This project involved the installation of a backup underground commercial power feeder which added a power feed from a grid other than the one currently servicing the Unified Communications Center (UCC). It reduced the facility’s exposure to disrupted commercial power. The UCC receives and processes calls to 911 and the District’s customer service line, 311. During major emergencies, the center becomes the District’s Emergency Operations Center (Mayor’s Command Center) and provides a central location for multiple agencies to address situations adversely impacting the District. Fort Myer was retained to provide the structural facilities including a new service transformer pad located adjacent to the existing UCC building, provide a new underground primary ductbank leading from the PEPCO manhole to the new service transformer pad, provide an extension of an existing spare underground secondary ductbank, provide additional sections to the existing switchboard to enable inter-connection between power services, and coordinate fence relocation work schedule with PEPCO’s construction of a manhole. All of this was performed while maintaining the complete security fence perimeter.

 

Project Significance

This job was on a fast paced schedule with work moving so quickly, some of the hardware, like the switchboard, was unable to be produced in time. Time was of the essence, so Fort Myer worked closely with DGS to accommodate keeping the project on track, demonstrating their good working relationship. The procedures in place for communication and documentation cultivated cooperative teamwork.