minimum design requirements, major A&R, construction, modernization, NIH Design Requirements Manual

10.4.1 Minimum Design Requirements for Construction, Modernization and Major A&R

The minimum design requirements for NIH grant-supported construction or modernization are set forth in 42 CFR Part 52b.12. The NIH Design Requirements Manual incorporates the regulatory standards for construction or modernization grants and those for major A&R projects.

Section 1.1.2 of the Design Requirements Manual provides the Required Codes and Standards for construction. The recipient will be subject to the standards in effect at the time of design or construction (modernization or A&R), as appropriate. Working drawings and specifications submitted for NIH approval (see Design Documentation Requirements above) must conform to the minimum standards in the NIH Design Requirements Manual. The NIH Design Requirements Manual also include policies, design standards, and technical criteria for use in planning, designing, and constructing or altering / renovating buildings owned or leased for use by NIH. Recipients are not subject to NIH site specific requirements contained in the NIH Design Requirements Manual but should meet the intended design objectives in such cases.

Recipients also must ensure that each project meets the requirements of the applicable State and local codes and ordinances. Where State or local codes are proposed as a basis for facility design in lieu of NIH design requirements, a prior determination must be made by the NIH awarding IC The NIH organizational component responsible for a particular grant program or set of activities. The terms "NIH IC," or "awarding IC" are used throughout this document to designate a point of contact for advice and interpretation of grant requirements and to establish the focal point for requesting necessary prior approvals or changes in the terms and conditions of award. that the specific State or local code is equivalent to, or exceeds, NIH requirements. If State and local codes or requirements exceed the design requirements set forth in NIH regulations, the NIH Design Requirements Manual or program guidelines, the more stringent requirements will apply.

In planning and designing construction or modernization projects, recipients must consider that the facility is generally subject to an extended usage requirement, e.g., 10 or 20 years, after the date of occupancy and it should be constructed accordingly.

NIH will monitor compliance with design requirements during the project's design and construction phase. Recipients (or applicants) with questions concerning the applicability of requirements contained in the NIH Design Requirements Manual should consult with the NIH PO.