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CFN Construction Update

by Mike Schaeffer

Mike SchaefferMike Schaeffer

The Center for Functional Nanomaterials is a new user facility located south of the existing National Synchrotron Light Source within the core area of Brookhaven Lab. The state-of-the-art, two-story building consists of laboratories and offices totaling approximately 94,500 square feet. The project scope includes technical equipment to initiate nanoscience research. The location and functions for this facility will provide the support and services to broaden the user base for nanotechnology in the Northeast.  

A limited-scope beneficial occupancy readiness evaluation (BORE) was completed in February in preparation for the DOE project review that was held on March 13-14, 2007, in the new building. The final BORE took place the week of March 26, 2007.    

Critical Decision (CD)-1 Planned: Jul 03 Actual: Jul 03
CD-2 Planned: May 04 Actual: May 04
CD-3 Planned: Dec 04 Actual: Aug 05
CD-4a Baseline: Apr 07 Actual: Apr 07
CD-4b Baseline: Apr 08 Forecast: Feb 08
Total Estimated Cost $79.7 M  
Total Project Cost $81.0 M  

E.W. Howell, the general contractor, completed the building in early April 2007, on schedule, and DOE granted the project CD4a status later in the month. This signals completion of the building and the Lab’s taking ownership of it from the construction company.

I note that the building construction contract came to a successful closure, with high-quality workmanship and building performance. Also, Howell was very conscientious and cooperative with regard to construction safety throughout the project.

Procurement of technical equipment is continuing. Approved baseline change proposals Nos. 10 & 11 revised the technical equipment baseline and added approximately $3.0M of additional technical equipment. Approximately 75% of the technical equipment baseline budget has been awarded. Some of the major pieces of equipment awarded include the following:

  • Focused ion beam system
  • Nanoimprint lithography system
  • Scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM)
  • Transmission electron microscope (TEM)
  • Low energy electron microscope (LEEM)
  • UHV nanoprobe
  • Low temp microscope
  • Variable temp microscope

Delivery of technical equipment began in April 2007, with installation following immediately. Final hook-up and testing of the equipment will begin in June 2007. The project is on schedule for CD-4b on April 30, 2008.

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