Recipient Organization
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
ORANGEBURG,SC 29117
Performing Department
1890 Extension
Non Technical Summary
The 1890 Research and Extension Program at SC State University is committed to promoting an organized research, extension and teaching organization that will enhance the quality of life for residents of South Carolina.The 1890 facility grant projects are selected, designed and incorporated into the structure of the University's facility usage, goals and objectives to support the University in fulfilling its Land-Grant mission. The administration, staff and stakeholders have reviewed several objectives to utilize the FY 18-22 Facilities Funds for however,the team has selected only those we think are realistic given the available funds, the time required to complete the projects and their immediate positive impacts on the community, students, faculty staff and the residents of the State of South Carolina.As a result, SC State University's 1890 Program is proactively addressing the needs of the residents of South Carolina, as it submits the FY 18-19 facility grant objectives which are realistic, attainable and congruent with the university's current master plan. As the vehicle for ensuring that the positive and impactful programs and services of the university are delivered to the citizenry of South Carolina, it is imperative that the 1890 Programs select objectives that are in line with the tri-parte mission of addressing facilities for research, extension and teaching.Consequently, SC State University is committed to improving the research, extension and teaching facilities located on campus as well as throughout the State. The FY 18-22 First Year Facilities funds will focus on providing buildings to enhance the Research, Teaching and Extension programs of SC State University.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
50%
Goals / Objectives
The Goal of the FY 2018 First Year Facility Grant Proposal is designed to provide SC State University with state of the art facilities intended to enhance the design, implementation, delivery and evaluation of the Food and Agriculture Sciences Programs. The first objective outlined below was included in the 93, 98, 2003, 2008 and 2013 five year plans of work. However, #2 is a new request which was approved by USDA/NIFA in the fifth year of the 2013-2018 plan submitted in March of 2017.Objective #1: Continue the renovation and construction of facilities at Camp Harry E. Daniels to house youth and adult participants, program and facility staff, equipment and supplies.The revitalization of Camp Harry E. Daniels remains a top objective of the 1890 SCSU Research and Extension Program. At its prime, the 267-acre property located in Elloree, SC was the site of 4-H youth residential camps. The camps were attended yearly by hundreds of youth from across the state of South Carolina. Once all construction and renovation tasks are completed, Camp Harry E. Daniels will once again serve as the site for various youth residential camps, as well as provide up to date space and technology services for businesses and community groups in the area to conduct meetings and retreats. Camp Daniels will also offer research farm demonstration sites to assist and train farmers in the latest agricultural techniques and best practices.Based on the results of the master plan, the management team will proceed with the development of the program to phase in the construction of all camp lodging, community, recreation, and operational areas of Camp Daniels. The university's facility management firm, C&W, will assist with the interviews and selection of the A&E firm to prepare the facility master plan for Camp Daniels. Once the idea has been received, reviewed, and approved by the university, a plan of action will be submitted to NIFA for review and approval.The leadership of 1890, in conjunction with the staff of C&W, will oversee the day to day construction/renovation activities at the campsite. Progress reports will be monitored and inspections will be completed bi-weekly by the Executive Director of 1890 Programs to ensure all tasks stay on target and finished according to NIFA approved timelines. The bi-weekly monitoring will also ensure that if any pitfalls or unforeseen circumstances arise, a resolution can be reached promptly; thereby eliminating the possibility of unnecessary delays.The demolition of sixteen dilapidated buildings at Camp Daniels has been completed by PNP Construction. This company has been retained to remove selected trees, conduct a topographic survey to identify the location of current utilities, buildings, pond structure, and wetland flags.Objective #2: Construction of a state of the art building to house both the Family and Consumer Sciences Department and the 1890 Research Unit to include labs, auditorium, classrooms, restrooms, offices, etc.Staley Hall, which houses the Family and Consumer Sciences Program at SC State University, is in need of significant upgrades to be functional and attempt to maintain its national accreditation by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. The R. L. Hurst Research Facility is also in need of major restoration. Since both facilities have previously approved funding from the 1890 Facilities Grants Programs for major upgrades and renovations, it may be more cost effective to provide both programs with a new state of the art academic and research facility. After deliberations with C&W, administration, contractors and architects, as well as university and 1890 Research and Extension stakeholders, it was decided to allocate funds in the FY 18 first year facility grant to construct a single multiuse facility for both department
Project Methods
As stated in the previous plans, all renovations and construction activities are managed through the university's new Facility Management Company (C&W Services). Upon approval of the FY 2018 Facility Grant, staff members of SC State and C&W will meet to discuss the procedures and develop a plan to timely complete approved objectives. Since the university utilizes an external facility management firm; C&W will assist with the project management of all 1890 Facilities Projects.As required by USDA, all activities associated with the use of 1890 Facilities Grant Program Funds are required to have prior approval from the Authorized Departmental Officer (ADR) in the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).As required by the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR), once an activity has been approved by USDA/NIFA and funds allocated to cover the total cost of the operation. C&W in collaboration with the staff of 1890 will secure the necessary services (i.e., A&E services, contractors,) through the university procurement process. The process includes the advertisement and solicitation of bids as well as the selection of a service provider.When determining which procedures to follow in regards to the selection of professional services, the first step is to determine the category of the services. The total amount includes the fees for the base and additional services. Total costs excluding reimbursable are $25,000 or less are classified as small contracts. The agency will negotiate a maximum dollar amount for the reimbursable. Small contracts must not exceed the $25,000 threshold. Small agreements do not have to be advertised. Contracts are negotiated based on the nature of the project, the proximity of the consultant to the project, the capability of the consultant to produce the required service within a reasonable time, past performance and the demonstrated ability to meet project budget requirements. Finally, the requests should be submitted for approval utilizing form SE-240.There is a six-step process for the selection of professional services when fees exceed $25,000. First, an agency selection committee consisting of a minimum of five or a maximum of seven members is established. The selection committee reviews the list of firms and consultants who responded to the solicitation to determine if there is a real or potential conflict of interest. If none exist, the formal invitation for professional services is prepared, including all specific information available and published in the South Carolina Business Opportunity (SCBO), Additionally, the ranking range or weights for each of the seven evaluation criteria that will be used during the interviews is determined. All timely responses are evaluated, and a list of firms or consultants to interview is determined. A form SE-212 is forwarded to all respondents to determine the final ranking. At that time, the last classification is agreed upon and issued a form SE-219.The acquisition of real property is under the authority of the state of South Carolina. The final land purchase request to include the concluding budget increase amount should be completed and submitted using an A-1 Form. The appraisal of the subject property and a Phase 1 environmental study of the subject property must be approved by the Office of General Services. Also, if a building is included in the purchase, a 6The asbestos survey must be completed and submitted with the approval request. Utilizing the Property Information Format, certification of preliminary approval, as applicable; including the Commission on Higher Educations' support for all colleges, universities and technical colleges must be submitted along with a letter from the agency requesting Board approval of the purchase. The Capital Improvement unit may request additional information based on the specific nature of the project. The report must also be submitted to the Joint Bond Review Committee, as well as a request for Board approval. Detailed information on the submission process can be found in Appendix A.The First Year Plan 2018-2022 -- Procedures will adhere to the terms above and conditions. The university also has been approved, in some cases, to use Indefinite Delivery Contractors (IDC). IDCs are defined by the state as contracts for professional services to be performed on an "as needed" basis for work that may not be identified at the time of soliciting a deal. However, the companies, also, submitted bids to become IDCs and all have been approved to provide their respective services to the university through the state procurement office as well.