FAQs

Arizona law gives the County three major options to select architects and builders – an option that emphasizes price, one that emphasizes speed, and one that emphasizes value. Because the goal was to construct a criminal justice center that was of good quality, highly functional and long-lasting, the Board chose the method that insured that the architects and construction professionals selected would deliver the best value for the money. This method, called “Construction Manager at Risk” or “CMAR” emphasizes the proven skill and experience of the professionals chosen rather than just the price of the project. Of course, the ability of the professionals applying for selection to deliver projects on time and within budget is a major selection criterion. After soliciting and reviewing proposals from architects and contractors, the County selected DLR Group for architectural services, and Hensel Phelps Construction for construction management services. After selection of DLR and Hensel Phelps, the County negotiated with both firms for a guaranteed maximum price for the project that is within the County’s budget. Under this selection process, Hensel Phelps assumes the risk if the cost of the project as designed exceeds the negotiated price. The laws governing selection methods can be found in Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 34, Chapter 6, Article 1.

Yes. The County hired consultants to conduct an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) on the Criminal Justice Center site. The ESA included the customary commercial assessment of the site for contaminants within the scope of the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). At the County’s request, the ESA also assessed the site for any archeological and cultural sites, as well as an assessment of the site for endangered flora or fauna. The ESA revealed no significant contamination, no archeological or cultural sites, and no endangered or threatened flora or fauna on the site.

• Site preparation. This phase includes capping old wells, clearing old structures and vegetation from the site and preparing the ground for grading.
• Mass grading. Large equipment will level the ground on the site and move earth from an adjacent “borrow” site to create a clean level building site.
• Infrastructure installation. Workers will install power, gas, water, sewer and fire suppression lines to the site.
• Foundation. The foundation for the buildings will be installed, including some interior utility lines.
• Vertical construction. The interior and exterior walls for the buildings will be constructed as well as large interior features such as elevator shafts and stairwells.
• Top out and Dry out. The building roofs will be finished, and the buildings sealed from the elements.
• Interior construction. Interior features are constructed, including installation of elevators, stairs, and walls. Building equipment such as heating units and cooling units are installed. Interior utility lines to provide power, gas, water and sewer are installed. Communication and security equipment are installed. Floors and ceilings are installed. Doors and interior windows are installed.
• Exterior features. Paving and landscaping are completed, as well as exterior safety and security features.
• Substantial Completion. Plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets and other features are installed and checked for proper function. Electrical wiring to lights and electrical plugs is completed and checked for proper function. Built-in cabinets, desks and other equipment are installed. Communication and security equipment are completed and checked for proper function.
• Occupation and shakedown. The County occupies the buildings and ensures all features of the buildings operate as planned.
• Begin Operation.