The complexity of the facility's building systems, compounded by the material used in the space, requires the presence of an on-site Operations Manager highly skilled in mechanical systems who also has the ability to interact with the scientists. We responded by assigning a Manager with vast experience in lab environments to oversee the review of maintenance practices and procedures. Special attention to the top three floors, which house hypersensitive animal holding facilities, was required. Specific services we provided include:

• Created a financial budget for base building and lab-specific services for a 12-month cycle to assist Novartis with their financial plan.
• Produced bid packages and handled contract negotiations and Security Level II Clearance for all maintenance services and personnel.
• Hired licensed lab engineering staff to perform maintenance on central and lab-specific equipment, including Wastewater Treatment Level II, cold rooms (+4 and -20 boxes), freezers (-80 boxes), explosion proof equipment in chemical solvent areas, PH Neutralization and RODI systems, which ensure lab functionality.
• Coordinated the training of staff to ensure proper
  system operations.
• Established all safety, lab, and security procedures for the Biosafety Level 2 (BL2 building, including HAZMAT/HAZCOM).
• Designed and oversaw the installation of a central, on-site 24/7 security monitoring station that warns of the potential or actual failure of lab-related critical systems, utilizing the building automation systems. 

Despite the minimal time provided to gear up staff and vendors, Jones Lang LaSalle comprehensive building start-up procedures resulted in little down time for scientists and support personnel. The financial budgets we prepared enabled Novartis to understand current and future financial demands on space.