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CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTER:
Preparing for 1998 Construction
Large scale construction requires many months of preparatory work to get ready for the momentous ground-breaking day, which is planned for early 1998. The new 850,000 square foot 250-bed hospital and laboratory complex will be added to the north face of Building 10. Communication with the NIH community will be a top priority at every stage.
Before any construction can begin on the new Clinical Research Center (CRC), one of the most important steps is the installation of a temporary road for the southern entrance of the existing Clinical Center. The southern side of the building is directly on the other side of the Clinical Center from the familiar main entrance plaza on Center Drive. Though the new road will be temporary, it will be configured in such a way that the green space that is left after the road is removed will fit in with the Master Plan. Later in 1997, after the southern entrance road is finished, Center Drive will be relocated. It will become a semi-circle in front of the Clinical Center and will eventually coincide with the front of the new Clinical Research building.
In addition to the CRC project, there are twenty separate utility and building projects that are either planned or in construction in the general vicinity of the Clinical Center complex. All of these projects address critical program needs or urgent utility improvements, and these different types of work will be done at the same time. To avoid interference and to ensure that all steps are taken in the intended order, a computer program is being designed that will section the campus in a grid pattern. Before anyone starts digging or building, they can check the grids that their work will affect to make sure there is no negative overlap with another project. In addition, each project officer will maintain his or her own Web site.
Anticipating the cumulative effect of the CRC and other campus building projects is the responsibility of the Office of Research Services, which is working hard to minimize disruption on campus.
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CPR + EMT = A LIFE SAVED ON CAMPUS
On a Saturday in late September, the NIH Fire Department received an urgent call for help: someone was having seizures at the Medical Center Metro bus stop. An ambulance was dispatched immediately. When the paramedics jumped out, they found a person who was not breathing and had no detectable pulse.
An unidentified bystander, who quietly disappeared when the ambulance arrived, had been administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The NIH ambulance crew requested an Advanced Life Support Medic Unit from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, and continued CPR. When it arrived, paramedics administered intravenous cardiac drugs and defibrillated the patient. On the short drive to Suburban Hospital, the NIH firefighters continued CPR.
The patient was successfully resuscitated and received treatment in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Survival was attributed to two important factors:
This excellent example illustrates the value of CPR training—everyone should invest a few hours to learn CPR. Courses are offered free or at low cost throughout the metropolitan area.
At NIH, Heartsaver courses are given two or three times a month through the Occupational
Medical Service (OMS).
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ROCKLEDGE CENTRE:
A Very Good Year
It has been a year since the Division of Space and Facility Management (DSFM) leased 253,000 square feet of the Rockledge Centre in Bethesda to house part or all of four different ICDs: NHLBI, OER, DRG and NCRR.
Auxiliary services are plentiful at Rockledge. They include a credit union, Recreation and Welfare store, self-service store, mail room, copier room, and cafeteria. Parking is close and convenient.
The building was redesigned to be accessible for our employees with disabilities. In addition to remote control devices for parking gates, there is a wheelchair lift that goes to and from the handicap parking area in the lower indoor garage. Proper signage was a general building priority, as were automatic door openers, accessible stalls in all of the bathrooms, and a designated floor monitor to assist during emergencies.
On the ninth floor of Rockledge II, there are four large conference rooms, and a video-teleconferencing room. All are very much in demand and reservations are required. Rockledge Centre is an ideal conference location. In addition to 50 visitor parking spaces—more on request— shuttles and public transportation are very handy.
DSFM is proud of the high level of customer service it provides. A cross-functional team addresses any need that arises. The team receives requests, complaints, and comments from customers, and assures their satisfaction by following up to make sure each situation is resolved.
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PERMIT IMPRINT NUMBERS:
No Longer Two for All, But to Each ICD, Its Own
Every year, NIH spends over 50% of its postal budget on permit imprint mailings. In the past, there were only two permit imprint numbers, G-291 and G-763, for all of NIH. That meant that all the ICDs used these two numbers. While that made for easy from an identification and printing standpoint, it made it extremely difficult to assess specific postal costs to the appropriate ICDs.
To permit direct accountability, NIH has requested that the US Postal Service (USPS) assign an individual permit imprint number to each NIH ICD. The Mail Services Branch will notify each ICD of its new permit imprint number within the next few weeks. In the interim, ICDs should continue to use NIH permit numbers G-291 and G-763. Although the old permit numbers will be discontinued after December 31, 1996, the USPS may accept pre-printed material with the old permit numbers as long as ICDs coordinate such requirements with the Mail Services Branch.
Mailers should contact the Mail Services Branch for further information concerning the use of permit imprint numbers.
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RADIATION SAFETY GUIDE:
A New 1996 Edition Debuts
The new Radiation Safety Guide is an update well worth reading. There have been changes since the last update was published, especially in the areas of radioactive waste management and security of radioactive materials. Every person who is registered with the Radiation Safety Branch has an important responsibility and should take the time to read the entire publication. Familiarize yourself and the individuals under your authorization with the current requirements and programs.
The Radiation Safety Guide addresses many areas of concern. From simple registration of individuals for radioactive contact, to the fetal protection program, to the important administrative, clerical duties of receiving and labeling of radioactive material, and the rooms and equipment, the guide covers it all. Other topics included in the guide are monitoring for radiation exposure, how to keep proper records, the use of radioactive materials in research animals, and, of course, emergency procedures.
The guides have been distributed and there are a limited number of extra copies available. If
you have a guide, you may feel free to photocopy it for your colleagues. The Radiation Safety
Branch is also working on placing the Radiation Safety Guide on-line in electronic format in the
near future. The on-line version will be announced when it is available.
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or e-mail bobzoon@nih.gov |
BUILDING 50:
A Vision Becomes A Reality in the Year 2000
Picture the humble parking lot just north of Building 12. Jump ahead to autumn leaves falling in the year 2000, when that site will have on it an incredible 248,000 square foot multi-institute research facility. Ground breaking for the four or five story building is scheduled for June of 1997.
The architect chosen to design Building 50 is Hansen Lind Meyer (HLM) of McLean , Virginia, along with GPR of White Plains, New York, a lab planning firm, and Ross Murphy Finkelstein (RMF) of Baltimore, a mechanical engineering firm. For the final design development and construction, many of the important considerations were contributions from the scientific directors and principal investigators whose labs will be housed in the building. ORS set up an e-mail “listserv” to encourage the exchange of ideas among all the principal investigators. A Home Page for Building 50 is located in the ORS Web site. It enables anyone from NIH to track the project’s progress. In addition to electronic meetings, ORS hosted “mixers” where scientists got together to offer opinions about different plans that were presented to them . Collaboration with peers is an important part of the research process, and is also critical in facility planning, allowing everyone to brainstorm with like-minded professionals. It made sense to ORS to interact with the future inhabitants of the building, people who have very specific needs and requirements that determine the success of their experiments. An example of the kind of debate that occurred was the pros and cons of corridor placement and elimination. Maximization of bench space and improved lab safety are the top priorities in this type of decision.
Although Building 50 will not be quite as cozy as the buildings it replaces—Buildings 2, 3 and 7—it will be a technological masterpiece. The basement, for example, is in high demand already, with its vibration-free space for scientific instruments such as high resolution electron microscopes and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) equipment, including a sophisticated gigahertz NMR. Still, the coziness factor was not abandoned. Each floor of the building is divided into six areas called neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is made up of seven or eight lab modules with work stations. Each neighborhood has its own “break area” for lunch and informal gatherings. This design encourages collaboration among scientists who will be working—for the first time—near scientists in similar fields who work for other ICDs. The intramural programs of NHLBI, NIAID, NIAMS, NIDDK and NCHGR will all be represented in Building 50.
Of the three lab buildings that Building 50 will replace, only Building 7 will eventually be lost, in the last phase of the twenty year 1995 Master Plan for NIH. Recognizing and respecting our historic past, Buildings 2 and 3 will retain their original external appearance, while their interiors will be transformed into modern offices.
Project Officer Frank Kutlak, an architect with ORS’ Division of Engineering Services, has said
that his greatest challenge is making a building that is adaptable and flexible. Kutlak is confident
that Building 50 will meet the specific needs of its first occupants, as well as the future need of
those who follow.
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In seven years, the NIH Recycling Program has recycled over 5,300 tons of material ... that is almost 12 million pounds! In 1990, the total was 288 tons. By 1995, it was four times as much with a total of 1175 tons. In 1990, of the over eight thousand tons of waste destined for the landfill, only 3% was diverted to be recycled. By 1995, in contrast, of the thirteen thousand tons, the percent diverted to recycling rose to 9%. Back in 1990, only six years ago, NIH recycled two major categories: white and mixed paper, and wood pallets. At the present time, we recycle seven different materials, including aluminum cans, metal, cardboard and polypropylene.
Over 3,600 tons of white and mixed paper have been recycled since 1990. The ORS Division of
Safety is responsible for the NIH Recycling Program, and they welcome your ideas and
suggestions for expanding it. Recycling is completely voluntary. With the cooperation of the
enthusiastic NIH community, the amounts recycled and diverted from landfill will certainly
continue to grow.
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ACRF CAFETRIA:
Extensive Renovation Plans Include Temporary Closing
The ACRF cafeteria was closed for renovations on October 19 and will be closed for three months—into part of January 1997. Weekend patrons of the ACRF cafeteria should use the B1-Level cafeteria in the Clinical Center. For the next three months, the Clinical Center Nutrition Department will relocate to the ACRF cafeteria to continue their operations while their facility undergoes an extensive renovation. During this time, ORS’ Division of Engineering Services will also shut down the ACRF dining area next to the cafeteria and renovate the existing ceiling.
To accommodate the overflow of patrons, Guest Services, Inc. (GSI)—which operates the ACRF cafeteria—will provide the following services in the B1-Level Cafeteria during this time period:
Normal operations are scheduled to begin in the ACRF cafeteria by the end of January 1997.
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’TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY???
The winter holiday season is a time of rushing around, planning little details and big parties, and spending a considerable amount of money on perfect gifts. For some, the busy swirl is fun. For others, this season is very depressing. Demands are overwhelming, and loneliness is more painful than ever.
To teach people ways to cope with the stress of the holidays, the NIH Employee Assistance
Program (EAP) is offering a one hour seminar at two locations:
The main causes of “holiday blues” are varied. The emphasis on celebrating with friends and family can heighten the sense of loneliness that some people feel, and depression can intensify. Unrealistically high expectations don’t help either. Last but not least, the winter season brings shorter hours and less sunlight, which affects many people adversely.
If anything about the holiday season is troublesome to you, drop in on one of the convenient
lunchtime sessions. There is no reservation to make, no fee to pay and the sessions are open to
everyone.
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In an ongoing effort to streamline the procurement process, the NIH Policy Manual Chapter 26101-26-8 on Copying Equipment has been rescinded. This means that Printing and Reproduction Branch (PRB) clearance is no longer required for the purchase, rent or lease of copying equipment.
Reporting of copier meter readings to the PRB is no longer required either. However, offices with copiers under maintenance or rental contracts should still take monthly meter readings and make those readings available to the vendors supplying those services as required in the Federal Supply Schedule contracts.
The procurement of copiers continues to be regulated by the same governmental policies
covering the acquisition of all commodities and services. Federal Supply Schedule use is
mandatory for the purchase of copiers. Recent changes to NIH BPAs with five copier vendors
now allow for the purchase of copiers with a Record of Call. Rotate sources among vendors for
purchases under $2,500. Competition between at least three FSS vendors is required for buys
over $2,500. For guidance, refer to the NIH Acquisition Handbook and small purchase procedures
contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, Subpart 8.4 on Federal Supply Schedules. The
NIH community can still call the PRB for copier information and assistance in the selection
process.
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FOIL THE FLU: IT'S NOT TOO LATE —
Make-Up Times Available
Every fall, the Occupational Medical Service (OMS) and the Clinical Center Epidemiology Service offer free flu immunizations for NIH employees. This year the program ran from October 16 through November 21, and thousands of people extended their arms and winced a bit, with the incentive of a healthy winter. But do not despair if you did not find the time to get your shot within the official schedule. Since Friday, November 22, make-up sessions have been available.
People who develop the flu suffer not only with the symptoms—coughing, fever, a stuffy nose, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue—but will need to use up some of their sick leave, and may put fellow employees at risk for the flu. The flu can spread rapidly and easily from one person to another. Getting an immunization has an added benefit: it shows you care! And if you don’t get the flu, you can’t give the flu.
Millions of people suffer with the flu every year. It can be a dangerous disease, but most of us do not think of it that way. Did you know that each year the flu and flu-related complications put between 250,000 and 500,000 Americans in the hospital? And that it results in the death of almost 20,000 people in the United States? Because of these serious consequences, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta recommends flu immunization. It is simply the best way to avoid getting the flu. It is especially important to minimize the chances of developing the flu if you:
Do not worry about getting a vaccine. They cannot cause the flu! Perhaps this occurred a long time ago, however, research has improved vaccines and eliminated problems. The most frequent side effect is really nothing to fear: mild soreness around the injection site. Rare allergic reactions have been reported in people who are hypersensitive to a component of the vaccine made from egg protein. If you are allergic to eggs, consult with your doctor before you make plans to get a vaccine.
Immunization is necessary every year because the flu is caused by three types of viruses, with mutated strains, and new viruses develop each year. Also, vaccine protection lasts only about 3-6 months.
NIH employees are fortunate because they can receive a free flu immunization, at work, without even making an appointment. Take advantage of this opportunity to reduce the risk of coming down with a painful disease, and to avoid the possibility of passing it along to family, friends and NIH patients.
The Influenza Immunization Make-Up Schedule is as follows until further notice:
Please remember, you just walk in, no appointments are necessary. Only use the telephone
number below if you have questions about the vaccine and your personal medical history.
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Did you know that NIH has an American Liberty Elm tree dedicated to tennis champion Arthur Ashe, Jr., who died of AIDS? The American Liberty Elm is resistant to disease, specifically to Dutch Elm Disease. It is a variety of the American Elm, and was planted two years ago, on World AIDS Day in December of 1994.
In anticipation of the Clinical Research Center construction, the Grounds Maintenance and
Landscaping Section (GMLS) staff must transplant the tree from the northwest corner of Center
Drive and West Drive. The new location has not yet been decided upon, however, six different
places are under consideration. The move will not take place until fall, when the tree is dormant.
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UTILITY TUNNEL EXPANSION PROGRAM:
Progress Report
Much of our existing underground pipe system at NIH was laid in 1953. These utility pipes provide steam for heat and sterilization, chilled water for air conditioning, electrical power, communication systems and water. Pipe replacement is more than just a matter of age ... with over 40 years of progress, a bigger and better system is necessary for existing and planned buildings—especially the Clinical Center.
The construction around campus is difficult to miss. Late this past summer, ground was broken at the following three initial locations :
During the next several months, temporary two-lane roads will be installed in phases near
Center Drive. Pedestrian walkways will be rerouted around construction sites. The NIH
community has been and will continue to be notified of all changes by signs, notices and memos.
Construction will be done over two years, in phases—16 phases to be exact—to minimize the
inevitable disruption that occurs whenever improvements are made.
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NEWS: TO USE! 
is published on recycled paper by the Office of Research Services, Stephen A. Ficca, Associate Director —Editor, Ann Cochran— Internet address: http://www.nih.gov/od/ors/ |
The purpose of this newsletter is to inform and communicate with the entire NIH community
about ORS projects, policy changes and initiatives that are of immediate practical interest, along
with some items that might be filed away for future use. The Office of Research Services directly
affects you and the place where you spend your whole day—your office, your building, your entire organization.
Therefore, your satisfaction is our utmost concern. Please let us hear your ideas and comments.
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This page last updated November 1, 1996