Overview
The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System’s (AFMES) mission is to provide comprehensive services in forensic pathology and anthropology, forensic toxicology, mortality surveillance and DNA technology. The AFMES will serve The Department of Defense, as well as other federal agencies. The System is recognized as the world’s leading forensic investigation service, and has a commitment to turn around results in a 24 hour period. The employees are passionate about their work out of reverence for the deceased and their families. The AFMES must be 100% certain in their results, there is no room for error in this line of work.
The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System’s (AFMES) mission is to provide comprehensive services in forensic pathology and anthropology, forensic toxicology, mortality surveillance and DNA technology. The AFMES serves The Department of Defense, as well as other federal agencies. The System is recognized as the world’s leading forensic investigation service, and has a commitment to turn around results in a 24 hour period.
RMF provided the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems design for the new 117,000 SF Medical Examiner Facility which houses administrative and laboratory space, as well as the medical warehouse. Unique spaces in the facility include a Histology lab, a Forensic Toxicology lab and a DNA lab. This facility is connected to the existing Armed Forces Mortuary Services facility and the Joint Personal Effects Depot. The combined facility creates a consolidated location serving the military’s recovery and pathology mission.
The project achieved the equivalent of LEED Gold certification using the Army’s sustainable design program. The facility also meets the Energy Policy Act (EPACT) mandated 30% reduction in energy based on ASHRAE 90.1.
Engineering Highlights
- Custom heat recovery air handling systems that delivery 100% outside air to laboratory spaces.
- Dedicated rooftop dilution fans for general and specialized exhaust needs.
- Central RO/DI water treatment system piped to outlets in laboratory areas.
- Redundant mechanical systems for laboratory areas and 100% emergency power supply.
- Ice thermal storage system to reduce peak electrical demands.
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) was to generate a comprehensive 3D model of the building inclusive of all mechanical and electrical components.
