Providence, RI – Governor Lincoln D. Chafee joined House Finance Committee Chair Raymond E. Gallison Jr., House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chair Jan P. Malik, and Senate Special Legislation and Veterans' Affairs Committee Chair Walter S. Felag Jr. today to announce that Gilbane Building Co. has been awarded the construction manager at-risk contract for the new Veterans Home.
In 2012, 77 percent of Rhode Island voters approved a $94 million bond referendum for construction of a new skilled nursing facility and renovations to the existing Veterans Home. The project has been planned to meet federal design guidelines to be eligible for up to 65 percent for federal reimbursement. This will help reduce the amount of borrowed funds for construction. When complete, this new facility will also meet the special healthcare needs of our Veterans and will include state-of-the-art physical and occupational therapy, a pharmacy, radiology and laboratory units, as well as community space.
"As leaders of our State, it is our responsibility to be good stewards of our taxpayers' dollars, and by conducting a competitive bidding process, we ensure that our costs will be properly managed," Governor Chafee said. "In addition to getting a good value for our citizens, I am pleased that a local company will be in charge of greatly improving living and community spaces for our Veterans. I am pleased that we are doing all we can for those who served our country."
"This is a tremendous step forward in helping to provide the men and women who have served our country in times of war with the dignity that they absolutely deserve. They have given so much of their lives to us, and they ought to be treated with the very best of care in their time of need," said Chair Gallison, who previously chaired the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and whose district includes the Veterans Home. "I'm very proud that Rhode Islanders recognized the importance of building a more up-to-date facility. Our Veterans were ready for us when they were called to serve, and I'm grateful that Rhode Islanders supported our efforts to make sure the Veterans Home is ready for them when they need it."
Chairman Gallison also commended Governor Chafee, Permanent Advisory Council to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs former Chair Ginny Hanson, and former House Fiscal Advisor Michael O'Keefe for their hard work in bringing the project to this point and for acting in a voluntary capacity to provide fiscal analysis in support of the new building.
"I am extremely pleased that Rhode Island voters overwhelmingly supported what I consider to be a long overdue project to improve the Veterans Home and to ensure that Veterans who need to be treated there receive the absolute best care available to them," Chair Malik said. "When Rhode Islanders were called to serve their nation, they didn't hesitate. Now it is our time to serve them and the new, modern Veterans Home will provide more space and better resources for their care. Our Veterans have given so much. This is one way we can give back to them."
"For many years, the staff members for the Veterans Home have been doing their very best to provide excellent care to those living there, but in a facility that is too small and out-of-date for the demands put on it," Chair Felag said. "The construction of the modernized new home will finally make it possible to give Veterans the level of care, comfort and individual freedom that they should be afforded in light of the many sacrifices they made for the safety and security of the rest of us."
As one of the nation's oldest and largest construction organizations, Providence-based Gilbane brings years of experience and local expertise to this key project. "I look forward to joining the team to develop this important service for our Rhode Island Veterans," John Sinnott, Vice President of Gilbane Building Company, said. "The Gilbane team is familiar with this type of work as well as this delivery method. We are able to hit the ground running and helping put Rhode Islanders to work!"
"Gilbane brings the kind of experience needed for this major project," Steven Hartford, Director of Administration, said. "I commend the Division of Purchases and Division of Capital Projects for their hard work and commitment to ensure a competitive, fair and transparent process in every aspect of this important project for our Veterans."
"I would like to thank our Department of Human Services staff and acknowledge Governor Chafee for his steadfast support of this project and for making this work a priority for his Administration in enhancing the quality of life for our Veterans," Steven Costantino, Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, said.
"This contract award marks a significant milestone for this project. Bringing on a construction manager at-risk that is Rhode Island-based is another exciting step forward in fulfilling our charge to care for those who have served our nation during times of war. Over the next two years, we look forward to working with the awardee to successfully complete the construction of this new, state-of-the-art home for our Veterans," Sandra Powell, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, said.
Construction management at-risk is a process that allows the State to contract with a qualified construction manager for large-scale projects to coordinate the work of the subcontractors. In September, the State sought pre-qualified construction management at-risk firms with the financial capacity and experience to complete such a project in a timely, efficient manner. Only bidders that were pre-qualified were eligible to submit proposals for consideration to be selected for the contract award. Gilbane will work with the architect and engineer, the State's owner's program manager, and the Departments of Administration and Human Services to build the 208-bed Veterans Home.
The construction phase of the project will commence in 2015 and be completed by 2018. Construction-related activities will be phased in over time and will include site excavation; extensive utility systems upgrades; parking, vehicular and pedestrian circulation; new building construction; and environmental abatement and demolition activities. The new facility will conform to International Green Construction Code requirements as required by the State.
For more information, contact Michael P. Jolin, Public Information Officer & Legislative Liaison, R.I. Department of Human Services, 401-462-2246 or Michael.jolin@dhs.ri.gov.