USAG HUMPHREYS, South Korea – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District’s (USACE FED) Project 520595, is continuing the renovations of the first and third floors of Humphreys Command Group, the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office (PAIO) and the Internal Review and Audit Compliance Officer (IRACO).
According to Michael Joiner, Civil and Project Engineer, Pyeongtaek Resident Office, USACE FED, this $1.6 million renovation includes “every aspect of mechanical, civil, electrical and architectural.”
The project’s scope includes renovating the walls, heating and cooling area, security updates, electrical and all wood veneer installed with a stain finish, which were selected based on Directorate of Public Works’ (DPW) at Camp Humphreys office building. The renovations are steering towards a more contemporary look with repainting, new tiles, flooring and drop ceilings on both floors.
Additionally, new electrical conduit, duct and drywall installations are in progress; supporting electrical, conference rooms and flooring; as well as a new ramp was completed for a drop-off lane for easier access to the entrance. According to Joiner, raised access flooring will be installed for a hidden and accessible space under the finished floor cord management for computers, power outlets, etc. To illustrate, one room on the first floor will include a raised access so federal employees can view monitors on the wall. The third floor will include a reception desk and more space for individual offices; and an open space for workstations and dividers, and a larger office for the Col. Kristin E. Steinbrecher, Commander, USAG Humphreys and Area III.
In a previous article, former Col. Ryan Workman, former Commander of USAG Humphreys and Area III, said the renovations will “ensure U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys has the right tools and the right people in the right place” in addition to “modernizing and optimizing the space to enhance collaboration” to “maintain operational readiness” Camp Humphreys-wide.
There will be a partial turnover of the third floor due to delivery time of offshore materials to complete the first floor. According to Joiner the estimated delivery of offshore materials can be up to six months. He said this is “typical with electrical items, mechanical items and some security items.”
The items include two doors, and their frame assemblies are required to complete the first floor are not m manufactured in South Korea; additionally ordering offshore items can meet U.S. standards for builds.
Partial turnovers can occur when an item or work on a project cannot be completed in one area. It can extend or add to the project. Joiner stated it is not idea but “does not stop the completion of a separate area.”
“In order to accommodate the user partial turnover will be done so they can start to occupy the space and begin moving their equipment over,” said Joiner.
Currently, the project is 61% completed.
Project 520595 is part of the Job Order Contract (JOC) program, an expedited procurement process specifically for projects that do not need formal construction designs. There are many avenues to procure a contract such as the JOC program with USACE FED. Many of these projects are renovations or repair projects like roofs, floor renovations, modifications.
Nathan Han, Project Engineer and Resident Engineer, Pyeongtaek Resident Office, USACE FED, who spearheads the JOC program stated JOCs are like “firefighters in construction—able to mobilize quickly and deliver quality work.” While JOCs are not a new method, these projects ensure USACE FED maintains quality with customer focus by being responsive and attentive to the needs and concerns of our stakeholders.
According to Joiner, his next steps include “installing doors and door frames, installation of floor tiles, installation of the raised access floor system and installation/testing the Fire Alarm system.”
For more information and updates on USACE FED projects, check out our website at https://www.pof.usace.army.mil/.