Special Services Group (SSG) projects are on the smaller side, but that doesn’t mean they require any less of DPR’s trademark technical competency or emphasis on efficiency. In fact, according to Rocky Moss, DPR’s recently appointed national SSG leader, SSG projects can sometimes be more complicated.

Take, for example, DPR San Diego’s three-month stint as part of a design-build team on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) laboratories for Sharp Memorial, part of Sharp HealthCare. The goal was to create an improved functioning laboratory to be used primarily for kidney transplant matching and research out of an existing office space built by DPR five years prior. Included in the scope were framing and drywall for the new office layout, office space, freezer room, DNA room, laboratory workspace, and fabrication of multiple custom wire-mold stands.

To accomplish an efficient, user-friendly workspace within the SSG budget, an emphasis was placed on designing a space that maximized the reuse of the existing doors, frames, hardware, light fixtures and casework. Additionally, a creative staffing solution was devised, in which a seasoned project engineer stepped into a hybrid role to manage, engineer and superintend the projects.

Ultimately, this approach enabled the SSG group to turn over the project two days before the contract end date and with zero change orders, requests for information (RFIs) and punch items.

Even seemingly straightforward projects, such as the installation of a 20-ft. steel beam to support a second-floor deck for newly installed laboratory equipment, can pose challenges. Before stepping foot on site, DPR completed a checklist of tasks that included issuing subcontracts, scheduling such self-perform work as drywall and fireproofing patching, preparing and approving shop drawings for the beam and its connections, and coordinating beam delivery.

Once on site, the SSG team had to remove the light fixtures and 100 sq. ft. of suspended ceiling and navigate the maze of ducts, piping and conduits to set the beam for welding. Once the beam was in place and the fireproofing was patched at the beam connections, the suspended ceiling and light fixtures were reinstalled.

“SSG projects are typically very intense, often with faster schedules and in occupied spaces presenting logistical challenges,” said Moss. “These projects are far from simple and require an experienced team that can mobilize quickly and hit the ground running.”

Another hallmark of SSG work is the frequency DPR is called on by existing clients. At the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, CA, DPR’s Southern California office had already completed eight projects when it was awarded the $1.8 million design-build research Newman laboratory project. While in design, DPR won a second project in the same building, the $1.6 million Aravin laboratory. Soon, two projects turned into three, and DPR was awarded a third SSG design-build project in the same building, the Hoelz laboratory, valued at $1.8 million.

Recently, a fourth SSG project was awarded at Caltech through a National Institute of Health grant. On all of these projects, DPR is self performing demolition, framing, drywall, acoustical ceiling tile and minor concrete work. In November, largely due to the success of the SSG team on campus, DPR was awarded the Caltech Resnick Institute for Sustainability project, an $11 million building renovation.

“SSG is about taking care of our customers,” said Moss. “We’re a large national contractor that has the experience and resources available to respond quickly. Regardless of size, we can provide the same level of service our customers have grown to expect from DPR.”

California Institute of Technology

The mission of the California Institute"of Technology (Caltech) is to expand human knowledge and benefit society through research integrated with education. The independent, privately supported university sits on a 124-acre campus in Pasadena.

DPR’s Special Services Group and Caltech have partnered together on a dozen projects to date, including three laboratories in the same building.

Sharp Memorial

Sharp HealthCare, a not-for-profit integrated regional health care delivery system based in San Diego, includes four acute-care hospitals, three specialty hospitals, two affiliated medical groups and a health plan, plus a full spectrum of other facilities and services.

Creative staffing and reuse of material helped the San Diego SSG team turn over a laboratory renovation for Sharp Memorial ahead of schedule and with zero change orders.