Clark Atlanta University (CAU) has developed a strong tradition as a leading research institution with the establishment of world class programs. The continued success of these programs is greatly dependent upon the existence of well maintained, state of the art research and laboratory facilities. Therefore, the University has established a phased approach to constructing new research facilities and making critically needed repairs and upgrades to the Thomas Cole Science Research Center (SRC), which houses some of the university's major research and doctoral student training such as the Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development and the Center for Functional Nanoscale Materials, and McPheeters-Dennis, which houses some of the instructional laboratory facilities for chemistry and biology.

The University and Title III B grants have collaborated to strengthen the institution by collaboratively funding the following four specific aims over a five-year period: 1) To provide repairs and upgrades for systems and infrastructure for the following buildings: Research Center for Science and Technology and McPheeters-Dennis; 2) To construct additional research laboratories and associated infrastructure to house new students, faculty and research core laboratories; and 3) To renovate 8 laboratories (720 sq. ft. each) to develop 4 open bay laboratory modules (1476 sq. ft. each) and 4) To provide accommodations for additional students to facilitate interdisciplinary research collaboration and training.

For the 2011 & 2012 grant year, Clark Atlanta University has developed a plan to strengthen and enhance academic quality and up-grade the infra-structure of McPheeters-Dennis Hall. The fiscal resources offered through the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) will be used to improve academic space for science students and faculty via the renovation and upgrade of this facility. Upgrades to the building's infrastructure will be made to provide important improvements that will serve to enhance the UniversityÕs research capability within its existing laboratories and newly constructed laboratories. Targeted improvements are as follows:

Architect Design Fees (Estimate - $400,000)
Design for the overall future building plan and phasing of construction. Total estimated cost for the entire building renovation ranges from $10M to $12M. The Architect will be responsible for providing a more detailed assessment of the building deficiencies and outline in detail, the specific scope for repairs and renovation. This renovation project will need to be completed in phases due to limited funding. Each identified phase will need to be designed for completion within each funding cycle & each phase has to be fully completed without dependency on the funds from the next funding cycle. The project will be completed for each phase within the proposed grant year funding; without any expectation and guarantee of future funding.

Asbestos Abatement and Floor Replacement (Estimate - $600,000)Currently, the majority of the flooring within the McPheeter-Dennis building appears to be from Asbestos Containing Material (ACM). However, more testing will be necessary for absolute verification. ACM will need to be properly abated. This probably will be limited only to hallways and common areas that are not carpeted, unless carpet was laid over ACM. When the ACM is properly removed, new flooring will be installed in the abated areas.

Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing (MEP) and Buildings Envelope Upgrades and Repairs (Estimate - $300,000)
An upgrade of mechanical equipment and components in the building that relate to HVAC must be completed. Electrical upgrades must be completed as well. Plumbing upgrades will have to be accomplished because the current plumbing infrastructure for domestic water is very deteriorated. Finally, buildings envelope repairs will include window repair and upgrade, tuck-pointing, and roof drainage repairs.

Upgrade/Remodel Space Used for Instructional Lab Space (Estimate $100,000)
Upgrade/Remodel of the instruction lab space will include Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing (MEP) upgrades; including fume hoods, new cabinets/casings, and other non-instructional equipment essential to lab operation.

The goal is to complete the entire project by August 2012; but, no later than September 30, 2012.