the project required to provide a new capability/technology/process? 

Will the project contribute to meeting sustainability and/or energy management goals/objectives? 

2.2.2 RESOURCING 

The resourcing stage of the Planning Phase focuses on assembling the project team to begin formal planning 

activities. As shown in figure 2-3, this stage includes organizing initial team members, securing funds, and entering 

agreements for external consultant services. 
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❸ Organize: After validating the need for a new facility project, the laboratory director should appoint a 

technical manager to oversee the overall execution and oversight of the project activities. The technical 

manager starts to develop a project team with the required competencies to 

ensure a successful project and to establish initial planning activities, such as 

developing a baseline budget, scope, and schedule. The technical manager and 

project team may also review strategic plans, master plans, market analyses, 

etc., to ensure that the proposed project is compatible with agency long-range 

goals and/or local community plans (e.g., another local agency may also be 

planning a similar facility that may present partnering opportunities). 

At this time, the technical manager also typically begins to initially 

conceptualize the project management plan (PMP), which outlines the strategy 

for planning, designing, constructing, commissioning, and relocating into the 

facility. The PMP is a dynamic document that is continually 

updated and refined throughout the project life cycle. 

❹ Acquire Funding/Contracting: Concurrent with the 

organize step, the technical manager, with appropriate 

support from the project team, identifies the types of 

external consultants necessary to build out the project team. 

The technical manager identifies the external capabilities required to guide, execute, and/or support the 

development of planning deliverables, including the Needs Assessment and Design Program. These 

resources are to be familiar with the specifics of forensic science laboratory design. 

The technical manager should first check within the organization’s jurisdiction and within sister agencies 

for internal planning resources. If sufficient forensic science laboratory planning expertise is resident 

within the agency, the technical manager may elect to develop the Needs Assessment and Design 

Program with in-house resources and forgo external consultants. 

Once the external capabilities have been identified, the technical manager seeks funding to contract for 

forensic science consultant services. In this regard, the technical manager submits the baseline budget, 

scope, and schedule (developed in the organize step) with the initial project justification (developed in the 

diagnose step) to the agency-specific budget and finance group for funding evaluation. 

Upon approval of funding, the technical manager, along with 

the project team, develops a statement of work (SOW) and a 

request for proposals (RFP) for consultant planning services 

(see sample SOW/RFP at http://www.nist.gov/oles) The SOW 

and RFP should integrate considerations of health and safety 

(such as liability issues), building codes (such as fire and life 

safety), new technologies (including existing and projected new technologies), crime trends, and existing 

constraints (such as finances, personnel, and location). 

The resourcing stage ends with the selection of a forensic science consultant and the issuance of a notice to 

proceed (NTP). 

“I can't emphasize enough the direct 

relationship of using the same forensic 

consultant throughout the process to owner 

satisfaction.”

—Laboratory Director

Figure 2-3: Resourcing 

stage of the Planning 

Phase.

“A political champion to authorize 

the massive expenditure will help smooth 

the road of potential government logjams.”

— Laboratory Director
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Resourcing Stage Best Practices 

Maintain a stable team for project continuity. As the 

project progresses, the roles and responsibilities of the 

project team evolves, so stability is important. 

Rely on SMEs to help plan projects. Specifically, use 

forensic science consultants to advise and help manage the 

Planning Phase. Their expertise ensures a properly scoped, 

budgeted, and planned project. 

Check consultants’ references and past performance; a qualifications-based selection criterion is essential. 

Select a forensic science consultant with A/E capability so the consultant can be used during the Design 

Phase. 

Know your advocates, such as parent organization and interested elected officials. They may be able to 

assist in moving the project forward. 

Develop a working knowledge of the requesting agency’s specific budget cycle, processes, and submittal 

requirements to ensure that the appropriate consideration is given to the requested project. 

Emphasize the importance of the project team’s involvement throughout the process, especially regarding 

anticipated daily facility operation. 

Document the project’s organizational chart and share it with the project team. 

2.2.3 PROGRAMMING 

The programming stage, outlined in figure 2-4, requires the project team to develop the specific project 

requirements, strategy, and management structure through several deliverables, including a PMP, a Needs 

Assessment, and a Design Program. This process defines the laboratory’s program. 

❺ Develop Project Management Plan: The technical manager, with the 

forensic science consultant, prepares the project management plan. The PMP 

baselines the execution approach and controls to be used throughout the 

project life cycle. This plan commences with identifying the project 

deliverables and defining the work breakdown structure (WBS) of activities 

required to complete the deliverables. Resources and time estimates to 

complete these activities are then translated into the project schedule. Once 

the schedule is prepared, the project can start with leadership possessing a 

detailed awareness of the most efficient budget and time management tools 

for successful implementation. 

The PMP also formalizes the project team and clearly outlines each member’s 

roles and responsibilities. The most effective project teams include both 

functional (e.g., laboratory staff members) and technical representatives (e.g., 

information technology, security). At minimum, the team should include the 

members listed in table 2-2. A project kickoff meeting between the user group and the forensic science 

consultant reviews the PMP in detail. Typically, the consultant coordinates the kickoff meeting with the 

project owner’s technical manager.

“A project plan was the reason for we 

remained on schedule.”

—Laboratory Director

Figure 2-4: 

Programming stage of 

the Planning Phase.
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Table 2-2: Project Team Members 

User/Agency Representatives External Representatives

Laboratory Staff Architect/Engineer

Facilities/Real Estate Programmer

Public Works Cost Consultant

Budget/Finance Space Planner

Contracts/Contracting Officer/Contracting 

Officer’s Representative

Others as needed (e.g., environmental or 

traffic engineers/consultants)

Information Management/Information 

Technology Forensic Science Consultant

Security/Safety/Environmental Building Owner (if different from agency)

❻ Develop Needs Assessment: The Needs Assessment is an essential planning tool that is typically 

developed by independent professionals (e.g., forensic science consultants). This document considers 

research, user, and facility needs; assesses the existing facility condition, limitations, and challenges; defines 

all space requirements; and refines preliminary opinion of construction cost. The Needs Assessment also 

integrates considerations of external influences, including building codes; Federal, state, and local 

requirements; and sustainability and green building goals and objectives. 

Although the forensic science consultant typically leads the Needs Assessment development process, the 

technical manager is integral to the process and must be fully involved to ensure that the consultant has 

access to the required information, staff resources, facilities, processes, and other information needed for 

a comprehensive and accurate assessment of facility needs. With the required access to the appropriate 

user resources, the forensic science consultant uses a three-step process for developing the Needs 

Assessment as seen in figure 2-5. 

Figure 2-5: Needs assessment process. 

The Needs Assessment answers the following key questions: How big (size)? How much (cost)? Where 

(site evaluation and selection)? and When (schedule)? It may also include an assessment of the condition 
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and deficiencies of the existing facilities to help justify the need for a new laboratory. The completed 

Needs Assessment may be used by the laboratory director as a tool to request funding for a new 

laboratory. An outline of the various components of the Needs Assessment is provided in appendix E. A 

sample completed Needs Assessment is at http://www.nist.gov/oles/. 

❼ Develop Design Program: The Design Program complements and further develops the Needs 

Assessment by translating requirements identified in the Needs Assessment into data that are used by 

architects and engineers to design the facility. Frequently, the Design Program and the Needs Assessment 

are combined into a single document. 

The Design Program is developed by the forensic science consultant, but, like the Needs Assessment, it 

requires considerable input from the user group, including laboratory staff members, management, and 

other potentially affected departments (e.g., project team). The Design Program outlines the concepts 

that satisfy the baseline budget, scope, schedule, sustainability, security, and safety requirements outlined 

in the Needs Assessment. As appropriate, strategies are also determined for Building Information 

Modeling (BIM), commissioning and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. 

At the conclusion of the Design Program step, a single concept is selected to proceed to the Design 

Phase, and the forensic science consultant, with the technical manager, develops a detailed schedule and 

cost estimate based upon the selected concept. The user group may also choose to conduct a value 

engineering analysis, either in-house or through another consultant, to ensure that the selected concept 

provides the best value to the user group while also meeting project and agency goals. 

Although the majority of activities and deliverables (e.g., Needs Assessment and Design Program) in the 

Planning Phase are led by the forensic science planning consultant, the user group plays an integral part at 

each step to ensure that user-specific requirements and processes are captured, integrated, and 

appropriately addressed during programming is critical. A sample completed programming document is 

available at http://nist.gov/oles. 

Programming Stage Best Practices 

Because laboratory staff members (users, management, and others) are critical to the Needs Assessment 

process, ensure that they are available to provide input into research needs, special spatial requirements, 

required adjacencies, technology requirements, and other process-related considerations that will direct 

Design Program development. 

Ensure that a Needs Assessment is done as early as possible by a qualified professional to establish the 

project’s definition. This enables effective budgeting as early in the process as possible. 

Ensure non-construction-related costs are integrated into the total funding picture. See appendix D: Cost 

Considerations for a list of non-construction-related costs to consider. 

As a laboratory director, do not respond to requests for project specifics (e.g., from the media or 

superiors) until the Needs Assessment is complete (including scope and cost). 

Carefully plan storage space into new projects and build strong justifications to warrant the space. 

Without this, the storage space becomes occupied space as the scientific need grows. 

Base the project’s requirements upon baseline and future growth milestones. The Needs Assessment 

should incorporate future growth milestones. 

Discuss facility projects with colleagues, other forensic science service agencies, and local area partners 

for A/E team recommendations based upon past experience and performance on other forensic science 

laboratory projects. 
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Keep a forensic science consultant on the A/E team during the Design and Construction Phases if 

possible. 

FAQ 

Q: What can I expect as I start the Needs Assessment and Design Program processes?

A: The Needs Assessment and Design Program must do the following: 

Demand full user/client participation. 

Show that the final product is not just a customer “wish list”; Provide justifications for the proposed size 

and cost. 

Result in resolving issues related to expansion, splitting operations, renovations/expansions, or building a 

new facility. 

Include detailed information on the size and proposed costs of the proposed facility and the building’s 

location.

2.3 PLANNING PROCESSES AND TOOLS

Although the Planning Phase is quite involved and relies heavily on user group engagement on the various activities 

described above, the user group has access to a number of tools and resources to provide further assistance. This 

section discusses some of these tools. Also, appendix A: Standards, Regulations, and Other Guidance provides 

additional planning resources. 

2.3.1 SPACE-TO-STAFF RATIOS 

The size of the laboratory determines the building cost. Laboratory size can be estimated early in the planning 

process using a space-to-staff ratio rule of thumb. Although space standards vary widely by organization, using a 

range of 700 to 1,000 square feet per staff member offers a quick snapshot of the laboratory’s potential size. As 

the size of the facility increases, economies of space reduce the space-to-staff ratio. For example, regardless of the 

size of the crime laboratory, it requires only one firing range, one reception/waiting room, and one space for 

standards and references. Using building categories of small, medium, large, and very large, a project team can use 

the ratios outlined in table 2-3. These gross square foot (GSF) figures account for a pro-rated portion of support 

spaces, such as horizontal and vertical circulation, utility rooms, mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, and shared 

laboratory space. This table does not indicate the amount of space allocated for individual use. 

Table 2-3: Average Space-to-Staff Ratios for Laboratories 

Laboratory Category Staff Size Total Laboratory Size Space per Staff Member

Small Up to 30 Less than 30,0000 GSF 930 to 1,000 GSF per staff member

Medium 30 to 70 30,000 to 60,000 GSF 860 to 930 GSF per staff member

Large 70 to 110 60,000 to 90,000 GSF 790 to 860 GSF per staff member

Very Large Over 110 More than 90,000 GSF 720 to 790 GSF per staff member

Many space factors associated with forensic science laboratories may skew these ratios. For example, a crime 

laboratory might include large unoccupied spaces (property and evidence storage or a large training center), which 

will drive the ratio down. In addition, these ratios are not applicable to forensic science laboratories in foreign 

countries, as many local customs and traditions will influence the space-to-staff ratios. 
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Again, these numbers represent only a “rule of thumb,” whose use is limited to generating a rough, initial estimate 

of a laboratory’s size and are not recommended for establishing a project construction budget. These numbers are 

not a substitute for a comprehensive Needs Assessment prepared by an A/E team with forensic science laboratory 

planning and design experience. 

2.3.2 ALTERNATIVE FUNDING OPTIONS 

One of the primary challenges laboratory directors face when 

seeking approval to move forward with a new or renovated 

laboratory project is justifying the expense against increasingly 

shrinking capital budgets and competing operational requirements. 

Often, physical infrastructure projects undergo the most scrutiny 

and are usually the first requirements to be cut from shrinking 

budgets, as many cash-strapped Federal, state, and local agencies 

make do with existing facilities. One strategy is to secure funding 

from sources independent of annually recurring organizational 

budgets. Options to consider include general obligation bonds, partnerships (e.g., academic institution, other 

government agency, or public-private partnership), tax riders, and/or lease purchase options. 

2.3.3 PLANNING PHASE CHECKLIST 

The following checklist, in table 2-4, identifies the activities that must be completed as part of performing the 

Planning Phase. Checklists for all phases are in appendix F: Key Activity Checklists. 

Table 2-4: Planning Phase Checklist 

(Note: bolded items are Phase deliverables) 

Process 

Step Activity

 2 Mission Requirements Identified in Self Evaluation

 3 Technical Manager Appointed

 3 Project Team Assembled

 3 Project Management Plan Initiated

 3 Baseline Project Budget Developed

 4 External Consultant Identified

 4 Consultant Funding Acquired

 4 Consultant SOW/RFP Defined

 4 Consultant Contracted

 5 Project Team Completed

 5 Project Management Plan Completed

 6 Needs Assessment Prepared

 7 Design Program Prepared

“When community acceptance is 

important, an outreach program informing 

residents of what is coming will help keep the 

project moving smoothly.”

— Laboratory Director
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3. DESIGN

There is not a universal plan for a forensic science laboratory design. Design is driven by types of evidence, 

laboratory processes, equipment, and future needs. These considerations are specific to each individual laboratory. 

Functional requirements of specific scientific disciplines, equipment, and instrumentation affect the space, 

dimension, and adjacency requirements of the final design. For example, some laboratories must consider spaces 

for hazardous materials handling and preservation of evidence. Each laboratory must also consider its unique future 

requirements and opportunities. A forensic science laboratory designed with the flexibility to change along with 

the needs of its occupants, technology, or scientific methodologies multiplies the efforts of the staff members 

working within it. 

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations provides descriptions of the major elements of a laboratory design 

(e.g., plumbing and laboratory design standards) for reference during the Design Phase. 

3.1 DESIGN PHASE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

During the Design Phase, the A/E team takes the lead in preparing the deliverables. However, direct involvement 

by the user results in a higher quality final design. Table 3.1 highlights some of the project team’s activities specific 

to the Design Phase. 

Table 3-1: Project Team Activities during Design Phase

Group Role Responsibilities

User

(internal to laboratory)

Laboratory Director Remains engaged in the decision making process. 

Participates in each design session.

Technical Manager

Manages day-to-day activities of process. Ensures the heavy 

participation of the Project Teams.

Project Committee

Participates extensively in design decision making, especially 

during Design Development. (Note: Design Phase offers the 

greatest positive project impact for the project team.)

Contracting Agent Assists in contracting consulting services.

Property Owner Facilities Project Manager

Participates in all design sessions to define the extent to which 

construction can impact existing structures and configuration 

for ongoing facility maintenance.

Design Team

Forensic Science 

Consultant

Maintains participation in Design Phase to ensure effective 

technical design.

A/E Team Acts as the lead consultant in the Design Phase. Prepares all 

major deliverables.

Construction Team

General Contractor

May occasionally help validate proposed design concepts 

within construction budget. Involvement contingent on project 

delivery method (e.g., design-bid-build)

Subcontractor Does not participate.
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3.2 THE DESIGN PROCESS

The Design Phase offers an iterative decision making approach for developing a buildable solution. This phase, seen 

in figure 3-1, requires participants to make the right decision at the right time by validating function, cost, and 

construction detailing, in that order. 

Figure 3-1: Forensic science laboratory project Design Phase. 

3.2.1 INITIATE 

The initiate stage includes contracting an A/E team and then introducing the A/E team 

to the project, as shown in figure 3-2. This offers an opportunity for additional 

refinement of the project program.

❶ Acquire Funding/Contracting: The user group procures the services of an 

A/E team to prepare the design documentation required to construct the 

laboratory. The technical manager identifies which external capabilities are 

required to guide and prepare the development of design deliverables. Once 

the external capabilities have been identified, the technical manager 

commences the process of acquiring funding to contract for A/E team 

services. The technical manager submits the baseline budget, scope, and 

schedule information to his or her agency-specific budget and finance group 

for funding evaluation. The technical manager first checks the laboratory 

organization’s jurisdiction and sister agencies for internal design resources. 

Design resources considered for contracting will possess experience with the specifics of forensic science 

laboratory design. 

Upon approval of funding, the technical manager, along with the project team, develops an SOW and an 

RFP for the A/E team’s services (see sample SOW/RFP at http://www.nist.gov/oles/). After the A/E team is 

Construct

Figure 3-2: Initiate stage 

of the Design Phase. 
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selected and awarded, the technical manager gives the A/E 

team an NTP in preparing the laboratory’s construction 

documentation. 

Although unlikely, if sufficient forensic science laboratory 

design expertise is resident within the agency, the technical 

manager may elect to develop construction documentation 

with in-house resources and to forgo the need to contract with external consultants to provide these 

services. 

❷ Review Design Program and Integrate Expectations: There are two goals for this step: 

1. introduce the A/E team to the desired Design Program; 

2. secure initial feedback from the A/E team regarding program completeness and constructability. 

This review may be particularly valuable as frequently months 

or years may pass between the completion of the program 

and commencement of the design. The A/E team 

recommends adjustments/refinements to the project scope. 

The technical manager confers with the project team on 

recommendations. The technical manager approves the 

recommendation if appropriate. This step may include several 

team meetings for the introduction of scope and review of recommendations. During this step, the 

project team must comprehensively communicate the project’s Design Program and intent and capture 

feedback from the A/E team. 

Once feedback is obtained, the A/E team formalizes both the adjustments to the Design Program given 

the approvals provided by the technical manager and the goals and standards that the project aims to 

achieve (e.g., LEED certification level). During this step, the project team must review the A/E team’s 

recommendations and incorporate desired adjustments to project Design Program. 

Initiate Stage Best Practices 

Be prepared to capture additional value for the project through input from the A/E team because they 

provide key insights into the project’s program based upon its depth of experience in the design and 

construction environment. 

Do not constrain the design to existing functionality. Evolve the functional capability during the design. Do 

not design for how the process works currently but rather for how it should be working. Current 

processes are often hampered by the conditions of the existing facility. 

Design to accommodate the desired laboratory culture (e.g., collaboration with open seating or privacy 

with separate offices).

Ensure communication with the A/E team during the Design Phase. Ensure that all voices are heard and 

that all participants ask questions.

Include a checklist on a kickoff meeting agenda, including nomenclature, process description, and plan 

symbols. 

Ensure that the same forensic science consultants (if possible, the same individuals) are used continuously 

throughout the project, from planning through construction.

“Face-to-face meetings at initial 

information gathering and review of major 

milestones with entire team ensure effective 

communication with the A/E.”

— Laboratory Director

“Make sure your A/E team has relevant 

experience and make sure to get and check 

references of your bidder. Ask other users how 

the A/Es were to work with.”

—Laboratory User
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FAQ 

Q: What is the expected level of involvement during the Design Phase? 

A: The level of involvement varies throughout the process and among roles. Laboratory directors can expect to 

spend about 25 percent to 33 percent of their time on design, whereas technical managers are involved 100 

percent of the time. Other user group staff can expect to spend dozens of hours contributing to the design. 

3.2.2 SCHEMATIC DESIGN 

As shown in figure 3-3, the Schematic Design translates the project scope into conceptual design drawings 

possessing all the functionality required of the project. Clear decisions on the site design are completed, resulting 

in initial floor plans with facility elevations. Basis of design specifications are prepared, and all major components 

and equipment are defined. 

❸ Develop Design Charrette: The design charrette is an intensive, collaborative 

session or series of sessions where project members validate the functional space 

requirements of the project scope against space available on the site. This step 

offers the opportunity to resolve functional adjacencies. The project team may 

also provide the A/E team with additional details on exactly how they desire the 

space to work. This is a whole-team exercise, typically completed in a working 

meeting format (requiring half a day to multiple days, depending on project size). 

Bubble diagrams showing the practical layout of the project as well as some initial 

indications of systems and materials to be used onsite are typically provided in the 

charrette. The process may prepare functional inventories (e.g., equipment and 

chemicals used in the laboratory) that continue to be developed through the 

entire design process. The design charrette process also identifies key problem 

issues and additional information needed by the A/E team to begin the design 

process. These issues are tracked as action items for the technical manager and 

project team to provide a response. The project team must participate in 

developing the design charrette and must finalize communication on defining goals 

for the project. 

❹ Develop Preliminary Concepts: The goal of this step is 

to develop several plans of how the project’s functions can 

work on the site. The A/E team generates these concepts 

based upon the Design Program and the outcomes from the 

design charrette. The plans will be completed to a detailed 

level and identify basic information on major systems. During 

this step, the project team answers all queries from the A/E 

team. 

❺ Select Schematic Design: During this step, the technical manager reviews concepts to ensure that site 

plans possess the full functionality desired for the project. These plans constitute the Schematic Design 

(deliverable) and include a construction cost estimate. Functionality is locked in at this point to enable the 

design to focus on the next layer of decisions. The project team approves the design and cost estimate, 

changes each as necessary to match the project’s intent and to fit within resources, and engages additional 

support from SMEs to perform tasks as needed. 

“Look for areas of commonality across 

the various disciplines to be housed in your 

building. Standardize as much as you can. 

This will give you more flexibility for the 

future.

—Laboratory User

Figure 3-3: 

Schematic design 

stage of the Design 

Phase.
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Schematic Design Stage Best Practices 

Incorporate sustainable and energy-efficient design concepts into the schematic design stage. Sustainable 

design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment and the health and comfort of building 

occupants, thereby improving building performance. The basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce 

the consumption of nonrenewable resources; to minimize waste; and to create healthy, productive 

environments. Under Executive Order 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and 

Transportation Management, the U. S. Government instructs Federal agencies to conduct environmental, 

transportation, and energy-related activities under the law in support of their respective missions in an 

environmentally, economically, and fiscally sound, integrated, continuously improving, efficient, and 

sustainable manner. 

If using a construction manager (CM) or an independent project manager, get this person involved early in 

the design process. 

Fully engage the user’s SMEs during major milestone reviews to ensure the elements within their 

expertise remain on track. 

Perform a life cycle cost analysis to reduce overall facility cost with an awareness of the expected 

operating costs. The design and construction of the facility are a fraction of the cost of operation. 

Ensure that laboratory directors remain highly engaged in the schematic design stage. Participate in each 

step of the design process and in every design session. Delegate participation to staff members as needed. 

Maintain an aggressive approach to receiving and processing documents for review. Delays in approval will 

marginalize the A/E team’s efforts and quality of the final product and can impact costs through additional 

services. 

3.2.3 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT 

Design development ultimately provides a plan identifying a detailed solution (e.g., specific materials and systems) 

that can be built within budget. At this stage, seen in figure 3-5, documents, which include both drawings and 

outline specifications, are generated. Systems and equipment requirements continue to be developed. Appendix B: 

Laboratory Design Considerations provides a broad checklist of considerations that laboratory directors and their 

staff members should be cognizant of during the Design Phase. The laboratory’s project committees have their 

greatest involvement during this stage. Also during this stage, the greatest tension for decision making exists

because the project team has to make numerous decisions between competing interests. A high level of user 

participation at this stage is essential to limiting expensive changes in future project phases. As depicted in figure 

3-4 below, the cost of integrating changes into the design grows exponentially as the Design Phase progresses. 
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21

Figure 3-4: Increasing cost of changes as a function of time. 

❻ Select Architectural Features and Building Systems: The A/E team works with the project team 

to select the architectural features (e.g., finish materials) and major building systems (e.g., laboratory 

equipment). Specific choices may be made by reviewing manufacturer documentation and by considering 

consultant recommendations. At this point in the process, the A/E team’s knowledge and experience in 

forensic science laboratory design is critical. Wrong choices have significant cost and schedule impacts. 

Users must provide feedback and decisions to determine features and systems selections. 

❼ Refine/Value Engineer: The goal of this step is to align the plans with the 

project budget. The A/E team engages its SMEs, such as a CM, if on the team, to 

find opportunities to optimize the project’s budget against the scope and site. 

The A/E team continues to refine the details of the major systems and each 

concept’s functional capabilities. During this step, the project team answers all 

queries from the A/E team.

❽ Complete Design Development Drawings: The A/E team incorporates all 

design decisions into design documents to complete the Design Development 

Drawings (deliverable). Project detailing is brought to the level needed to 

generate an accurate construction estimate. The A/E team presents the Design 

Development documents and the Project Cost Estimate (deliverable) for the 

users’ review and sign-off. The deliverable includes a set of drawings that are 

approximately 2/3 complete as well as an estimate, which provides a close 

approximation of the final cost. The users engage project teams to validate the 

design documents and provide feedback and accept designs as appropriate.

Design Development Stage Best Practices 

Incorporate sustainable standards. Many owners have adopted the green building rating system for 

sustainable certification developed by the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) LEED, one of 

a few sustainable rating systems used throughout the country. LEED provides building users and operators 

with a measuring tool for identifying and implementing practical green building design, construction, 

operations, and maintenance solutions throughout a building’s life cycle. Using LEED ensures that 

sustainable approaches are considered in new building and renovation projects. Designing a building to 

LEED standards increases the overall cost to build the facility approximately 2 or more percent. Building a 

Figure 3-5: Design 

development stage of 

the Design Phase.
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facility to LEED standards may result in total life cycle savings. Life cycle savings have been estimated at 20 

percent of total construction cost in today’s dollars. 

Apply life cycle cost analyses when considering using new and emerging technologies to help justify new 

laboratory requirements (i.e., operational savings using more efficient technologies, such as occupancy 

sensors for fume hoods and lights). 

Take advantage of the design development stage as the best opportunity to minimize change orders. 

3.2.4 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS 

Construction documentation takes the design development solution and translates it into a format that 

contractors can use to bid and ultimately construct the project. The construction documentation, shown in figure 

3-6, includes both specifications and drawings. The drawings define the physical placement of materials, and the 

specifications define material quality. 

❾ Complete Drawings and Specifications: The A/E team prepares 

Construction Drawings (deliverable). Design development drawings are 

further refined and detailed so drawings can be used for bidding and 

construction. Site plans are finalized, and project detail drawings are prepared. 

The final cost estimate is also provided with the drawings. Users approve final 

documents or request corrections as necessary to match the project’s intent 

and to fit within resources. The A/E team uses the results from the 

construction drawing completion to finalize Construction Specifications 

(deliverable) for all materials. The A/E team then prepares documents for 

bidding construction. Users approve final specifications or request changes to each as necessary to match 

the project’s intent and to fit within resources. 

Construction Documents Stage Best Practices 

Respond rapidly to information requests/design clarifications during the construction documentation 

process. These requests are on the critical path for deliverable preparation. 

Seriously consider incorporating computerized capability to manage the completed facility. Consult your 

internal facility management team and consultant SMEs for options and advantages. 

FAQ 

Q: What level of involvement should the laboratory director expect during the construction documents stage? 

A: Decision making during construction documentation is highly detailed and occurs at a fast pace. The level of 

engagement depends on the number of decisions that need to be made, which varies by project and project team. 

However, the overall success of designing a project to meet the user’s needs is often proportioned to the level of 

engagement of the user team in the design process. The timeframe within which the user needs to respond 

remains consistent. Information requests and decisions require responses within 1 to 2 days. 

3.3 DESIGN PROCESSES AND TOOLS

This section presents tools, technologies, and processes that the user may require during the Design Phase. 

Awareness of these elements can increase the impact of the user’s participation. Also, please see appendix A: 

Standards, Policies, and Regulations for additional design resources. 

Figure 3-6: Construction 

documents stage of the 

Design Phase.
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3.3.1 BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) 

BIM, a relatively new technology within the building industry, uses an intelligent, model-based process to 

collaboratively construct a digital representation of physical, functional, and general building characteristics. This 

virtual facility model is shared and developed between the design team, constructors, the owner/operator, and any 

other key stakeholders in a collaborative and integrated environment that can improve productivity and project 

visualization, increase coordination among architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders, and increase 

the speed and accuracy of project delivery. As a “shared” resource containing a myriad of facility information, BIM 

can be used throughout the facility life cycle, from inception to operation. It can also be a highly effective, useful 

tool for the A/E team to convey design ideas to the user group because three-dimensional images are easier for 

the layperson to read and understand than traditional two-dimensional plans and elevations. 

Although BIM offers many advantages within the facility life cycle, using BIM and an integrated design process 

requires both a more sophisticated understanding of the facility delivery process and an A/E team experienced in 

using BIM to deliver projects. Furthermore, the use of BIM requires changes to the owner’s decision making since, 

typically, using BIM requires decisions to be made much earlier in the design process. Owners considering the use 

of BIM to facilitate project delivery should carefully select project team members, designers, and 

contractors/subcontractors with a record of successful project delivery using BIM. 

3.3.2 TECHNICAL LABORATORIES

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations outlines types of technical laboratories and expands to include 

current forensic science laboratory departments (such as toxicology, biological science/DNA, firearms analysis, 

trace evidence, and chemistry). This appendix is a guide for technical requirements during the design process. 

3.3.3 DESIGN PHASE CHECKLIST

The following checklist in table 3-2 identifies the activities that must be completed as part of performing the Design 

Phase. Checklists for all phases are provided in appendix F: Key Activity Checklists. 

Table 3-2: Design Phase Checklist 

(Note: bolded items are Phase deliverables) 

Process 

Step Activity

 1 External A/E Consultant Identified 

 1 Funding Approval Secured for A/E Consultant

 1 A/E Consultant SOW/RFP Defined

 1 A/E Consultant Contracted

 2 Design Program Reviewed with A/E

 2 Design Program Revised/Updated

 3 Design Charrette Executed

 4 Preliminary Concept Developed

 5 Schematic Design Selected
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Process 

Step Activity

 6 Major Systems Selected

 7 Design Value Engineered

 8 Design Development Drawings Completed

 8 Project Cost Estimate Completed

 9 Construction Drawing Completed

 9 Construction Specification Completed
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4. CONSTRUCTION

This phase transforms the laboratory plan and design into a constructed building. During the Construction Phase, a 

team of individuals represents the laboratory’s interests to ensure that all the laboratory concepts are fulfilled. The 

laboratory needs to rely on the project team members’ collective expertise with respect to interpretation of the 

contract documents, resolution of technical construction issues, and unforeseen construction conditions. Much of 

the team’s time is spent in this phase inspecting and checking the work to ensure the laboratory is getting what it 

is paying for and responding to information requests. The nature of the project and available resources frames the 

key choices that are in the best interest of the laboratory. These choices include what type of construction 

delivery method to use to complete the project (e.g., design-build or public-private-partnership) as well as which 

contract type to use (e.g., fixed price or cost plus fee). 

4.1 CONSTRUCTION PHASE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

During the Construction Phase, the majority of the time and 

effort occurs with the physical construction of the facility. As 

shown in table 4-1, the user group’s primary role is to observe 

the work to ensure it meets expectations. The technical manager 

is the main point of contact for the general contractor. The 

project team must direct questions and comments through the 

technical manager. The A/E team also assigns a single point of contact to respond to general contractor questions, 

change orders, and design intent. The A/E team lead responds to the general contractor through the technical 

manager. 

After acceptance of the final constructed product, the team engages in the steps of ensuring proper function and 

use of the laboratory. 

“Communication is essential. Weekly 

meetings during the construction process are a 

must. Users and A/E’s must be responsive to 

contractor RFIs, and answers must be timely.”

— Laboratory User
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Table 4-1: Project Team Activities during Construction Phase

Group Role Construction Phase Responsibilities

User

(internal to laboratory)

Laboratory Director Secures funding for construction. Selects the contractor team 

to perform the work. Accepts the final constructed product.

Technical Manager

Manages day-to-day activities with a focus on continuous 

communication with the A/E team. Participates in regular inprogress construction inspections. Oversees commissioning 

and effective warranty evaluation. Ensures staff training. May 

be supported by an owner’s representative during the 

laboratory construction.

Project Committees

Maintains awareness of project and provide rapid responses 

to information requests. Participates in construction 

inspections. Receives operations training.

Contracting Agent

Provides guidance on configuration of acquisition. Performs

acquisition process for user group and execute contract. 

Tracks acceptance of work and payments.

Property Owner Facilities Project Manager

Maintains constant contact during construction process to 

ensure effective installation into building. Conducts training of 

staff during commissioning for ongoing maintenance.

Design Team

Forensic Science 

Consultant

Provides recommendations for managing construction issues 

as they arise (e.g., assists with selecting general contractorproposed equipment, request for information [RFI] responses, 

and final punch list inspection).

A/E Team

Provides post-construction award services for facility. 

Prepares submittals and provides construction oversight. May 

provide commissioning agent responsible for leading the 

commissioning step of the process. Develops construction 

documents. Provides responses to contractors’ requests for 

clarification, change order requests, and field clarifications.

Construction Team

General Contractor

Performs the construction. Depending on configuration of 

construction team, may include a CM. Participates in warranty 

evaluation.

Subcontractor

Includes vendors with specialty construction capabilities. 

Reports directly to the general contractor. Does not engage 

user group or A/E team.

4.2 THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

From the user group’s standpoint, there are three primary stages 

during the Construction Phase (figure 4-1): initiation, construction, 

and post-occupancy activities. Each stage requires a different set of 

decisions and different levels of participation by the user group. 

“On large projects, hire a good 

construction manager who will act as the owner’s 

agent to make sure you are getting what you paid 

for in your project. This manager can help keep 

your change order costs down and keep your 

contractor honest.”

—Laboratory User
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Figure 4-1: Forensic science laboratory project Construction Phase. 

During each stage, construction team members have significant roles and responsibilities. Cooperation and 

coordination among team members are key to project success. 

4.2.1 INITIATE 

Key decisions made during the initiate stage, as shown in figure 4-2, require the direct 

attention of the user group. 

❶ Determine Management Strategy: This step requires the choice of 

construction team configuration and contract type. Developing solutions for 

these decisions can begin during the Planning Phase. The A/E team and 

contracting agent can provide advice on each of these choices. The laboratory 

director determines the construction team configuration. With the 

contracting officer, the laboratory director/technical manager also determines 

the contract type. (See section 4.3, Construction Processes and Tools, for 

more information.) 

❷ Commit Funding: The technical manager needs to ensure the availability of 

funding required for construction. This is distinct from budgeting and 

programming funding for the project. The process of committing the funds 

Relocation

Figure 4-2: Initiate stage 

of the Construction 

Phase.
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may require at least one month to complete. The contracting agent can assist with identifying processes 

and deadlines for committing funds to the project. 

❸Contract: This step includes the bidding process and Contract Award (deliverable). The contracting 

officer takes the lead on this step, but depending on team and contract configuration, the A/E team may 

lead contracting the construction of the forensic science laboratory. The bidding process is complex and 

requires the technical manager’s participation. The process includes solicitation, a pre-bid conference, 

document issuance, RFI responses, addenda issuance, and bid opening. The user group must be available 

to the contracting officer for assisting with RFIs and addenda. 

The award process includes the analysis of bids and alternates. All bids must be evaluated carefully. Often 

a project includes alternates, which are portions of the work that may or may not be completed. An 

additive alternate is additional work that the building owner may elect to do if the bid cost is within his or 

her budget. Multiple alternates in the bid package add additional complexity to bid evaluation. Once the 

successful bidder has been identified and the bid certified as bona fide, the construction contract between 

the user group and contractor can be completed. The technical manager should ensure that the 

appropriate signers of the contract are identified. Often, the contracting agent can sign the contract, but 

the laboratory director may also be required to sign. The laboratory director and the technical manager 

should assist in the final determination of a successful bidder (or make this determination solely if the 

project team does not include supporting entities) and should ensure that a contract is awarded. 

Initiate Stage Best Practices 

Map funding acquisition well in advance (one year) to 

ensure the project schedule. Depending on the user 

group’s organization, the actions necessary to line up 

funds may have long lead times. 

Recognize that the purchase and installation of fixed or 

major equipment can be complicated and may result in coordination issues. The A/E team works with the 

contractor and his or her subcontractors to resolve these issues but may reach out to the technical 

manager and user group for clarification and direction. 

Address issues affecting existing equipment that will be relocated during laboratory construction. This 

includes moving the equipment, connecting the equipment, and potentially replacing equipment. The 

technical manager must be aware of any changes in equipment that may affect the building or utility 

requirements and communicate this to the A/E team for coordination with the contractor. Additionally, 

moving equipment could impact existing laboratory operations. The laboratory must make the decision to 

move only items that it can do without for a period of weeks (for small items) to months (for larger or 

more complex items that must be installed early in the Construction Phase). 

Work with the contracting officer to require bidders to provide performance bonds and past 

performance qualifications in preparing laboratory space to mitigate the risk that the low bidder cannot 

adequately perform the work. 

FAQ 

Q: What is the difference between a construction manager and an owner’s representative?

A: Primarily, an owner’s representative does not take responsibility for delivery of the built work, but ensures 

only that the project meets the user group’s goals and expectations. From this standpoint, the owner’s 

representative targets project management and assists with making the best decisions on behalf of the agency. Both 

roles report directly to the technical manager. 

“Poor bid documents resulted in numerous 

change orders.”

—Laboratory User
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4.2.2 CONSTRUCT 

The user group’s primary goals during the construct stage, shown in figure 4-3, are to ensure the laboratory is 

built to meet design criteria and to accept the final built product.

❹ Observe: The technical manager has two main tasks in this step: tracking 

project progress and assisting with construction deliverables as required. 

Tracking project progress includes ensuring that the project is on time and on

budget. (See section 4.3, Construction Processes and Tools, for tools to assist

with this task.) The nature of construction projects includes changes that 

challenge project resources. The construction team takes the lead on ensuring 

successful timing and budgeting. The laboratory director should maintain visibility 

on the main project metrics of schedule and budget and should be available to 

the construction team to provide decisions about changing circumstances. 

Construction projects also require the user group to assist with several 

documents during the project life cycle, including submittals, change orders, and 

invoices. The user group works with the technical manager and A/E team in 

reviewing certain submittals and change orders associated with specific 

laboratory functions. A change order is a change to the contract that may require the user group’s 

approval; for example, a change order can formalize the substitution of a piece of laboratory equipment. 

Invoices are typically submitted and processed monthly. Laboratory policies identify the user group’s role 

in the invoicing process. 

The construction team and the A/E team are responsible for processing these deliverables. There are 

instances in which the technical manager or the laboratory director may be required to provide direction 

on managing these deliverables (e.g., approval of a change order that significantly impacts schedule and/or 

budget). The user group must be available to the 

construction team to provide decisions on substantial 

deliverables that impact schedule or budget. The forensic 

science consultant participates in this stage by reviewing 

submittals and RFIs specifically related to the forensic 

design and by providing periodic observation of the 

construction progress related to the construction and 

installation of forensic design systems. 

❺ Commission: During this step, the facility is commissioned to ensure that all equipment is fully 

operational. Because of the sensitive functions that occur within the forensic science laboratory, it is 

critical that the commission agent confirm the proper functioning of installed building systems and 

equipment. The technical manager also arranges for service of the equipment and systems at this time. 

Commissioning is the process of inspecting, testing, starting up, and adjusting building systems and then 

verifying and documenting that they are operating as proposed and meet the intended design criteria. This 

process expands on the customary testing, adjusting, and balancing typically performed on mechanical 

systems through a greatly broadened scope over a longer period of time. The process also ensures that all 

systems are installed properly and perform according to design, that they can be operated cost effectively, 

that they meet the user groups’ needs, and that their operation is adequately documented and well 

understood by operators. The user group must ensure that the commissioning team understands and can 

confirm that the facility functions to meet user group requirements. 

“Have a good understanding of the plans. 

Tour the site regularly. Be able to identify 

problems before they became huge cost issues. If 

you see something that does not look right, speak 

up.”

—Laboratory User

Figure 4-3: Construct 

stage of the 

Construction Phase.
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❻ Conduct Final Inspection: The general contractor, with the A/E team, prepares a Punch List 

(deliverable) of outstanding items requiring construction completion. The technical manager conducts the 

final inspection with the general contractor’s representatives and appropriate members from the user 

group (e.g., project Committee members). The inspection focuses on validating that all Punch List items 

have been resolved. The final invoice will then be processed by the contracting agent. Retainage (2 

percent to 5 percent depending on contract terms) will be reserved by the user group for a specified time 

after final invoice payment (frequently one year). The user group must participate in the final inspection to 

ensure that work has been completed to the laboratory’s satisfaction.

If specified by the contract, at or prior to the final inspection, the user group should receive a set of 

project documents. Final inspection project documentation includes As-Built Drawings and Facility 

Equipment Owner’s Manuals (deliverables). The A/E team works with the general contractor to provide 

as-built drawings and to deliver them to the user group for future reference. The construction team also 

provides the user group with O&M manuals for the major systems installed during the project, such as 

heating ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and diagnostic equipment, for use by the user 

group’s O&M staff and mission personnel. The technical manager must ensure the receipt of project 

documentation. The forensic science consultant participates in the final inspection process to ensure that 

forensic design systems conform to the construction documents. 

At the end of the Construction Phase, the building is accepted by the governing agency and laboratory director. 

The user group staff members commence their move to the facility during the Relocation Phase. However, the 

Construction Phase continues with the post-occupancy stage, which entails the final steps required to ensure 

proper functioning of the laboratory.

Construct Stage Best Practices 

Pay special attention to submittals requesting equipment substitutions to avoid cascading errors aligning 

with the overall project design. Confirm project specifications and clearly define the general contractor’s 

responsibility for all corrections and adjustments resulting from requested product substitutions. 

Conduct regular construction progress meetings, which provide a standard construction industry control 

tool. The technical manager is encouraged to attend regularly. The meetings offer a chance for 

construction team members to address issues of concern and upcoming key tasks. 

Use a task tracking tool, frequently arranged as a database, to track issues that require resolution. A 

dashboard feature also can be implemented that provides a summary of task status to all team members. 

These tasks are then typically closely monitored in the weekly project meetings. 

Be aware that utility installation is often mishandled during construction. Additional attention and 

coordination applied to utility installation optimizes the construction effort. The organization of utilitydistributed systems is critical for adaptability and ease of maintenance in laboratory facilities. 

During the construction process, be aware that a number of evolving issues may lead to revisions in the 

laboratory build-out. For example, it is not unusual for a large percentage of the laboratory users to 

change. The laboratory targeted program may change, or the construction process may reveal unresolved 

design decisions. Each of these situations may require design revisions. A significant amount of time may 

be required of the technical manager to coordinate these revisions during construction. 

Know that change orders will be inevitable. 

Do not move into the new facility until receiving the certificate of occupancy, performing a final 

inspection, completing the punch-list, and formally accepting the building from the general contractor. It is 

legal to move into a building with only a certification of substantial completion, which can be issued prior 
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to a certificate of occupancy, but this is strongly discouraged. This introduces the risk of the contractor 

claiming any deficiencies in the building are the result of damage by laboratory personnel. 

FAQ 

Q: What are the greatest risks specific to forensic science laboratory construction? 

A: Schedule and budget are the biggest risks to forensic science laboratory construction. Change orders are the 

biggest threat to keeping the project under budget. The laboratory director and technical manager can manage 

these with sound design work and tracking tools. Inexperienced contractors and unqualified low-bidders introduce 

additional risk. The A/E team and contracting agent can provide assistance with screening and selecting qualified 

contractors. 

4.2.3 POST-OCCUPANCY 

Post-occupancy is the 12-month period of time following the acceptance of the laboratory by the user group. 

During this time, as shown in figure 4-4, the user group ensures that the building can be operated as expected and 

that all systems under warranty are operating as required. 

❼ Train: The technical manager ensures that the O&M staff is properly trained 

to manage the facility and that laboratory staff is capable of operating the 

pertinent equipment. The technical manager obtains training for the facilities 

engineer and custodial staff on new equipment so they understand how the 

building systems work. The technical manager ensures that the O&M staff is 

aware of systems requiring user group support and that they possess the 

skills to provide this support. The technical manager must also ensure that 

laboratory staff members possess the ability to use laboratory assets. 

❽ Evaluate Warranty: Major facility components will possess a 12-month 

warranty. This step includes the inspection and correction of any systems 

functioning below specification. All parties involved in the Construction

Phase participate in the successful performance of this step: the A/E team, 

the forensic science consultant, the commissioning agent, the general contractor, the facility owner, and 

the user group. The technical manager must maintain continual awareness of major components operating 

out of specification and must document these incidents for the A/E team. The user group should also 

participate in warranty inspections and ensure that all issues are identified and reported within the 12-

month warranty window. The technical manager must follow-up to ensure all issues are resolved. 

Post-Occupancy Stage Best Practices 

Assign a staff member to track all warranty-related performance issues for all major laboratory 

components for resolving during the warranty stage. Leverage BIM software for tracking if available. 

Verify that the project specifications include requirements for the general contractor and qualified 

equipment representatives to include training for laboratory users and O&M staff. Project specification 

should indicate items such as the following: a list of building system or equipment training that is to be 

provided for, the duration and number of training sessions, and a video recording of each training session. 

Figure 4-4: Postoccupancy stage of the 

Construction Phase.
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4.3 CONSTRUCTION PROCESSES AND TOOLS

This section presents tools and processes the user group may encounter during the Construction Phase. These 

elements can increase user group impact. Also, appendix A offers additional construction resources. 

4.3.1 CONTRACT TYPE AND PROCUREMENT OPTIONS 

The type of contract selected for executing the construction work determines how the technical manager and the 

laboratory director will be required to participate in the project. This is primarily driven by how the contract will 

define the team that completes the project. There are several basic contract type options. Each provides a 

different way to manage the risk of successful project delivery. The lower the risk, the more precise and objective 

the terms of the bidding evaluation can be. Appendix C presents a review of some of these procurement options. 

4.3.2 CONSTRUCTION PHASE CHECKLIST 

The following checklist, in table 4-2, identifies the activities that must be completed as part of performing the 

Construction Phase. Checklists for all phases are in appendix F: Key Activity Checklists. 

Table 4-2: Construction Phase Checklist 

(Note: bolded items are Phase deliverables) 

Process 

Step Activity

 1 Construction Team Configured

 1 Contracting Method Selected

 2 Construction Funding Committed

 3 Construction Contract Developed

 3 Construction Contract Awarded

 4 Laboratory-Related Submittals Reviewed

 4 Construction Process Tracking Planned

 4 Material and Systems Submittals Reviewed

 5 Facility Commissioning Validated

 6 Final Inspection Conducted 

 6 Punch List Completed

 6 As-Built Drawing, Major System Manuals Received

 7 Facility Operations Staff Trained

 8 Warranties Evaluated and Documented
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5. RELOCATION

As science-focused organizations restructure in an era of consolidation and outsourcing, the need to move 

research and testing equipment, samples, and even complete laboratories to new locations increases. Government 

agencies and other organizations seek to optimize use of capital investments or shift analysis to locations with 

lower costs of doing business. Forensic science laboratories, regardless of size or specific field, can minimize the 

financial, scientific, and regulatory compliance risks associated with relocation if the appropriate steps are taken. 

Certainly, the overarching goals should be to streamline the transition process, to ensure the safety of 

instruments, evidence, and occupants, to maintain a laboratory’s compliance standing, and to provide the 

laboratory director with real-time visibility throughout the process.

Relocation requires deliberate, careful, and documented steps that must be addressed in a manner that ensures 

maximum uptime at both ends of the process. Instrumentation needs to be inventoried, and decisions need to be 

made about what to move (versus what to retire) and how to best deploy instrumentation at another facility. 

Protocols must be followed for decommissioning and re-commissioning. Significant care must be taken in preparing

and transporting scientific instruments and valuable samples. 

In addition, laboratory work must continue even as the shift is made from the old facility to the new. Laboratory 

directors must develop a strategic plan for the move. They must phase and schedule relocation activities so that 

routine daily events occur as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Every laboratory move has its own unique 

workflow and uptime sequencing requirements. Planners should therefore consider all relevant tasks and activities, 

the order in which these need to be accomplished, and the responsible party for each task. The relocation plan can 

then be divided into pre-move, move, and post-move stages. 

5.1 RELOCATION PHASE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The move process requires a high level of engagement by all laboratory staff members as outlined in table 5-1. 

External resources are limited to a vendor that provides moving services. 
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Table 5-1: Project Team Activities during Relocation Phase

Group Role Relocation Phase Responsibilities

User

(internal to laboratory)

Laboratory Director Maintains visibility of relocation process. Approves

acquisition of move services.

Technical Manager

Manages day-to-day actions and decisions for 

completing the relocation. Can be re-designated move 

captain or can assign a move captain responsible for 

relocation activities (as further detailed in this chapter).

Project Committees Provides input on detailed decision making for move 

process.

Contracting Agent Contracts the services of a moving company, as needed 

by the user group.

Property Owner Facilities Project Manager Provides coordination to support move.

Design Team

Forensic Science Consultant Does not participate.

A/E Team Does not participate.

Construction Team

General Contractor Does not participate.

Subcontractor Does not participate.

5.2 THE RELOCATION PROCESS

Figure 5-1: Forensic science laboratory project Relocation Phase. 
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35

5.2.1 INITIATE 

From the beginning of the Relocation Phase figure 5-1, the user group must be directly involved in the process. A 

move captain is designated to oversee the activities. Figure 5-2 outlines the initiate stage. 

❶ Determine Move Strategy: Moving is a complex series of tasks that require 

constant communication and cooperation. The user group should plan a series 

of meetings and activities preceding the relocation so that all details are 

planned out. These meetings incorporate facility inventories developed during 

the Design Phase. The resulting deliverable is the Integrated Master Schedule.

This tool defines each distinct project activity and the critical path tasks that, if 

delayed, delay the completion of the project. 

Another deliverable in this step can be a Task Tracker Tool. This tool, 

frequently arranged as a database, tracks issues that require resolution. A 

dashboard feature also can be implemented that provides all team members 

with a summary of task status. These tasks are closely monitored in project 

meetings. 

The user group should attend all construction meetings and should keep the 

project team well informed of schedule changes. The user group should also generate a realistic 

laboratory move schedule, assess the site, and evaluate the documentation compliance needs relevant to 

post-installation qualification and validation. 

A key consideration in a move strategy is the budget for the move. Move planners must consider lining up 

funding years in advance of the move. Budget should include a contingency for scope changes during 

project lifetime. 

❷ Acquire Services/Contracting: This step includes the 

bidding process and contract awards for the services 

required. The user group must identify the types of 

services it requires. These services may include IT and 

furniture vendors, move managers, and move 

contractors. The contracting officer takes the lead on 

these steps by determining the type of contracts to be used and the bidding processes to be followed. 

During the bidding process, qualified bidders are invited to prepare bids for the move of the forensic 

science laboratory. The bidding process includes multiple steps requiring the technical manager’s 

participation. These steps include solicitation, document issuance, a bid conference, question responses, 

and bid award. The user group should be available to the contracting officer for assisting with questions 

and addenda. 

The award process includes the analysis of bids and alternates. All bids must be evaluated carefully. Often 

a project includes alternates. Alternates are portions of the work that may or may not be purchased or 

executed. Multiple alternates in the bid package add additional complexity to bid evaluation. Once the 

successful bidder has been identified, the contract between the user group and vendor can be executed. 

The contracting officer can sign the contract, and, depending on the situation, the contract may also need 

to be signed by other laboratory staff members. 

“We have always used some form of 

contracted move management services for our 

relocations.”

— Laboratory User

Figure 5-2: Initiate stage 

of the Relocation Phase.
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Relocation 

36

The user group should assist in final determination of successful bidder (or make this determination solely 

if the project team does not include supporting entities). The user groups should also ensure that the 

contract is executed. 

❸ Conduct Inventory: The user group should begin 

planning the move by taking inventory of what is already 

on hand and what needs to be disposed of. This 

Inventory (deliverable) may build on those previously 

developed in the Design Phase. The group should analyze 

hazardous materials, understand local regulatory compliance procedures, and review codes and laws 

relevant to the laboratory materials with which they work. The user group can contact equipment 

manufacturers for recommendation on equipment management during the move. 

To maintain the warranty on certain instruments, utilize service technicians supplied by the 

instrumentation manufacturer. The user group should check existing service contracts for equipment 

maintenance to see if they include moving support. 

The user group should contact the local authority for proper handling of hazardous materials waste, 

chemicals, etc. The group should establish disposal procedures and distribute them to the laboratory staff 

members. 

Initiate Stage Best Practices 

Work with the contracting officer to require bidders to provide past performance qualifications in 

preparing laboratory space to mitigate the risk that the low bidder cannot adequately perform the work. 

Hire or designate a move captain who must have an overall understanding of the laboratory culture to 

grasp the scope of the project. The move captain must be able to communicate with the scientific 

community to recognize and translate their needs and must comprehend and be able to communicate the 

equipment and chemical requirements to contractors, vendors, and trades people. The move captain 

coordinates the move, oversees the subcontractor’s schedules, attends weekly construction meetings, and 

reconciles laboratory’s equipment needs. The move captain also possesses a thorough knowledge of the 

construction process. 

Keep all stakeholders involved during the initiate stage. 

Ensure that the user group uses project tracking and scheduling tools created with the project team to 

coordinate subcontractor’s contracts, meetings, and timelines. 

To streamline the move, consider using a radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking system to 

inventory all devices and items that will be relocated. The RFID system can identify the item, retain critical 

notes for devices, note the room where item is currently located and the room where it will be located, 

and track all personnel handling the item and vehicles transporting the item. 

5.2.2 PLAN 

❹ Coordinate Internal Resources: As shown in figure 5-3, the move captain ensures that specific service 

requirements for the move are met. The service requirements include, but are not limited to, IT; 

furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E); and security. 

Information Technology: Prior to the move, the user group should coordinate with IT support to 

determine whether the internal IT team or the contracted movers are responsible for moving IT 

equipment. Typically, the moving contractor does not move IT equipment unless it is 

unplugged/disassembled and ready to be moved, and he or she does not usually reconnect the equipment 

“Planning, Planning, Planning – that was the 

key to our [relocation] success.

— Laboratory User
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Relocation 

37

at the destination. Items to be coordinated include the network, 

telecommunications/local area network closet, cable management, utilities, and 

audio/visual support and connectivity. 

The user group should contact IT support to disconnect the equipment prior to 

the scheduled move date and to reconnect it at the destination location. The 

group should also notify the movers of the requirement to move the IT 

equipment at the time the move is scheduled so that the movers bring the 

appropriate special equipment necessary to move IT equipment safely. 

Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment: FF&E includes vendors and services. 

Prior to the move, the user group should coordinate with the facilities project manager to determine the 

delivery and installation schedule. The schedule should synchronize with the general contractor’s overall 

project schedule. After the furniture is installed, IT support makes the network connections. The vendor 

prepares a Punch List of outstanding items. The technical manager completes the final inspection with the 

facilities project manager and the vendor’s representatives. 

The facilities project manager coordinates with the vendor and building owner to manage the furniture 

delivery and installation. In most instances, the facilities project manager coordinates the arrival schedules, 

the number of trucks to be parked simultaneously at the destination site, and the use of any loading docks 

and freight elevators where applicable. Moves should be scheduled to comply with any building 

restrictions that may be in effect. 

The user group should participate in the final inspection to ensure specifications are met and installation 

has been completed to the laboratory’s satisfaction. 

Security: Depending on the specific security requirements of individual sites, on the day prior to the 

move, the movers may be required to be escorted through the facilities or to submit personal information 

for clearance to obtain visitor passes. Move captains should be aware of and follow the access procedures 

for the particular site where access is required. 

❺ Pack: Laboratory directors should refer to the laboratory relocation guidelines in appendix A to 

safeguard and pack chemicals and equipment. Items are tagged with the destination location prior to the 

move, and laboratory directors/move captains advise the movers. The move captain should estimate the 

number of moving boxes needed and arranges for boxes and plastic moving crates to be delivered to the 

origination site approximately one week prior to the move. 

The user group ensures that employees are aware of proper safety procedures for packing chemicals to 

be moved. The group provides and distributes laboratory relocation guidelines to employees and movers 

for protection and confirms the construction schedule. 

Employees are generally responsible for packing up the contents of their offices/benches. The move 

captain procures packing boxes and delivers them to the current location. It is imperative that crates are 

properly identified to ensure safety of handling. 

Plan Stage Best Practices 

Develop a “from-to” list, which contains information on each laboratory employee, to submit to the 

laboratory director or facilities manager. 

Use the relocation as an opportunity to write new internal business policies. 

Figure 5-3: Plan stage of

the Relocation Phase.
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38

Because movement of evidence is a key driver of shaping the move plan, establish chain of custody plan 

and escort requirements and identify physical locations for evidence throughout the move process. Prior 

to the move, notify law enforcement agencies, the district attorney’s office, and other legal 

representatives of the plan to move evidence. 

Establish a building support and custodial team for the operation of the new facility.

Prepare and implement a process for certifying, accrediting, and calibrating equipment once it has been 

moved to the new location.

Plan to move all equipment over one weekend to minimize disruption to ongoing laboratory functions.

Use the opportunity of the move to donate, recycle, or discard old or obsolete items in the laboratory. 

Provide a specific number of boxes for employees to use for their personal items, and encourage them to 

dispose of any items that do not fit in those boxes. Provide recycling and/or disposal for universal waste, 

including batteries, computer monitors, consumer electronic devices, mercury-containing devices, and 

fluorescent lamps. 

Arrange for law enforcement security during the movement of the laboratory’s firearms.

FAQ 

Q: How far in advance should I contact a moving company to schedule employee relocation? 

A: Schedule the move as far in advance as possible, especially during the busy moving season from May 15 to

September 15. Six weeks from the move date is not too early. Keep a close account of the construction 

schedule as moves may need to be rescheduled because of unforeseen construction and inspection delays. 

5.2.3 RELOCATE 

❻ Move: The relocate stage is shown in figure 5-4. The user group confirms that 

IT systems, FF&E, and telecommunications tools are installed on the planned 

date. The move captain ensures the physical move of boxes, equipment, and 

other laboratory material occurs as scheduled. 

❼ Vacate: Refer to appendix G for checklists on properly ensuring safe and 

compliant transitions when vacating a laboratory facility. The user group should 

be familiar with the policies, training, and decommissioning standards required 

to vacate a laboratory. The group oversees the appropriate handling of waste 

materials and ensures that arrangements for this work are made well in 

advance to allow contractors sufficient time to meet the schedule.

❽ Occupy: At this point, the facility is ready for move-in. The move contractor 

begins post-occupancy testing and calibration/validation of instruments on each 

system. O&M manuals are provided by the contractor. 

The user group oversees the move, reinstallation of the equipment, and documentation of system 

validation as needed. The group schedules pick-up of moving crates and boxes and establishes

maintenance procedures. 

Relocate Stage Best Practices 

Identify issues that need to be addressed. Determine whether these issues will be addressed by an 

internal staff member or by an external consultant, because post-occupancy evaluations and feedback are 

essential for the continuous improvement of building laboratories. Prepare questionnaires, interviews, and 

focus groups. Determine a benchmarking process and decide how to share the information with the next 

project team or other laboratory directors. 

Figure 5-4: Relocate stage 

of the Relocation Phase. 
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Ensure that construction is complete prior to commissioning. Commissioning should be complete before 

the move. 

When packing, take the opportunity to purge unused or unneeded files and equipment. 

Prepare document for laboratory staff with human capital factor best practices (e.g., best way to lift a 

box). 

Work with the A/E team to conduct post-occupancy evaluation because this feedback is critical to 

continued improvement in providing facility design for other forensic laboratory users. 

FAQ 

Q: How do I engage the public with the new facility? 

A: Consider holding a building open-house for families, press, and the public. Highlight innovations and 

improvements in the new facility.

5.3 RELOCATION PROCESSES AND TOOLS

In addition to the following items, appendix A: Standards, Policies, and Regulations offers other resources. 

5.3.1 VACATING A LABORATORY

Again, the goal of the Relocation Phase is to ensure safe and compliant transitions in laboratory occupancy. The 

four major areas to address when vacating a laboratory are general safety, biological safety, radiation safety, and 

chemical safety. 

Laboratory directors should carefully review the handling and disposal of waste materials. Once hazardous 

materials are properly disposed of, they must ensure that all chemicals to be moved are properly labeled and that 

the containers are safe to handle. Broken or disintegrating containers of chemicals should be disposed of. 

Appendix G presents detailed requirements.

5.3.2 DECOMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS 

Decommissioning consists of all work required to achieve a facility free of chemical, biological, radiological, or 

other hazardous materials. This process prepares the area for reasonable, unrestricted demolition. 

Decommissioning includes an in-depth facility assessment by a qualified environmental engineer or industrial 

hygienist. The assessment identifies any environmental or other site hazards that could result in the release of 

hazardous substances during demolition or that could pose a hazard to workers. A checklist for managing these 

requirements is included in appendix G.

5.3.3 TRANSITION PROCESS 

Relocation planning requires specific actions resulting in a detailed, 

realistic, working transition plan and budget that ensure that the 

move remains on schedule and budget with full operational 

capability in the new facility on day one. The transition plan 

includes the tasks, time frames, costs, and responsibilities for 

subordinate activities required to ensure a successful transition. 

Planners should understand the “baseline” to accurately estimate performance risk and to develop an efficient plan. 

To understand what the move entails requires capturing accurate data on the people, mission-critical and stored 

assets, personal property, equipment, systems, and data that will be impacted by the move. To define the full scope 

"Plan for more time. The move itself was 

not bad, but getting settled into the new site takes 

much longer than you anticipate.”

— Laboratory Director
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40

and to establish the baseline, the inventory should include, minimally, IT systems and subsystems, active hard-copy 

and archived records, paper and film storage, confidential material, and mission-critical equipment and assets. 

1. Requirements Development: Using the baseline information that has been collected, a comprehensive 

analysis of transition requirements must be developed in coordination with the various stakeholder 

groups to ensure no degradation in mission. Preparing this analysis will require an understanding of 

mission-critical operations. 

2. Equipment Planning: This process begins with meeting with stakeholders assigned to the project and 

other identified stakeholders to discuss requirements that support the final objective: outfitting the new 

facility with the equipment needed to support the organization’s mission and operational requirements. 

3. Continuity of Operations and Concept of Operations: The organization cannot stop functioning 

because of the relocation; therefore, considerations must be integrated into transition planning to ensure 

no disruption or degradation to mission accomplishment during and after the transition occurs. Prior to 

the move, notify courts and law enforcement agencies to avoid conflicts with potential trial needs. 

4. O&M Planning: The planning process ensures that the new facility is ready for operation on day one 

and integrates considerations of the new facility’s O&M once the relocation has been completed. 

5.3.4 RELOCATION PHASE CHECKLIST 

The following checklist, in table 5-2, identifies the activities that must be completed as part of performing the 

Relocation Phase. Checklists for all phases are in appendix F: Key Activity Checklists. 

Table 5-2: Relocation Phase Checklist 

(Note: bolded items are Phase deliverables) 

Process 

Step Activity

 1 Move Captain Designated

 1 Integrated Master Schedule Prepared

 1 Task Tracker Tool Assembled

 2 Contracted Move Service Requirements Identified

 2 Contracted Services Acquired

 3 Equipment Inventory Prepared

 4 Move Responsibilities Coordinated

 5 All Materials Packed

 6 New Site Material Installations Coordinated

 7

Old Laboratory Vacated to Manage All Applicable 

Compliance Issues

 8 Equipment in New Location Calibrated/Validated
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Process 

Step Activity

 8 Staff Moved into New Laboratory
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Glossary 

42

GLOSSARY

Additive Alternate – Additional work that increases the cost of a construction bid. 

Architect-Engineer Services (as defined in 40 USC 1102 and the Federal Acquisition Regulation [FAR]) –

A. Professional services of an architectural or engineering nature, as defined by state law, which are 

required to be performed or approved by a person licensed, registered, or certified to provide such 

services; 

B. Professional services of an architectural or engineering nature performed by contract that are 

associated with research, planning, development, design, construction, alteration, or repair of real 

property; and 

C. Such other professional services of an architectural or engineering nature, or incidental services, 

which members of the architectural and engineering professions (and individuals in their employ) may 

logically or justifiably perform, including studies, investigations, surveying and mapping, tests, 

evaluations, consultations, comprehensive planning, program management, conceptual designs, plans 

and specifications, value engineering, Construction Phase services, soils engineering, drawing reviews, 

preparation of operating and maintenance manuals, and other related services. 

As-Built Drawings – Construction drawings revised to show specific detailed changes made during the 

construction process, based on record drawings (marked-up prints, drawings, and other data) furnished by the 

Contractor to the Government. The drawings clearly identify that they are the “as-built” drawings. 

Basic Services – The services performed by an architect-engineer during the project: schematic design, design 

development, construction documents, bidding or negotiation, and contract administration. 

Benchmarking – Process of analyzing and comparing facility design projects with industry standards. 

Bona Fide – A bid that is submitted in good faith and compliant with bidding documents.

Certificate of Occupancy – A document issued by the governing jurisdiction permitting the owner to occupy 

the building for approved use and population. 

Change Order – A revision to the contract for construction that is signed by the owner, contractor, and 

architect. 

Commissioning – The process of inspecting, testing, starting up, and adjusting building systems and then verifying 

and documenting that they are operating as proposed and meet the intended design criteria.

Concept Drawings – Graphics showing alternatives used to define a project’s scope during the programmatic 

stage of the project. 
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Glossary 

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Construction Codes – Any set of standards set forth in regulations, ordinances, or statutory requirements of a 

Federal, state, or local governmental unit relating to building construction and occupancy, adopted and 

administered for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare and of the environment. 

Construction Contract (as defined by FAR, refer to the appropriate authority for local and state regulations) –

A mutually binding legal relationship obligating the seller to furnish the supplies or services (including construction) 

and the buyer to pay for them. It includes all types of commitments that obligate the Government to an 

expenditure of appropriated funds and that, except as otherwise authorized by the FAR, are in writing. In addition 

to bilateral instruments, contracts include (but are not limited to) awards and notices of awards; job orders or task 

letters issued under basic ordering agreements; letter contracts; orders, such as purchase orders, under which the 

contract becomes effective by written acceptance or performance; and bilateral contract modifications. 

Construction Documents Phase – A term used to describe many types of documents used to take a project 

from design to completed building. The third phase of the architect-engineer’s basic services, where the architectengineer prepares from the approved design development documents, for approval by the Government agency 

having jurisdiction, the working drawings and specifications and the necessary bidding information. 

Construction Management – A professional service that applies effective management techniques to the 

planning, design, and construction of a project from inception to completion for the purpose of controlling time, 

cost, and quality, as defined by the Construction Management Association of America. 

Construction Manager – A person, firm, or business organization with the expertise and resources that has the 

responsibilities under contract to act as the owner’s agent and provide the owner with impartial technical advice. 

Contract Documents – Those documents that compose a contract, such as in a construction contract, the 

Government contractor agreement (Standard Form 252, which includes general provisions and clauses; special 

contract requirements; other provisions in the uniform contract format; specifications, plans, and/or drawings; all 

addenda, modifications, and changes thereto, together with any other items stipulated as being specifically 

included). 

Contracting Officer – An individual who has the authority to execute a contract on behalf of the Government 

agency having jurisdiction and to make changes, amend contracts, approve payments, terminate contracts, and 

close out contracts upon satisfactory completion. The sole authorized agent in dealing with the contractor. 

Contracting Officer's Technical Representative – The project officer or other authorized representative 

who is designated by the contracting officer. 

Contractor – The person, firm, or corporation with whom the Government has executed a contract and who is 

responsible for performing the work. 

Critical Path – A method for scheduling a set of project activities. The uninterrupted sequence of path of project 

activities that represents the time duration from that point to project completion and often continually changes 

with time. 

Decommissioning – A process that consists of all work required to achieve a facility free of chemical, biological, 

radiological, or other hazardous materials. 
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Glossary 

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Design-Bid-Build – (as defined by FAR, refer to the appropriate authority for state and local regulations) – The 

traditional delivery method where design and construction are sequential and contracted for separately with two 

contracts and two contractors. 

Design-Build – (as defined by FAR, refer to the appropriate authority for state and local regulations) – The 

delivery method that combines design and construction in a single contract with one contractor. Under this 

approach, the contractor and the A/E team are teamed to design and construct the facility under one contract. 

Design Program – A deliverable during the Design Phase that translates requirements identified in the Needs 

Assessment into data that are used by architects and engineers to design the facility. 

Fast-Track Construction – A scheduling process in which design and construction activities overlap. Design 

documents and equipment and trade subcontracts released incrementally or in phases. 

Federal Acquisition Regulation – The basic policy governing Federal agency acquisitions that contains legal 

requirements, regulations, and policies that bear on contracting. The FAR is available at 

http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vffara.htm or http://www.acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html. 

Footprint – The physical “floor” space required for an object or set of objects.

General Services Administration (GSA) – U.S. Federal agency responsible for property acquisition and 

management. Federal organizations can expect to partner with GSA during many of the processes described in this 

handbook. 

Gross Area – The total square footage/square meters in a building for all floors from the outside face of exterior 

walls, disregarding such architectural projections as cornices, buttresses, and roof overhangs. Gross area includes 

all research and administrative space; retail space; other areas, such as vending machine space and storage; and 

major vertical penetrations, such as shafts, elevators, stairs, or atrium space. This figure is used in defining 

construction costs for facilities. 

Historic Properties – Properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places or determined by the Federal 

Preservation Officer with the cognizant State Historic Preservation Officer or Tribal Historic Preservation Officer 

to be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places based on National Register Criteria. 

Improvements (Renovations/Alterations) – Any betterment or change to an existing property to allow its 

continued or more efficient use within its designated purpose (renovation) or for use for a different purpose or 

function (alteration). Building improvements also include improvements to or upgrading of primary mechanical, 

electrical, or other building systems and site improvements not associated with construction projects. 

Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) – A tool that defines each distinct project activity and the critical path tasks 

that, if delayed, delay the completion of the project. This tool can be utilized during the Relocation Phase. 

Lease – Specific rights to real property that have been assigned to the Federal Government for a defined period 

of time. A Federal lease is both a conveyance and contract to possess and use real property for a pre-determined 

period of time. 
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Glossary 

45

Life Cycle Cost – The total cost of owning, operating, and maintaining a building over its useful life, including its 

fuel and energy costs, determined on the basis of a systematic evaluation and comparison of alternative building 

systems; except that in the case of leased buildings, the life cycle cost is calculated over the effective remaining 

term of the lease. 

Model Building Codes – Regional building codes adopted as law by local jurisdictions. 

Nationally Recognized Standard – Benchmark that encompasses any standard or modification thereof that 

has been adopted and promulgated by a nationally recognized standards producing organization, often 

called standards development organization (SDO), under procedures whereby those interested and 

affected by it have reached substantial agreement on its adoption, or 

was formulated through consultation by appropriate Federal agencies in a manner that afforded an 

opportunity for diverse views to be considered. 

Needs Assessment – An essential planning tool, typically developed by independent professionals (e.g., forensic 

science consultants), that considers research, user, and facility needs; assesses the existing facility condition, 

limitations, and challenges; defines all space requirements; and refines preliminary opinions of construction cost.

Net Area/Net Space – Portions of the facility available to use for program operations and for supply storage, 

building maintenance/operation, and other necessary support functions. Net Area is measured from the inside of 

the permanent exterior wall to the near side of permanent walls separating the area from stairwells, elevators, 

mechanical rooms, permanent corridors, or other portions of the building not categorized as Net Space Area in 

the program of requirements document. In calculating net area, no deduction is made for columns and projections 

that are necessary to the building. However, deductions are made for large duct and elevator shafts passing 

through it. 

Net Assignable Square Footage – The area of a floor or office suite that is suitable for occupancy, including 

secondary corridors and excluding common or shared space that cannot be reasonably assigned for program 

purposes, such as main egress corridors, hazardous waste marshaling areas on the loading dock, and other nonprogrammable space. 

Pre-Project Planning – A process for developing sufficient strategic information used to address risk and 

determine required resources for successful construction projects. 

Project Management Plan (PMP) – A deliverable that outlines the strategy for planning, designing, 

constructing, commissioning, and relocating into the facility. The PMP is a dynamic document that is continually 

updated and refined throughout the project life cycle. 

Public Area – Any area of a building that is ordinarily open to members of the public, including lobbies, 

courtyards, auditoriums, meeting rooms, and other such areas 

Punch List – A deliverable prepared at the end of construction defining outstanding items requiring construction 

completion. The general contractor does not receive final payment until the Punch List has been resolved 

Record Drawings – The drawings submitted by a contractor or subcontractor at any tier to show the 

construction of a particular structure or work as actually completed under the contract. 
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Glossary 

46

Request for Information (RFI) – A question from the contractor regarding the drawings or specifications. 

Request for Proposals (RFP) – A document an organization uses to solicit bids. It outlines the contract terms 

and bid formatting requirements. 

Retainage – Money withheld from periodic payments made to the contractor for work installed, which is 

incrementally substantially completed but still in need of final completion. It is equivalent to the cost of making the 

work complete and provides the owner with financial leverage. 

Schematic Design – A deliverable developed by the A/E team that translates the project scope into conceptual 

design drawings possessing all the functionality required of the project. 

Scope of Work (sometimes, referred to as ‘Scope’) – The narrative description of a project including the physical 

size and characteristics, functions, and special features. 

Stakeholders – Individuals and organizations that are involved in or may be affected by the undertaking. 

Statement of Work (SOW) – A document in the acquisition process that describes the work to be performed 

or the services to be rendered, defines the respective responsibilities of the Government and the contractor, and 

provides an objective measure so that both the Government and the contractor know when the work is complete 

and payment is justified. Common elements of the SOW are background, project objectives, detailed technical 

requirements, deliverables, reporting, schedule, special considerations, and references. 

Submittals – Submittals are used to validate the details of the general contractor’s construction performance. 

Examples of submittals can include documentation of equipment to be installed (cut sheets) or a mockup of a 

building’s façade materials.

Usable Square footage (also referred to as “office area”) – The secured area (square footage) occupied 

exclusively by a tenant within a tenant’s leased space. The useable area multiplied by the load factor for common 

area results in rentable area on which rent is charged. The useable area can be measured in many ways, but the 

most common measurement for office buildings is according to industry standards. The useable area does not 

include restrooms, elevator shafts, fire escapes, stairwells, electrical and mechanical rooms, janitorial rooms, 

elevator lobbies, or public corridors (for example, a corridor leading from the elevator lobby to the entrance of a 

tenant’s office). 

Value Engineering – Process aimed at reducing project costs while maintaining basic functions. 
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Commonly Used Acronyms 

47

COMMONLY USED ACRONYMS

A/E Architect/Engineer

AFIS Automated Fingerprint Identification System 

BIM Building Information Modeling 

CCTV Closed-Circuit Television

CLIA Clinical Laboratory Improvement Acts

CM Construction Manager 

CMc Construction Manager at Risk

CODIS Combined DNA Index System

DB Design-Build

DBB Design-Bid-Build

DEA Drug Enforcement Administration

ECI Early Contractor Involvement 

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation

FAQ Frequently Asked Question

FF&E Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment 

GSF Gross Square Feet 

GSA General Services Administration

HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

IBIS Integrated Ballistic Identification System 

IPD Integrated Project Delivery 

ISO/IEC International Organization for 

Standardization/International 

Electrotechnical Commission

IT Information Technology 

LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental 

Design

LPTA Low Price Technically Acceptable 

NFPA National Fire Protection Association 

NIH National Institutes of Health

NIJ National Institute of Justice

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety & 

Health 

NTP Notice to Proceed 

O&M Operations and Maintenance 

OLES Law Enforcement Standards Office

PBS Public Buildings Service

PMP Project Management Plan

PPP Public–Private Partnership

RFI Request for Information

RFID Radio Frequency Identification

RFP Request for Proposals

SEM Scanning Electron Microscope

SME Subject-Matter Expert

SOW Statement of Work

TWG Technical Working Group 

USGBC U.S. Green Building Council 

VA Department of Veteran Affairs

WBDG Whole Building Design Guide 
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Commonly Used Acronyms 

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Appendix A: Standards, Regulations, and Other Guidance 

A-1

APPENDIX A: STANDARDS, REGULATIONS, AND OTHER GUIDANCE

This appendix includes a set of national and industry-wide standards for the design and operation of forensic 

science laboratories. State and local requirements must also be examined to ensure a compliant laboratory. In 

addition to these references, consider the following tools: forensics blogs/chat rooms, surveys from the American 

Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, industry associations, and the forensic professional community network. 

PLANNING STANDARDS 

Issuing Organization Title Description

Department of Veteran 

Affairs (VA)

TIL - Design Guides 

(PG-18-12)

The document is a guide and supplement to current technical manuals 

and other VA criteria in the planning of Research Laboratory facilities. 

General Services 

Administration (GSA)

P-100 – Facilities 

Standards for the 

Public Buildings 

Service (PBS)

The document establishes design standards and criteria for new 

buildings, major and minor alterations, and work in historic structures 

for the PBS of the GSA. This document contains policy and technical 

criteria to be used in the programming, design, and documentation of 

GSA buildings.

International 

Association of Chiefs of 

Police

Police Facility 

Planning Guidelines

This desk reference assists police administrators to plan, design, and 

build facilities to meet present and future needs. 

International 

Organization for 

Standardization

ISO/IEC 17025:2005

ISO 17025 is the primary standard used by testing and calibration 

laboratories. Laboratories use the standard to implement a quality 

system focused on improving the ability to consistently produce valid 

results. This standard is the basis for accreditation from an 

accreditation body.

National Institutes of 

Health (NIH)

NIH Design Policy 

and Guidelines

The document establishes policy, design standards, and technical 

criteria for use in programming, designing, and constructing new 

buildings, and major alterations for the NIH.

Scientific Equipment 

and Furniture 

Association (SEFA)

4th Edition SEFA 

Desk Reference

This reference offers recommended practices for the use and 

application of scientific furniture (e.g., fume hoods, laboratory 

casework)

U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA)

A Design Guide for 

Energy-Efficient 

Research 

Laboratories

Laboratories for the 21st Century (Labs21) is designed to meet the 

needs of laboratory and high-performance facility designers, engineers, 

owners, and facility managers. Cosponsored by the EPA and U.S. 

Department of Energy, Labs21 offers professionals worldwide an 

extraordinary opportunity for information exchange and education 

through three interactive components: a Partnership Program, Training 

and Education, and an interactive Tool Kit.

US Green Building 

Council (USGBC)

Leadership in Energy 

and Environmental 

Design (LEED) 

Rating System

LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification 

system. Developed by the USGBC in March 2000, LEED provides 

building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and 

implementing practical and measurable green building design, 

construction, operations, and maintenance solutions. LEED promotes 

sustainable building and development practices through a suite of 

rating systems that recognize projects that implement strategies for 

better environmental and health performance.
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix A: Standards, Regulations, and Other Guidance 

A-2

Issuing Organization Title Description

Wiley Architectural Graphic 

Standards

These standards present accepted architectural practices in a clear 

and accessible graphic form.

Wiley

Building Type Basics 

for Research 

Laboratories

This document presents design of research laboratories with the 

practical information to meet construction and renovation needs.

Wiley

Design and Planning 

of Research and 

Clinical Laboratory 

Facilities

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental 

issues related to laboratory design.

Wiley

Guidelines for 

Laboratory Design: 

Health and Safety 

Considerations

This document provides design information related to specific health 

and safety issues that need to be considered when building or 

renovating laboratories

DESIGN STANDARDS 

Issuing Organization Title Description

Americans with 

Disabilities Act

2010 ADA Standard 

for Accessible Design

The 2010 Standards set minimum requirements—both scoping and 

technical—for newly designed and constructed or altered state and 

local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial 

facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with 

disabilities.

Center for Medicare and 

Medicaid Services

Clinical Laboratory 

Improvement Act 

(CLIA)

The objective of the CLIA program is to ensure quality laboratory 

testing.

Department of Veterans 

Affairs

VA Research 

Laboratory Design 

Guide

The goal of the VA Design Guide is to ensure the quality of VA medical 

research laboratories while controlling construction and operating 

costs. This document is intended to be used as a guide and a 

supplement to current technical manuals and other VA criteria in the 

planning of Research Laboratory facilities.

Drug Enforcement 

Administration (DEA)

Security Outline of 

the Controlled 

Substances Act of 

1970

Practitioners include physicians, dentists, veterinarians, researchers, 

hospitals, pharmacies, or other persons registered to do research, to 

dispense, or to use in teaching or chemical analysis a controlled 

substance in the course of professional practice. Minimum security 

standards for practitioners are set forth in the regulations and are to be 

used in evaluating security.

General Services 

Administration

P-100 Facilities 

Standards for the 

Public Buildings 

Service

The Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service establishes 

design standards and criteria for new buildings, major and minor 

alterations, and work in historic structures for the PBS of the GSA. This 

document contains policy and technical criteria to be used in the 

programming, design, and documentation of GSA buildings.
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix A: Standards, Regulations, and Other Guidance 

A-3

Issuing Organization Title Description

Leadership in Energy 

and Environmental 

Design

What LEED is

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, provides 

building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and 

implementing practical and measurable green building design, 

construction, operations, and maintenance solutions.

National Fire Protection 

Association

NFPA 45: Standard 

on Fire Protection for 

Laboratories Using 

Chemicals

Essential to the fire-safe design and operation of instructional, 

educational, and industrial laboratories using chemicals, NFPA 45: 

Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals outlines 

the maximum allowable quantities of liquids and gases, as well as 

requirements for laboratory ventilating systems and chemical fume 

hoods.

National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and 

Health (NIOSH)

Prevention Through 

Design

One of the best ways to prevent and control occupational injuries, 

illnesses, and fatalities is to “design out” or minimize hazards and risks 

early in the design process. NIOSH is leading a national initiative called 

Prevention through Design to promote this concept and highlight its 

importance in all business decisions.

National Institute of 

Building Sciences

Whole Building 

Design Guide 

(WBDG)

Within the WBDG, research facilities are divided into two major groups: 

animal research facilities and research laboratories. Research 

laboratories are further categorized by type (e.g., wet labs and dry 

labs) and by sectors (e.g., academic, corporate, and government labs). 

This site provides a wealth of information and available resources 

addressing each laboratory type.

National Institutes of 

Health

Design Requirements 

Manual

This manual is the only detailed design requirements and guidance 

manual for biomedical research laboratory and animal research 

facilities in the United States. Provides minimum performance design 

standards for NIH-owned and -leased new buildings and renovated 

facilities, ensuring that those facilities will be of the highest quality to 

support biomedical research.

Office of the President

EO13514 Federal 

Leadership in 

Environmental, 

Energy, and 

Economic 

Performance

EO 13514 sets sustainability goals for Federal agencies and focuses 

on making improvements in their environmental, energy, and economic 

performance. The executive order requires Federal agencies to set a 

2020 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target within 90 days, to 

increase energy efficiency, to reduce fleet petroleum consumption, to 

conserve water, to reduce waste, to support sustainable communities, 

and to leverage Federal purchasing power to promote environmentally 

responsible products and technologies.

Office of the President

EO 13423 Federal 

Leadership in 

Environmental, 

Energy, and 

Transportation 

Management

EO 13423 requires agencies to reduce greenhouse gases through a 

reduction in energy intensity of 3% a year or 30% by the end of fiscal 

year 2015. Federal agencies must ensure that at least half of 

renewable energy comes from new renewable sources and agencies 

must reduce water consumption by 2% annually through fiscal year 

2015. In addition, new construction/major renovations must comply 

with the 2006 Federal Leadership in High Performance and 

Sustainable Buildings Memorandum of Understanding.
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix A: Standards, Regulations, and Other Guidance 

A-4

Issuing Organization Title Description

U.S. Department of 

Energy

Energy Star Rating 

System

The national energy performance rating is a type of external 

benchmark that helps energy managers assess how efficiently their 

buildings use energy, relative to similar buildings nationwide. The rating 

system’s 1 to 100 scale allows everyone to quickly understand how a 

building is performing—a rating of 50 indicates average energy 

performance; a rating of 75 or better indicates top performance.

CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS 

Issuing Organization Title Description

International 

Organization for 

Standardization

ISO 14644: 

Cleanrooms and 

Associated 

Controlled 

Environments

This eight-part standard covers the classification of air cleanliness; 

specifications for testing and monitoring to prove continued 

compliance; test methods; design, construction, and start-up; 

operations; vocabulary; separative devices; and classification of 

airborne molecular contamination.

Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration Standards – 29 CFR

This part sets forth the safety and health standards promulgated by the 

Secretary of Labor under section 107 of the Contract Work Hours and 

Safety Standards Act.

United States Army 

Corps of Engineers

Construction 

Contractor Submittals

The chapter on the submittals process describes the purpose of 

submittals and responsibilities of various parties to submittal 

management.

United States 

Government

Federal Acquisition 

Regulation This regulation provides guidance for Federal contracting

RELOCATION STANDARDS 

Issuing Organization Title Description

National Archives and 

Records Administration

Code of Federal 

Regulations, 

49 CFR Part 172

This section of the code covers transportation regulations with a focus 

on hazardous materials, special provisions, hazardous materials 

communications, emergency response information, training 

requirements, and security plans.

National Archives and 

Records Administration

Code of Federal 

Regulations,

49 CFR Part 173

This section of the code covers transportation regulations with a focus 

on shippers, general requirements for shipments, and packaging.

National Archives and 

Records Administration

Code of Federal 

Regulations,

49 CFR Part 177

This section of the code covers transportation regulations with a focus 

on carriage by public highway. 
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix A: Standards, Regulations, and Other Guidance 

A-5

Issuing Organization Title Description

International Air 

Transport Authority

Dangerous Goods 

Regulations

These regulations offer guidance in various formats to ensure correct 

preparation and documentation before shipping dangerous products. 
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix A: Standards, Regulations, and Other Guidance 

A-6

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 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-1

APPENDIX B: LABORATORY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

These guidelines, which can be used to assist in decision making during the Planning and Design Phases, offer 

details on laboratory equipment and space requirements. The guidelines are intended to provide general context 

of the variety of design considerations. These considerations will be shaped against the specific requirements 

defined for each project. 

GENERAL LABORATORY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 

These considerations are general and apply to all sections within a laboratory. These are only considerations and, 

as such, may or may not have bearing on any individual facility. 

Space/Equipment/

System Design Considerations

Building Exterior

Bullet-resistant exterior cladding

Bullet-resistant glazing on ground floor

Discrete entry for evidence delivery

Designated parking for evidence delivery

Secure vehicle impound yard

Attack-resistant exterior wall design

Security

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage in parking lots

CCTV coverage in secure vehicle impound yard

CCTV coverage at all exterior doors

Door status monitors for all exterior doors

Intrusion detection for all ground floor exterior windows

Motion detection in evidence storage spaces

Vehicle ram protection at entrances

Secured landscape design to prevent concealment of potential intruders

Secured HVAC air intakes

Established security perimeter to separate public and secure spaces

Monitored proximity access system to all secure spaces and all laboratory sections

Electronic security systems monitored locally and remotely after hours

Programmable security system that controls access to specific rooms or areas

IT Network

Phone system integration (voice over Internet protocol, call manager, direct inward dialing 

lines)

Determine wired vs. wireless access (or a mix)

Networked printing/scanning

Network solution for building control systems with attention on remote access by 

contractors

Auxiliary Power

Provision of uninterrupted power supply and/or generator back-up requirements for key 

equipment (for example, computer network, instrumentation, access control system, 

evidence and reagent refrigerators, emergency lighting, emergency response 

functions within the facility)
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-2

Space/Equipment/

System Design Considerations

Vehicle Processing

12-foot-wide by 20-foot-long vehicle bay

8-linear-foot work bench

Shop sink

Shop compressed air

Vehicle tire removal equipment

Tools and equipment storage (may be secure storage cabinets in separate room)

Ability to cordon off each bay securely, if multiple bays

Quantity of bays depending on staff and caseload

Cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming room with exhaust at 6 inches from floor, vapor-proof 

light fixture, light switch outside room, epoxy-painted gypsum wall board for walls and 

ceiling

Multifunctional space

Durable wall and floor construction

Support utilities

Fume Hoods

Class A, chemical fume hood with remotely located and acoustically isolated exhaust 

blower, preferably an energy efficient model

Utility needs, such as laboratory compressed air, laboratory vacuum, water, laboratory 

gases

Biological Hoods Class II, types A2, B1, or B2, depending on specific application

Bench-Top Work Surfaces

Solid chemical-resistant material, such as epoxy resin, in laboratory space where fume 

hood or chemical-rated biological hood is installed

Stainless steel in spaces where biologically contaminated evidence is to be placed on the 

work surface

1.5-inch thick laminated maple in physical examination spaces, such as armorer’s bench 

and machine room bench in firearms section and the vehicle processing work bench

Chemical-resistant plastic laminate in all other laboratory spaces not identified above

Standard plastic laminate in non-laboratory spaces, such as offices, conference rooms, 

lunch room

Laboratory Sinks

Epoxy resin in solid chemical-resistant countertops

Glassware pegboard with drip tray, as required

All other locations, stainless steel

Hands-Free Sinks All clean sinks

Other special locations as specified by users

Clean Sink Areas

At the entrance to every laboratory section

Only for washing hands upon leaving a laboratory section

Near laboratory coat hangers

Near cabinetry for storage of soap, paper towels, gloves, and other protective garments, as 

determined necessary by the users

Chemical Waste Plumbing

All epoxy resin sinks and fume hood cup sinks

Dilution system, neutralizing filters, or holding vessels, depending on local authority and 

plumbing design, if needed

At laboratory sinks and fume hoods, cup sinks where chemical spills or disposal occurs
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-3

Space/Equipment/

System Design Considerations

Ante Rooms

Between clean and dirty spaces (for example, between main circulation corridor and 

entrance to a laboratory section that potentially contains hazardous airborne 

contaminants)

Air handled through directional airflow to prevent exfiltration of contaminated air

All the features of the clean sink areas described above

Recommended minimum size: 64 square feet

Bulk Chemical and Clandestine 

Laboratory Evidence Storage 

Rooms 

Exhaust system to expel both heavier- and lighter-than-air vapors

Explosion-proof electrical fixtures and chemical spill containment

Verification of room code occupancy type based upon type and amount of chemical to be 

stored per local, state and national code requirements.

Finishes

Laboratory floors: chemical-resistant sheet rubber or rubber tiles with welded seams and 

an integral cove base

Laboratory walls: epoxy-painted concrete masonry units or gypsum wall board, bulletresistant wall with epoxy coating at firing range

Laboratory ceilings: non-shedding acoustical tiles, except in post-amplification rooms and 

wash-down rooms, such as evidence drying rooms, which are epoxy-painted gypsum 

wallboard

Non-laboratory spaces: acceptable interior finish standards for offices and non-laboratory 

support spaces

Laboratory Cabinets

Standard modular fixed or mobile table-based systems suitable for installation in wet 

chemistry and biological sciences laboratory spaces

Standard cabinet configuration of 1/4 drawer cabinets, 1/4 door cabinets, and 1/2 knee 

space unless users identify specific storage needs

Steel or wood preferred, plastic laminate acceptable

Maximum use of mobile flexible laboratory casework systems

Files

Generally, one four-drawer filing cabinet, or the equivalent file storage space, for each 

analyst at the area of the non-laboratory workstation

Use of high-density mobile storage system to minimize floor space

Special Considerations

Acoustics to contain sound and minimize reverberation in firing range

Vibration-proof flooring for scanning electron microscopes as prescribed by the microscope 

manufacturer

High-strength floor structure for high-density mobile storage systems and bullet recovery 

tanks in firearms section

Scanning electron microscopes located away from electromagnetic fields as required by 

the manufacturer
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-4

Space/Equipment/

System Design Considerations

Laboratory Section Office 

Spaces

Supervisor’s private office or as required by space standards

Verification of office sizes with agency office standards

Recommended size minimum: 120 square feet

Analyst’s open-office cubicle or as required by space standards for latent print and 

questioned document analysts

Verification of office sizes with agency office standards

Recommended size minimum: 64 square feet

Case review: for laboratory sections with four or more staff members, table and chairs for 

half of the analysts and book shelving for references and manuals

Verification of office sizes with agency office standards

Recommended size minimum: 80 square feet

ADMINISTRATION SECTION

These considerations apply to the laboratory’s administrative office areas.

Space Type Design Considerations

Private Office

Private offices for upper management, including, but not limited to, the following: director, 

deputy director, quality assurance/quality control manager

Verification of office sizes with agency office standards

Open Office Area Administrative assistant, clerical, visitor reception counter

Administration Workroom Copy machine, facsimile machine, shredder, mail boxes, administrative supplies, case 

files, business files, etc.

Public Spaces Reception/waiting area, visitor reception counter, display cabinets

Toilet Room Separate men’s and women’s or unisex, accessible to people with disabilities according to 

the Americans with Disabilities Act

Conference/Training

Spaces for, including, but not limited to, the following: director’s conference room, general 

conference rooms, classrooms, training laboratory, mock crime scene room, blood 

spatter training and analysis room
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-5

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE SECTION 

This section analyzes evidence to identify material secured during drug seizures. 

Space Type Design Considerations

Main Laboratory

15-linear-foot or 90-square-foot, U-shaped bench, per analyst per user preference

Individual analyst workspace with secure evidence storage cabinet for in-process evidence

6-linear-foot miscellaneous bench per analyst for fume hood, laboratory sink, bench space 

for equipment and procedures, as needed

Localized vibration-isolation benches for analytic balances, as required

Floor space for floor-mounted equipment, as required

Instrumentation Room

36-inch-deep bench for each instrument, as needed, with adjacent layout bench, computer, 

and other equipment, as needed

Access to the rear of each instrument, as needed, for maintenance and utility access

Instrument maintenance space with fume hood, solvent storage, and laboratory sink in 

instrumentation rooms with eight or more instruments

Shelving for storage of references and manuals

Dry fire-suppression system

Sufficient data requirements for each instrument and workstation

Sufficient power requirements for each instrument

Sufficient heat-exhaust characteristics for each instrument

Ventilated, acoustical base cabinets for instrument pumps

Sufficient type and quantity of laboratory gases

Gas cylinder closet for gas cylinders with manifolds, plumbed through wall to instruments 

(gas generators for hydrogen, nitrogen, and zero-air may be utilized in lieu of 

cylinders)

Separate enclosed room to control noise and heat

Evidence Storage Room

Additional room to in-process storage in workstations, as required

Full-height wall partitions secured to structure above 

Dual security access devices per DEA requirements

Standards Storage Room

Laboratory refrigerator

Standards secured to storage units

Wall partitions secured to structure above

May be located in evidence storage area
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-6

TOXICOLOGY SECTION 

This section analyzes biological specimens for the presence of alcohol, drugs, and other toxic compounds. The 

analysis can aid medical or legal investigation of death, poisoning, and drug use. 

Space Type Design Considerations

Main Laboratory

15-linear-foot or 90-square-foot, U-shaped bench, per analyst per user preference 

Individual analyst workspace with secure evidence storage cabinet for in-process evidence

6-linear-foot miscellaneous bench per analyst for fume, as needed, laboratory sink, bench 

space for equipment and procedures, as needed

Laboratory equipment bench space, as needed

Space Type Design Considerations

Reagent Preparation

Separate room or part of the main laboratory

4-linear-foot chemical layout bench

4-foot fume hood with chemical storage base cabinets

Under-counter glassware washer

Double sink

Autoclave, if required

3-linear-foot glassware clean bench

3-linear-foot glassware dirty bench

Glassware storage

Bench space for specific equipment and procedures, as needed 

Explosion-proof flammable materials storage refrigerator, as needed

Other Considerations

Room for analysis of large bulk drug seizures, as needed

Chemical storage room

Space for drying freshly harvested marijuana, as needed

Botanical enclosure for growing marijuana, as needed
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-7

Space Type Design Considerations

Instrumentation Room

36-inch-deep bench for each instrument, as needed, with adjacent layout bench, computer, 

and other equipment, as needed

Access to the rear of each instrument, as needed, for maintenance and utility access

Instrument maintenance space with fume hood, solvent storage, and sink in 

instrumentation rooms with eight or more instruments

Shelving for storage of references and manuals

Dry fire-suppression system

Sufficient data requirements for each instrument and workstation

Sufficient power requirements for each instrument

Sufficient heat-exhaust characteristics for each instrument

Ventilated, acoustical base cabinets for instrument pumps

Sufficient type and quantity of laboratory gases

Gas cylinder closet in corridor outside instrumentation room for gas cylinders with 

manifolds, plumbed through wall to instruments (gas generators for hydrogen, 

nitrogen, and zero-air may be provided in lieu of cylinders)

Refrigerated Evidence Storage

Additional room to in-process evidence storage in workstations, as required

Secured refrigerators in main laboratory or in separate room

Walk-in refrigerator and/or freezer, depending on quantity of evidence

Temperature monitoring and recording system

Reagent Preparation

Separate room or part of the main laboratory space

4-linear-foot chemical layout bench

4-foot fume hood with chemical storage base cabinets

Under-counter glassware washer

Double sink

Autoclave, if required

3-linear-foot glassware clean bench

3-linear-foot glassware dirty bench

Glassware storage

Bench space for specific equipment and procedures, as needed

Flammable materials storage refrigerator
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-8

FIREARMS/TOOLMARKS SECTION 

This section performs the examination of firearms, ammunition components, toolmarks, gunshot residue on victim 

clothing, bullet trajectories, and closely related physical evidence. 

Space Type Design Considerations

Main Laboratory

15-linear-foot , 20-linear-foot if comparison microscope is included, or 90-square-foot 

U-shaped bench, per analyst per user preference 

Individual analyst workspace with secure evidence storage cabinet for in-process evidence, 

laboratory sink

6 linear feet of miscellaneous bench space per analyst as required for specific equipment 

and procedures with map drawer base cabinets for bullet standards

Floor space for floor-mounted equipment, as required

Comparison Microscopy Room

5 linear feet per microscope 

Light-level control

Individual microscopes in individual workstations or separate microscopy room, per user 

preference

Firing Range

Ventilation for airborne unspent powder and lead/metal particulates (see Occupational 

Safety and Health Administration and National Institute of Occupational Safety and 

Health regulations)

Acoustical design for noise containment and minimizing reverberation

8-linear-foot weapon layout bench

8-foot minimum head clearance

Bulletproof enclosure consisting of 8-inch reinforced concrete walls, ceiling, and floor, such 

as 8-inch concrete masonry units, fully grouted

Thicker bulletproof enclosure if firing high-caliber weapons

Suspended bullet and fragment deflection system

Deflection protection shield in any protruding devices located down range

Bullet collection trap at end of range

Consider lead-contaminated material removal through building

Dedicated air handling systems with on-demand controls

Ceiling Baffle System for safe weapon discharge

Target track system where needed

Ballistic backstop appropriate to range length and weapon catchment requirements

Abrasion-resistant steel plate at end of range, minimum behind backstop

Recommended minimum size: Width: 8 feet to 20 feet, Length: 40 feet to 75 feet

Bullet Recovery Room

Ventilated water tank

Bulletproof enclosure and acoustical treatment, same as firing range

Clear pathway for oversized water tank installation
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-9

Space Type Design Considerations

Toolmarks Machine Shop (may 

double as Armorer’s Room)

Tools storage

Shop sink

Drill press

Grinder

Compressed air

Additional bench space as required for tools and equipment

Integrated Ballistic 

Identification System (IBIS) 

Room

IBIS workstations

Server associated with automation platform, if applicable

Dedicated phone line and additional data ports, as required (requirements per the Federal 

Bureau of Investigation)

Chemical Exam Room

6-foot fume hood with chemical storage base cabinets

Laboratory sink

Bench space as required for evidence layout and equipment

Ammunition Storage Room

Ante room between main laboratory and bulletproof enclosure (firing range and bullet 

recovery room)

Storage shelving with extra-high weight-bearing capacity for test fire ammunition

Firearms References Room High-density mobile storage system for the storage of handguns and long guns in the 

quantity and percentage appropriate to the jurisdiction served

Evidence Storage Room Additional room to in-process storage in workstations, as required

Full-height wall partitions secured to structure above

TRACE ANALYSIS SECTION 

This section identifies and compares specific types of trace materials that could be transferred during the 

commission of a violent crime. These trace materials include human hair, animal hair, textile fibers and fabric, rope, 

feathers, wood, soil, glass, and building materials. The physical contact between a suspect and a victim can result in 

the transfer of trace materials. 

Space Type Design Considerations

Main Laboratory 

15-linear-foot or 90-square-foot U-shaped bench, per analyst per user preference 

Individual analyst workspace with secure evidence storage cabinet for in-process evidence, 

fume hood as needed

6 linear feet of miscellaneous bench space per analyst for fume hood or exhaust snorkel as 

needed, laboratory sink, bench space for equipment and procedures, as needed

Floor space for floor-mounted equipment, as required
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-10

Space Type Design Considerations

Instrumentation Room

36-inch-deep bench for each instrument, as needed, with adjacent layout bench, computer, 

and other equipment, as needed.

Access to the rear of each instrument, as needed, for maintenance and utility access

Instrument maintenance space with fume hood, solvent storage, and sink in 

instrumentation room with eight or more instruments

Shelving for storage of references and manuals

Dry fire-suppression system

Sufficient data requirements for each instrument and workstation

Sufficient power requirements for each instrument

Sufficient heat-exhaust characteristics for each instrument

Ventilated, acoustical base cabinets for instrument pumps

Sufficient type and quantity of laboratory gases

Gas cylinder closet in corridor outside instrumentation room for gas cylinders with 

manifolds, plumed through wall to instruments (gas generators for hydrogen, 

nitrogen, and zero-air may be provided in lieu of cylinders)

Separate enclosed room to control noise and heat

Microscopy Room

4-linear-foot bench for each microscope, except 5-linear-foot bench for comparison 

microscopes

Light level control

Vibration-sensitive room

Scanning Electron Microscope 

(SEM) Room 

8-linear-foot bench

Room sized for one SEM with required clearances

Bench space with sink

Manuals and reference shelves

Light level control

Dry fire-suppression system

Floor structure designed to support vibration tolerances for specific SEM

Separate room to house heat producing auxiliary equipment

Recommended minimum size: 120-square-foot room

Evidence Storage Room

Additional room to in-process storage in workstations, as required

Flammable storage cabinets for arson evidence

Full-height wall partitions secured to structure above

Standards Storage Separate room or part of the main laboratory

Custom storage cabinet for various types of standards

Arson Investigation Room

Explosion-proof fume hood or snorkel exhaust as needed

Laboratory sink

Layout bench

Fire-protection system with fume hood

Chemical storage cabinet

Recommended minimum size: 120 square feet
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-11

Space Type Design Considerations

Evidence Examination Rooms

Minimum two rooms, one large exam room and one small exam room

Large exam room: one mobile table, 5 feet by 10 feet or two mobile tables, each 5 feet by 5

feet with access on all sides and an 8-foot bench with fume hood and laboratory sink, 

if required

Small exam room: one mobile table, 3 feet by 6 feet or two mobile tables, each 3 feet by 3 

feet with access on all sides and a 6-foot layout bench

Sufficient quantity of exam rooms based upon staff and caseload

Evidence hanging apparatus above exam table, if required

Light-level control

Low-flow air movement above or near examination areas

Multiple lighting levels

Task lighting for close examination

FORENSIC BIOLOGY/DNA SECTION 

This section performs serological and DNA analyses of physiological fluids for identification and individualization. 

The type of material typically examined includes, but is not limited to, blood, semen, saliva, and dental pulp

collected at crime scenes and from articles of physical evidence. 

Space Type Design Considerations

Main Laboratory

15-linear-foot or 90-square-foot, U-shaped bench, per analyst per user preference 

Individual analyst workspace with secure evidence storage cabinet for in-process evidence

6 linear feet of miscellaneous bench space per analyst for fume hood, biological cabinet, 

exhaust snorkel, laboratory sink, other equipment, and procedures, as needed

Floor space for floor-mounted equipment, as required

Evidence Examination Rooms

Minimum two rooms, one large exam room and one small exam room

Large exam room: one mobile table, 5 feet by 10 feet or two mobile tables, each 5 feet by 5 

feet with access on all sides and an 8-foot bench with fume hood and laboratory sink, 

if required

Small exam room: one mobile table, 3 feet by 6 feet or two mobile tables, each 3 feet by 3 

feet with access on all sides and a 6-foot layout bench

Sufficient quantity of exam rooms based upon staff and caseload

Evidence hanging apparatus above exam table, if required

Light-level control

Low-flow air movement above or near examination areas

Multiple lighting levels

Task lighting for close examination

Evidence Storage Room Additional room to in-process storage in workstations, as required

Full-height wall partitions secured to structure above

Refrigerated Evidence Storage Refrigerator/freezers in main laboratory or walk-in cooler/freezers, as required

Temperature monitoring and recording system
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-12

Space Type Design Considerations

Reagent Preparation dedicated 

to Forensic Biology/DNA 

Section

Separate room or part of the main laboratory

4-linear-foot chemical layout bench

4-foot fume hood with chemical storage base cabinets

Under-counter glassware washer

Double sink

Autoclave, if required

3-linear-foot glassware clean bench

3-linear-foot glassware dirty bench

Glassware storage

Bench space for specific equipment and procedures, as needed

Flammable materials storage refrigerator

Pre-Amplification Room

Polymerase Chain Reaction workstations

Laboratory refrigerator/freezer

Layout bench with laboratory sink

Sufficient quantities of workstations based upon staff and caseload

Post-Amplification Room

Entrance through bio-vestibule designed to prevent infiltration and exfiltration

Sufficient 3-foot deep benches with rear access for DNA sequencers

Sufficient electrical requirements for DNA sequencers

Sufficient heat-exhaust characteristics of DNA sequencers

Bench space for sufficient thermal cyclers (may be stacked)

Laboratory refrigerator/freezer, as needed

Fume hood or biological cabinet, as needed

Miscellaneous bench space for equipment and layout or robotics bench

Exit through bio-vestibule

Janitor’s closet dedicated to post-amplification room

One-way directionality of room design sequence to prevent cross-contamination

Ventilated, interlocked pass-through chamber from pre- to post-amplification rooms

Robotics Room 3-foot deep bench with access on all sides

DNA Research Laboratory

Miscellaneous bench space with hood(s) and sink(s), as required for specific equipment 

and procedures

Recommended Minimum Size: 200 square feet, minimum

Combined DNA Index System 

(CODIS) Workstations

CODIS computer terminal in each analyst’s office workstation or at a centralized location
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-13

LATENT PRINTS SECTION 

This section performs examinations and comparison of latent fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints. 

Space Type Design Considerations

Main Laboratory 

15-linear-foot or 90-square-foot, U-shaped bench, per analyst per user preference 

Individual analyst workspace with secure evidence storage cabinet for in-process evidence

6 linear feet of miscellaneous bench space per analyst for layout of large cases and as 

required for specific equipment and procedures

Floor space for floor-mounted equipment, as required

Evidence Storage Room

Additional room to in-processing storage in workstations, as required

Full-height wall partitions secured to structure above

Large floor space for bulky items

Cyanoacrylate (Superglue) 

Processing

Separate room or part of the main laboratory

Sufficient multi-chambered cabinets with individually controlled exhaust

Dusting Stations

5 linear feet per station 

Bench space for dusting station

Separate room or part of the main laboratory

Designed for re-circulating models

Task lighting

Sufficient quantity of dusting stations based upon staff and caseload

Chemical Processing

Separate room or part of the main laboratory

Bench space with fume hood(s) and laboratory sink(s) as required for specific equipment 

and procedures

Humidity test chamber

Alternate Light Source Room

10-liner-foot bench for photocopy stand and layout

Light level control

Recommended minimum size: 80 square feet

Automated Fingerprint 

Identification System (AFIS) 

Workstation

5 linear feet per station 

AFIS computer terminal(s) located in an office environment consistent with the laboratory’s 

planned work flow process
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-14

QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS SECTION 

This section analyzes evidence appearing on paper. Analysis can include review of handwriting, hand printing, 

typewriting, printing, erasures, alterations, indented writing, and obliterations. 

Space Type Design Considerations

Main Questioned Documents 

Laboratory Space

15-linear-foot bench or 90-square-foot, U-shaped, per analyst per user preference 

Individual analyst workspace with secure evidence storage cabinet Northern exposure with 

natural light

Miscellaneous bench and floor space, as required, for specific equipment and procedures 

and laboratory sink

Two mobile tables, each 5 linear feet by 5 linear feet, for case examination

Approximately one table per examiner

Evidence Storage Room

Additional room to in-processing storage in workstations, as required

Full-height wall partitions secured to structure above

Instrumentation Room Bench space for instruments and procedures, as required, and a laboratory sink

DIGITAL FORENSICS SECTION 

This section focuses on the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices, often in relation to 

computer crime. 

Space Type Design Considerations

Main Laboratory 

120-square-foot U-shaped workstation per analyst 

Individual analyst workstations with secure evidence storage cabinet for in-process 

evidence

Miscellaneous bench for equipment and procedures, as required, with laboratory sink

Multiple electrical and data outlets at all workstations

Black-out window blinds at all windows (interior and exterior) because of investigation of 

sensitive materials

Evidence Storage Room Additional room to in-process storage in workstation, as required

Heavy-duty shelving for heavy/bulky computer components

Digital Video Analysis Room

Light level control

Quantity of rooms based upon staff and caseload

Recommended minimum size: 100 square feet

Digital Audio Analysis Room

Acoustically isolated room

Sufficient quantity of rooms based upon staff and caseload

Radio Frequency Shielded 

Room

8-linear-foot examination bench per analyst

Shielded, interlocked ante room at entry

Recommended minimum size: 100 square feet
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-15

Space Type Design Considerations

General Considerations

Electronics workshop for repair, maintenance, and calibration of electronics equipment

Not a wet chemistry or biological science laboratory

Casework and workstations with electrostatic discharge protection

PHOTOGRAPHY SECTION 

This section supports the forensic science departments by documenting evidence and crime scenes. The 

photography section can also provide displays and graphics for courtroom use. 

Space Type Design Considerations

Photographer Workstations

Individual photographer workstations

Miscellaneous bench for equipment, photo finishing, art supplies for court displays, 

laboratory sink

Recommended minimum size: 64-square-foot open office workstation per analyst

Equipment Storage Room

Miscellaneous storage for photography supplies, studio lights, etc.

Recommended minimum size: 100 square feet

Photo Studio

Overhead bridge-and-beam studio lighting system

Studio backdrop

Bench for photocopy stands

3 linear feet by 6 linear feet mobile table

Recommended minimum size: 400 square feet

General Considerations Not a wet chemistry or biological science laboratory

EVIDENCE MANAGEMENT SECTION 

This section is the central point of evidence receiving and management. 

Space Type Design Considerations

Evidence Receiving

Transaction counter for evidence delivery with evidence clerks on opposite (secure) side of 

counter to receive evidence

Evidence forms counter

Evidence packaging bench

Packaging supplies

Waiting area

After-hours pass-through evidence drop-off lockers (various sizes, including refrigerator 

and freezer lockers) in wall with drop-off area on one side and secure area 

accessible to evidence clerks on opposite side

Electronic door security controlled by staff

Bullet-resistant transaction wall if necessary for security
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix B: Laboratory Design Considerations 

B-16

Space Type Design Considerations

Evidence Outgoing Workspace for processing and packaging outgoing evidence

Multiple storage cubicles for outgoing evidence and packing supplies

Open Office Area

Evidence clerk open office workstations

Miscellaneous bench for printers, copier, etc.

Recommended minimum size: 64 square feet

Evidence Storage Area

Room temperature evidence storage, such as open shelving or high-density mobile storage 

systems

Drug storage with walls secured to structure above and dual security access or other 

access in compliance with DEA requirements for narcotics storage

Valuables evidence storage with higher security space for storage of cash, jewelry, and 

weapons

Refrigerated evidence storage, such as a walk-in cooler

Frozen evidence storage, such as a walk-in freezer

Evidence drying cabinets, such as re-circulating, non-exhaust models

Evidence drying room that includes a slope to floor drain, epoxy floor/wall system, hose 

bib, and stainless steel hanger rod mounted at 6 feet above floor

Multiple evidence storage rooms within evidence storage area

Electronic security access control at all evidence storage rooms

General Considerations Sufficient quantity of all evidence storage spaces based upon caseload
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix C: Contract and Procurement Types 

C-1

APPENDIX C: CONTRACT AND PROCUREMENT TYPES

Table C-1 outlines the most popular contract types and provides a brief description of each one’s characteristics.

Review local jurisdiction regulations for guidance as some locales will not allow all methods. 

Table C-1: Popular Contract Types 

Contract Type Description

Design-Bid-Build (DBB) 

DBB is the “traditional” project delivery method because it is the most well-known and 

frequently used in the construction industry and has been the prominent method for 

public work in the 20th century. DBB’s main feature is a separation of contracts, where 

the user group holds separate contracts with the A/E firm and the general contractor.

Design-Build (DB) 

The defining characteristic of DB is that the user group contracts with one entity for 

the design and construction of a project, which results in a single point of 

accountability. The designer-builder is usually created as a partnership between an 

A/E and general contractor firm. The user group holds one contract with the designbuilder.

Construction Manager at Risk 

(CMc)/Early Contractor Involvement 

(ECI)

CMc, also known as ECI, is a project-delivery method that incorporates beneficial 

elements of both DBB and DB. Although the user group using CMc or ECI still holds 

separate contracts with the general contractor (in this context, referred to as “CM”) 

and the designer, the CM is hired during the design process and assists in several 

areas collectively referred to as “preconstruction services.” What makes the CM in this 

scenario considered to be “at risk” is that the CM holds contracts with subcontractors 

and takes the construction performance risk.

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)

IPD is a project-delivery approach that integrates people, systems, business 

structures, and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and 

insights of all participants to optimize project results, to increase value to the user 

group, to reduce waste, and to maximize efficiency through all phases of design, 

fabrication, and construction.

Bridging Architect

DB with bridging is a delivery method that combines elements of DB and DBB in 

which the user group hires and works with an architect to achieve a preliminary design 

concept and then incorporates this design into the DB procurement that the designbuilder uses to complete the construction documents. The “preliminary design” 

architect then usually serves as the owner’s representative during construction.

Public–Private Partnership (PPP)

PPP is a contractual agreement between a Government agency and a private 

business, in which the private party provides a public service or public project and 

assumes substantial financial, technical, and operational risk in the project. In return, 

the private party leases, rents, and/or buys back the facility over a certain number of 

years.

The most suitable contract configuration for the project depends on the laboratory’s resources and policies. Once 

a contract type is selected, the user group must decide on the method of procurement. This can be done via a 

sealed bid, quotations, sole-source selection, a sealed proposal, or various other methods. Most major 

construction projects are procured through a competitive procurement, requiring project owners or their agents 

to select a method for reviewing and selecting the winning contractor. Although there are various selection 

methods, the two primary methods used in construction are outlined in table C-2. 
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix C: Contract and Procurement Types 

C-2

Table C-2: Primary Contractor Selection Methods

Selection Method Description

Low Price Technically Acceptable 

(LPTA)

The LPTA process is appropriate when best value is expected to result from selection 

of a technically acceptable proposal with the lowest evaluated price. FAR 15.101-2(a) 

outlines the best value “continuum,” which considers that the relative importance of 

cost or price will vary. If requirements are clearly definable and the risk of 

unsuccessful performance is minimal, cost or price may properly become the 

predominant source selection discriminator; therefore, LPTA may be appropriate.

Best Value

A Best Value selection is a selection process for construction services in which total 

construction cost as well as other non-cost factors (e.g., technical excellence, past 

performance, and personnel qualifications) are considered in the evaluation, selection, 

and final award of construction contracts. This selection method is most appropriate 

when the requirement is less defined, more development work is required, or the 

performance risk is greater.

The user group determines which procurement option is in the laboratory’s best interest during the Construction 

Phase’s initiate stage. The decision may be made as early as the Planning Phase. Guidance and advice on selecting 

the best bidding approach can be secured from the contracting officer and the A/E team. 

Because of the complexity associated with highly technical facilities, such as forensic science laboratories, the use 

of the LPTA selection method is highly discouraged. The complex and specialized systems used throughout 

forensic science laboratories requires contractors that are highly experienced in designing and installing these 

systems to ensure they work as intended. Therefore, non-cost factors, such as past performance (in designing and 

constructing forensic science facilities) and personnel qualifications (in planning, designing, and constructing forensic 

science facilities), are far more important considerations than price.
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix D: Cost Considerations 

D-1

APPENDIX D: COST CONSIDERATIONS

The cost of constructing or renovating a forensic science laboratory extends well beyond the initial capital costs of 

building the facility. In any major capital construction project, the life cycle costs of the facility should be factored 

into the Construction Phase to ensure that decision makers see the complete budgetary picture of a new facility. 

Costs for a forensic science laboratory can be divided into first costs, which include some user group’s costs, and 

operating costs. Table D-1 outlines the various cost components that laboratory directors should be cognizant of 

when initially planning a new facility or major renovation. Every project is unique, so costs incurred vary greatly by 

project; however, the full breadth of potential cost considerations are provided below. 

Table D-1: Laboratory Cost Components 

First Cost Considerations Operating Cost Considerations

Forensic science consultant planning services Routine maintenance

Owner’s agent services Preventative maintenance

Design/engineering services Emergency repair

Construction services (general contractor plus markups) Capital improvements/renewal

Construction management services (owner’s agent) Service contracts (e.g., janitorial, trash, shredding, 

landscaping, or copier service)

Commissioning agent services Technology renewal/upgrades

Security escorts (owner’s cost) Utility costs

Location/geographic adjustment factors (e.g., labor and 

materials)

Operational adjustment factors (e.g., 24-hour 

operations)

Specialized relocation costs (e.g., samples and 

evidence relocation, recalibration of equipment)

Permitting/registration/certification costs

Cost escalation

Project contingencies

Not all projects require all services or adjustments, so project user groups must carefully review their own 

organization and its resources to determine which costs can be expected within the individual project. 
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix D: Cost Considerations 

D-2

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 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix E: Needs Assessment 

E-1

APPENDIX E: NEEDS ASSESSMENT

The Needs Assessment defines the high-level requirements for a project. It is used by user group leadership to 

define the solution to a level of detail to identify key resources required, such as funding, real estate, and 

scheduling. With this information, the user group can work with its organization to secure the resources to 

implement the project. The Needs Assessment seeks to answer the following questions: Why? How big? How 

much? Where? 

This section describes how the Needs Assessment answers these questions, defines the differences between a 

Needs Assessment and a Design Program, and provides an outline of a typical Needs Assessment. 

Why? The project team analyzes the existing building to document its deficiencies and to provide evidence that a 

new building is needed for the crime laboratory to function in a safe, secure, and efficient manner. This involves a 

close analysis of overcrowded conditions, potential safety issues, building code violations, and an assessment of the 

building’s mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.

How big? To answer this question, the needs assessment consultant and the crime laboratory staff engage in 

extensive workshop sessions to comprehensively identify every item that occupies space in the new building. This 

includes, but is not limited to, staff workspaces, equipment, storage spaces, utility spaces, building amenities, 

conference rooms, training spaces, and shipping and receiving areas. Once this space-consuming information is 

compiled, it will be thoroughly documented in explicit detail in a spreadsheet format. 

How much? Once the consultant team receives the above information, it creates a statement of probable cost for 

developing and constructing the new building. Because this effort takes place without a Design Program or any 

building design drawings, this cost estimate is very conservative and is used for budgeting purposes based on 

cost/square footage. 

Where? If a building site has not yet been identified, answers to the above three questions will be sufficient to 

prepare a reliable needs assessment. However, if a building site has already been selected or if more than one 

potential site is being considered, the needs assessment will go one step further to include a site evaluation 

analysis. The site is evaluated in terms of accessibility, topography, location, and other factors. The advantage of 

having a building site identified prior to executing a needs assessment is the ability to provide more accuracy to the 

cost estimate. 

Typically, the next major task in planning a new facility is preparing the Design Program. This document provides 

the architectural and engineering design team with all of the information necessary to design the building. It is, in 

effect, a “recipe” for designing the building. 

Whereas the Needs Assessment defines the project to a level necessary to identify the major resources it will 

require, a Design Program identifies the detailed physical requirements necessary to design the facility. The Design 

Program encompasses the Needs Assessment while taking information to a much greater level of detail. For 

example, a Needs Assessment space analysis identifies the square feet and staffing required for each laboratory 

section. A Design Program defines every room required for each laboratory section. Room definition includes 

requirements for security, utilities, exhaust hoods, furnishings, environment, power, lighting, communications and 

data, chemical usage, equipment features, and interior finishes. 
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix E: Needs Assessment 

E-2

Table E-1: Key Elements of a Needs Assessment Report 

Section Content Details/Considerations

I. Preface

Introductory statements Statement of authorization to perform the study

Identification of the team Architect, engineers, consultants, etc.

Acknowledgments

II. Executive 

Summary

Introduction of the project

• What the project consists of

• Summary of legal issues

• Accreditation requirements

• National technical working groups, e.g., TWG on DNA Analysis 

Methods, TWG on Materials

Description of existing 

facilities

Overcrowding, safety and security concerns, inability to meet 

codes, recent changes in technology, crime trends, liabilities, 

accreditation issues, etc.

Mission statement

• Investigations assistance

• Court testimony

• Chain-of-custody requirements

• Difficulty or impossibility of accomplishing mission under existing 

conditions

Summary of all conclusions

• Area

• Staff

• Site

• Budget

The “bottom line” All the information necessary to make informed decisions, provided 

to decision makers 

III. Objectives and

Methodology

Statement of goals and 

objectives of the study

• Needs assessment

• Design Program

• Definition of both

Identification of methodology All tasks accomplished to create the document

Three-step process Description of process in detail

IV. Trends and

Influences 

(Demographics)

Analysis of emerging social, 

economic, political, 

population,

environmental, and crime 

trends

• Description of purpose

• Description of methodology

Relation of data to staff and 

facility needs

• How trends affect individual laboratory sections and impact future 

requirements

• Data related to individual and overall caseload

• Data related to facility needs regarding expansion and flexibility

Projection of future needs Data related to new size and nature of facility and staff

V. Facility and

Space 

Descriptions

Description of the entire 

facility in general terms. 

As much narrative information as possible to tell the designers what 

is unique and unusual about the laboratory.

Explanation of nomenclature 

and acronyms

Organizational chart Chart as an introduction to descriptions of laboratory spaces

Description of spaces by 

laboratory sections

Purpose and function of each laboratory section (provided so that 

design team will have better understanding)

Space data sheets Sometimes used in lieu of space descriptions and equipment data 

sheets
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix E: Needs Assessment 

E-3

Section Content Details/Considerations

VI. Adjacencies

Internal: Definition of what 

components/sections of the 

building need to be placed 

next to each other

• Evidence flow

• Work flow

• Promotion of staff interactions/interactions with supervisor(s)

• Compartmentalization/public access

External: Relationship to 

client, such as medical 

examiners, law enforcement, 

district attorney, and courts

VII.Move-In and

Future Staff and

Space Needs

Milestones
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix E: Needs Assessment 

E-4

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 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix F: Key Activities Checklists 

F-1

APPENDIX F: KEY ACTIVITIES CHECKLISTS

Process Step Activity

Planning Phase

 2 Mission Requirements Identified in Self Evaluation

 3 Technical Manager Appointed

 3 Project Team Assembled

 3 Project Management Plan Initiated

 3 Baseline Project Budget Developed

 4 External Consultant Identified 

 4 Consultant Funding Acquired

 4 Consultant SOW/RFP Defined

 4 Consultant Contracted

 5 Project Team Completed

 5 Project Management Plan Completed

 6 Needs Assessment Prepared

 7 Design Program Prepared

Design Phase

 1 External A/E Consultant Identified 

 1 Funding Approval Secured for A/E Consultant

 1 A/E Consultant SOW/RFP Defined

 1 A/E Consultant Contracted

 2 Design Program Reviewed with A/E

 2 Design Program Revised/Updated

 3 Design Charrette Executed

 4 Preliminary Concept Developed

 5 Schematic Design Selected

 6 Major Systems Selected

 7 Design Value Engineered

 8 Design Development Drawings Completed

 8 Project Cost Estimate Completed

 9 Construction Drawing Completed

 9 Construction Specification Completed
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix F: Key Activities Checklists 

F-2

Construction Phase

 1 Construction Team Configured

 1 Contracting Method Selected

 2 Construction Funding Committed

 3 Construction Contract Developed

 3 Construction Contract Awarded

 4 Laboratory-Related Submittals Reviewed

 4 Construction Process Tracking Planned

 4 Material and Systems Submittals Reviewed

 5 Facility Commissioning Validated

 6 Final Inspection Conducted 

 6 Punch List Completed

 6 As-Built Drawing, Major System Manuals Received

 7 Facility Operations Staff Trained

 8 Warranties Evaluated and Documented

Relocation Phase

 1 Move Captain Designated

 1 Integrated Master Schedule Prepared

 1 Task Tracker Tool Assembled

 2 Contracted Move Service Requirements Identified

 2 Contracted Services Acquired

 3 Equipment Inventory Prepared

 4 Move Responsibilities Coordinated

 5 All Materials Packed

 6 New Site Material Installations Coordinated

 7 Old Laboratory Vacated to Manage All Applicable Compliance Issues

 8 Equipment in New Location Calibrated/Validated

 8 Staff Moved into New Laboratory 
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix G: Relocation Activities Checklists 

G-1 

APPENDIX G: RELOCATION ACTIVITIES CHECKLISTS

The purpose of these procedures and checklists is to ensure that laboratory staff moves are accomplished safely. 

Vacating a Laboratory

Use this detailed checklist to prepare for a move.

Housekeeping

 Remove broken glassware and non-contaminated sharps.

 Decontaminate all laboratory equipment work surfaces and supplies.

 Package all glassware and supplies in boxes. Do not over pack boxes. Keep boxes less than 30 pounds.

 Remove all media and supplies from drawers, shelves, and cabinets.

Biohazardous Materials

 Disinfect all work surfaces that may be contaminated with biological agents.

 Place all sharps in sharps containers and dispose.

 Disinfect and dispose all potentially bio hazardous waste.



Have biological safety cabinets professionally decontaminated prior to moving and recertified after the 

move. 

Radioactive Materials



Survey facility and equipment for contamination by counter meter or radioiodine survey meter, as 

appropriate, and then wipe tests. Place meter printout and corresponding map in the laboratory radiation 

safety records. 



Clean surfaces and equipment if contamination is detected above three times background. If nonremovable 

contamination is detected, contact the agency, lab, or local authority’s radiation safety services.



Schedule radioactive waste pickup services. (Request a waste pick up within 3 days.) Coordinate timing 

with the end of radioactive material use and before the move date.

Chemical Safety

 Remove all laboratory chemicals including waste from laboratory (request a waste pickup).



Remove all empty bottles and cans. Empty all containers, deface the label, and remove the cap removed 

before placing it into the regular trash.

 Remove disposable liners/covers from work surfaces.

 Wash laboratory bench tops with soap and water.

 Empty the fume hoods and wipe down all inner surfaces.

 Run water into all sinks and floor drains to fill traps.



If perchloric acid has been used in the chemical fume hood not specifically designed for that purpose,

contact the agency, lab, or local authority’s chemical safety services for testing to ensure maintenance 

worker safety
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix G: Relocation Activities Checklists 

G-2

Laboratory Closeout and Decommissioning

Use this checklist while packing and preparing for the movers. These activities should take place 

at least 1 month prior to relocation.

General

 Review any lab decommissioning policies applicable to your lab, agency, and local authority.

 Confirm if investigators relocating or vacating facilities are responsible for leaving laboratories in a suitable 

state for reoccupancy or renovation.

 Remove all equipment and supplies from the laboratory unless special arrangements have been made for 

storage or transfer to another occupant.

 Remove broken glassware and noncontaminated sharps from the laboratory in rigid puncture resistant 

containers.

 Never transport hazardous materials in personal vehicles.

 Affix packing list to each shipping container.

 Contact the moving companies to review their requirements because private moving companies may have 

additional packing requirements. Contract with movers who have a hazardous materials security plan.

 Do not use corridors as holding areas or temporary storage; keep corridors free and clear of obstructions.

Chemicals

 Remove all laboratory chemicals and chemical containers including wastes from the laboratory.



Ensure all hazardous waste and unwanted empty chemical containers have been properly discarded. 

(Laboratory personnel may be responsible for filling out hazardous waste disposal tags and arranging for 

hazardous waste pick-ups.)

 Clean and decontaminate storage cabinet areas, chemical residues, drips, and spills.

 Remove bench coats and/or disposable liners/covers from work surfaces.

 Wash laboratory bench tops with recommended soap and water.

 Remove all debris from the fume hoods. Decontaminate and wipe clean fume hood base surface and walls.

 Flush floor drains and sink traps with water to prevent backflow of sewer gas.



If necessary, conduct a test for perchlorates to ensure the safety of maintenance workers if perchloric acid 

has been evaporated or used in significant quantities without scrubbing or trapping of vapors.

 Remove signage for specific hazardous materials that are no longer present (e.g., registered carcinogens, 

eye protection).

Radioactive Materials

 Follow laboratory procedures for close-out survey for all radiation-use areas as required by organization.

 Remove radiation warning signs and labels from doors, hoods, and benches.
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix G: Relocation Activities Checklists 

G-3

Biohazardous Materials and Sharps Containers

 Dispose of needles, syringes, and other biohazardous sharps in biohazard sharps containers.

 Decontaminate work surfaces that may be contaminated with biological agents.

 Remove placards and/or biohazard signs from doors and areas within the lab.

 Remove all media and supplies.

 Decontaminate biological safety cabinets.

 Determine if partially full, red plastic biohazard sharps containers may be capped, taped, and moved to the 

new location.

Compress Gas Cylinders/Cryogenics Cylinders

 Label each cylinder to identify whom it belongs to and what it contains.

 Remove regulators and make sure valve protection caps are securely in place.



Determine who is moving gas cylinders and ensure proper moving equipment (may use gas cylinder carts 

for transporting).

 Determine process for special cylinder relocations needs.

Spills

 If you have a spill involving hazardous chemicals, contact proper authorities or 911 for emergency 

assistance. DO NOT clean spills without assistance unless you have been trained to do so.

Waste Disposal Checklist

 Find out if a chemical waste pick-up request form for unwanted hazardous materials and hazardous wastes 

is required and, if so, contact the appropriate party.

 Find out if a separate process for discarded hazardous material as a reusable chemical reagent exists.

 Identify and label all unknown waste materials and segregate wastes by hazard class.

 Ensure that each container is completely leak-proof or sealed (e.g., lids or caps tightened, debris double 

bagged and air tight, and questionable containers double bagged) for transportation.



Where appropriate, pack chemical wastes in approved shipping boxes and allow enough slack between 

containers to accommodate handling and transportation? Because some labs may need to inspect box 

contents before transport, do not seal the boxes.

 Clearly mark outdated peroxide formers and other reactives and segregate for separate handling and 

evaluation.

 Label each shipping box with the words “Hazardous Waste” and the specific hazard class of the chemicals.

 Store hazardous wastes in an obvious unobstructed area in the lab for pick-up and transport. Check if 

procedures need be followed to meet licensing requirements.
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix G: Relocation Activities Checklists 

G-4

Move-In Preparation

Use this checklist to ensure the new space is prepared for the movers. 

Overview

 Minimize the amount of materials to be moved by purging equipment, supplies, and materials.

 Designate a single point of contact to manage the move, evaluate equipment, and generate an equipment 

matrix.

 Arrange a detailed pre-move site visit to review equipment sizes, egress path, loading dock, and freight 

elevator.

 Identify where all equipment is going, start-up time, status of current experiments, and when the equipment 

can be shut down.

 Hire a certified chemical mover with knowledge on purging, packing, and transportation licenses.

General Conditions

 Complete commissioning of space prior to move-in

 Post hazardous work areas and equipment for biohazards, carcinogens, radioactivity/radiation, lasers and UV 

light, and other potential hazards.

 Secure compressed gas cylinders firmly.

 Ensure there is a minimum of 36" clearance in the aisles.

 Store heavy/hard objects in low, easy reachable locations. Ensure overhead objects are well secured.

 Post emergency procedures to be viewable by all lab users.

 Identify and post clean areas locations.

 Label refrigerators/freezers as “No Food or Drink” or other appropriate labels, such as “No Chemicals,” “No 

Radioactive Materials,” and “No Biological Agents,” as appropriate.

 Secure cabinets and shelves over 48" high firmly to the wall.

Emergency Equipment

 Locate emergency eye wash and shower access within 100 feet of lab.

 Ensure fire extinguishers are accessible within 50 feet of lab.

Chemical Storage

 Segregate chemicals (including waste) by hazard class.

 Identify specific chemical incompatibilities.

 Store acids away from bases.

 Store corrosive materials in low cabinets or shelves below waist height.

 Ensure flammables are correctly stored and kept away from oxidizers.
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix G: Relocation Activities Checklists 

G-5

 Label different containers for radioactive, chemical, and biohazardous waste and store separately by group.

 Verify chemical storage shelves have lips or guards.

Fume Hoods

 Clean and certify fume hoods.

Biosafety Issues

 Label and provide sharps containers for broken glass and needles.

 Submit and amend a biological use authorization form (if required).

Radiation Safety

 Post and identify clean areas.

 Post “Caution, Radioactive Material” signs on doors to radioisotope labs.

 Confirm the radiation use authorization has been amended to include radioisotope use at the new location.

 Appropriately label and shield waste storage areas.



Verify all radioisotope work surfaces are covered with plastic-backed absorbent paper labeled with radioactive 

material caution tape.



Designate all appropriate refrigerators, freezers, fume hoods, and equipment items with “Caution, Radioactive 

Material” signs or labels.
 Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation

Appendix G: Relocation Activities Checklists 

G-6

Preoccupancy 

Immediately after the move, this checklist should be used to warrant that the new laboratory is 

functioning safely and efficiently for the employees.

Emergency Equipment

 Ensure emergency eye wash and shower are working and accessible within 100 feet (or 10 seconds) of the 

lab work areas

 Confirm fire extinguishers are accessible within 50 feet.

 Ensure appropriate spill kits are available and accessible.

General Conditions

 Acquire any required biological safety cabinet recertification for proper operation.

 Provide proper disposal containers for sharp materials (needles, broken glass, etc.).

 Verify storage clearance within 18-inches of the ceiling to ensure it will not interfere with fire sprinklers, etc.

 Provide a minimum of 24-inch clearance in the aisles (or required clearance by code).

 Store heavy items low.

 Seismically secure tall pieces of equipment.

 Store all toxic gases in a mechanically ventilated area ,such as a toxic gas cabinet or fume hood.

Chemical Storage

 Properly store flammables.

 Confirm liquids have secondary containment.

 Designate an area for collecting unwanted chemicals for removal.

Radiation Safety

 Ensure materials are properly stored.

 Verify radioactive labels are properly posted on cabinets, hoods, and refrigerators where material is located.

 Post “Emergency Procedures” signs.

 Post any required “Notice to Employees” signs.