Cornerstone’s scope of work was for the large ABSL3 Vivarium initially, for turnover to the National Institutes of Health. We were part of the original certification of the vivarium using NIH’s certification process. When the NIH needed the facility re-certified, they contacted Cornerstone in 2011 to re-certify the entire building, comprised of mostly BSL3 labs and ABSL3 vivarium spaces. Among the systems commissioned were ventilated cage racks and their connections to the building ventilation system, animal watering systems, AAALAC environmental monitoring, lighting controls, cage-wash and downdraft sinks.

In this project, the role of the commissioning authority was elevated to be a critical part of successful turnover. Cornerstone approached the project challenges by facilitating a highly collaborative commissioning coordination effort with all parties. Cornerstone’s work began earlier than conventional commissioning services to ensure holistic integration with the contracting teams and more efficient turnover of the completed, functioning project.