The overview
The project will involve constructing a three-story building totaling 20,000 square feet next to the existing lab buildings at the same site, according to city documents.
The lab’s current facilities are located at 2250 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, which sits near the Texas Medical Center.
As part of the goal to study emerging diseases, the Houston Health Department will work in coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to city documents.
To go with the new expansion, about 3,200 square feet of space in the current building will be renovated as well, documents show.
Diving in deeper
The contract was awarded to Houston-based Johnston, LLC, which will be responsible for the design and construction of the expansion, according to city documents.
Requests for bids went out in April and were due back in May, documents state. Four total firms sent in requests, with a selection committee of city and health department officials deciding Johnston was the best fit and value.
According to city documents, the costs for the contract, totaling about $1.2 million, will include:
- Basic services fee of $761,749
- Additional services fee of $422,971
- Reimbursable expenses of $30,500
