Specifications include, but are not limited to: Construction of a new approximately 10,000sf administrative building, conversion of the existing 5,815sf administrative building into morgue space to address existing and projected operational demands, as well as a new parking structure to serve the expanded facility and replace surface parking lost within the footprint of the planned improvements. 1. Intake Area The floor layout will provide for optimized operational flow that allows for one directional transitioning through the facility during processing. 2. Reception Areas – The reception area will provide for separation of staff and visitors, and will include direct access to restrooms, an enclosed family room, ample lobby space and direct access to a fully equipped conference room. 3. Access Control – Access control will be provided to secure the operational areas from the reception/public areas. 4. Autopsy Room – The autopsy room will provide for visibility across workstations, effective movement of gurneys and of support employees. A supervisory station and supply areas will be able to support all operations equally. The room will provide for anterooms to facilitate personal protective equipment donning and removal. 5. Storage Areas – The storage areas will be adequately sized, located for ease of receiving and operations, and provide for high-density shelving. 6. Loading Dock – The loading dock area will provide a central security office providing full visibility to the loading/unloading area; and an outdoor space sheltered from view that will allow MEO staff to perform outdoor extractions when necessary. 7. Morgue Racks – The morgue will provide for accessibility, stability and maneuverability such that any staff member can handle a gurney transfer alone. Ceiling-to-floor designs are to be avoided. 8. Parking- The final determination of the parking needs will be dependent on the site planning, building expansion location and regulatory limitations mandated by the site. In light of surface parking to be lost within the footprint of the planned improvements, the need for structured parking to support the program and/or achieve regulatory compliance is a distinct possibility. Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure ready parking spaces (i.e. infrastructure ready to receive charging station) must be included as part of the design, with the total number of spaces to be determined during design. The potential design of a parking structure shall also consider potential efficiencies and security enhancements that might result from providing physical connectivity to the Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Headquarters (PBSO HQs) building that sits to the west of the existing MEO building. The parking structure may include public and employee-only areas and will include entry/egress control measures. 9. Art in Public Places: The project will include an Art in Public Places element. Close coordination between the County and the design team are to take place throughout each phase of the project. All phases (advertising, selection, contracting and placement) of the Art in Public Places element will be scheduled by the Art in Public Places Administrator. The Design Team will be responsible for working with the County in the selection and placement of the artwork simultaneous with delivery of other professional products and on-site improvements. 10. Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDA) and Cellular Signal Analysis – The design must assess the potential need for frequency amplifiers to ensure adequate operations of the County’s radio systems when first responders report to site; as well as continuity of cellular communication within the facility.
