To the extent possible the Design Policy and Guideline s (DPG) provide criteria that are measurable. However, the DPG also provide un-measurable criteria to describe what level of quality is reasonable within the overall context of the NIH mission.

The Design Policy and Guidelines includes terms such as durable, flexible, expandable, versatile, interchangeable, industrial grade and adequate, among others, to describe concepts and philosophies to highly skilled design professionals who act as a government trustee and as such have a fiduciary responsibility to carry out the design with the utmost degree of good faith, loyalty and undivided service to the government’s interest.

Life expectancy and life cycle costs will vary depending on the type of facility, the geographic location and whether the facility is owned or leased.

• For leased facilities, the A/E should consult and use the Lease Facility Checklist to determine which elements of the Design Policy and Guidelines apply to the project based on the length of the lease.
• For owned facilities, the A/E must determine during early planning, what NIH’s life expectancy projections are for the particular facility and design to that expectation.

Because of the long life expectancy of NIH’s owned research facilities and the requirement to provide NIH staff with the equivalent quality and safety features in a leased facility, the A/E should take the following definitions into account when calculating facility life cycle and quality requirements.

Flexibility allows multiple choices or will accommodate future program changes. The A/E must assess the frequency of anticipated change based on the program requirement projections. Decisions on the degree of flexibility are cost driven. It is unrealistic to expect a facility to be totally flexible. When considering how flexible an NIH facility should be the A/E should ask the following questions:

• What is the cost of incorporation now versus the renovation cost in the future?
• What is the loss in revenue incurred by not having the facility available when renovating?
• What is the loss in research time and funds?

Flexibility includes Adaptability, Versatility, Interchangeability and Expansibility.

Adaptability is the ability to adjust to changing conditions or requirements under both normal and emergency conditions. This assumes that the MEP systems can accommodate changes in ventilation rate, temperature, humidity, and power.

Versatility is the ability to rearrange items within a space. For example, use of modular components within a lab or animal facility allows for relatively easy change out if there is a programmatic change.

Interchangeability is the ability to change components with a minimum number of parts and the least amount of storage space required.

Expansibility is the ability to enlarge at minimal cost. Expansibility refers to expanding within set boundaries of a facility by demounting walls or by expanding the building footprint.

The design professional is responsible for defining and understanding the needs of the NIH specific program. However, all programs change over time and no NIH facility is stand alone. While the designer must attempt to accommodate the specific needs of the users, the guidelines describe the broader needs of the research community. All alternate design solutions that meet the intent of the DPG and the customer needs must be identified and considered. The design team must analyze function so as to achieve the program needs, generate alternatives through the use of creative thinking and provide the required functions at the lowest cost without sacrificing minimum requirements. It is critical to analyze function of materials, systems, processes and building equipment for the purpose of achieving required functions at the lowest total cost of ownership.