As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) $100 million Ames Modernization Program, STV supported the delivery of a state‑of‑the‑art Bio Safety Level‑3Ag (BSL‑3Ag) large animal housing facility in Ames, Iowa. The 145,000‑square‑foot complex serves as a cornerstone of the USDA’s domestic animal and wildlife research mission, strengthening national capabilities for detecting, studying and responding to emerging animal diseases that impact public health and the U.S. livestock industry.
What challenges did STV address?
The USDA needed a specialized, highly secure research environment capable of supporting large animal studies under BSL‑3Ag containment – one of the highest biosafety levels used for agricultural research. The facility required precise environmental controls, strict biosecurity systems and robust commissioning oversight to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, the project demanded independent design review and value engineering to maintain functionality while reducing overall costs.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV served as the on‑site owner’s representative and led independent design reviews throughout the modernization effort. The team managed commissioning of all major building systems, including HVAC, motor control centers, lighting controls, fire alarms, biosafety alarms, access control, CCTV and intercom/paging systems. STV also conducted a comprehensive value engineering effort, identifying cost‑saving opportunities without compromising safety, containment levels, or operational efficiency.
How does this project benefit the nation?
The facility enhances the USDA’s capacity to advance animal health research, strengthen biosecurity and protect the nation’s agricultural economy. Its world‑class containment systems and environmental controls help safeguard U.S. livestock and support ongoing efforts to address emerging disease threats.
Key Stats and Accolades
- 145,000‑sf BSL‑3Ag animal facility
- Part of a $100 million USDA modernization program
- Comprehensive system commissioning
- Cost‑saving value engineering without compromising containment
