News

The NASA Ames Biosciences Facility project is coming to a close by the end of 2019 and will soon house scientists for various biosciences studying prolonged space travel.  As our team's time on the jobsite comes to a close, Project Manager Jennifer Erskine and Superintendent Mike Brostko reflect on their time at the Moffett Field Research Center.

For Erskine, working on the NASA facility allowed further insight into how different clients and their industries accomplish their projects. The Amoroso team worked alongside the NASA construction team, Code Q (the NASA Safety Office), and the scientists themselves, giving an interesting perspective on the considerations taken by NASA when completing a job. Throughout the construction, Amoroso learned to adapt to the way NASA approaches decision-making and handling changes. With their team-player mentality, the NASA team encouraged open communication, which helped resolve conflicts quickly.

With high-security required to enter the facility and site, the Amoroso team was challenged to efficiently coordinate with the client and subcontractors in order to stay on top of the project in a complex atmosphere.

 "With a combination of constantly-changing requirements and a few unforeseen setbacks, scheduling work in a timely manner can change quickly despite all the planning and meetings we have had," Brotsko said.

To combat these difficulties, Brostko encouraged his team to be diligent in communicating with the subcontractors and client. Additionally, he explained that building a good relationship with NASA security also assisted in maintaining a secure jobsite and successful project.

The Amoroso team also felt the effects of the 40-day government shutdown, where all non-essential government expenses were put on hold. Erskine explained that this stressor quickly turned an on-time schedule into severely delayed as the team was confined to certain tasks they could complete. Due to the client's employees being on furlough, the Amoroso team received updates on state of the shutdown—and thus the project—from the news, just like the rest of the country.

When the teams were able to resume work, there was a challenge in remobilizing the subcontractors, some of whom were not able to retain their labor force when construction was on hold. However, with proper planning and teamwork, subcontractors were able to meet with Amoroso and continue to develop the next phase of construction to keep the project moving.

Despite these difficulties, both Erskine and Brostko feel accomplished from their time at NASA Ames. Brostko was pleased with the team's ability to perform three large foundation pours in the small window between Christmas and New Years, starting the new year off on a positive note. Erskine enjoyed many of her experiences at the jobsite, valuing her time working with many of the teams who came together to turn the project into a reality. As NASA Ames is set for substantial completion in a few weeks, she is able to appreciate her time on the project.

 "Working with a collaborative client and subcontractors all with the same goal and delivering a project NASA will be proud of is unique and valued," she said.