[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6378477,"mediaKeyId","2137529-d8b7e43ba77d8f6541752ba834c7aab5","parentId",2137529,"title","BGS upgrading door control and camera systems at correctional facilities; juvenile temporary housing remains limited","audioSeconds",915,"startMs",4993000,"endMs",4078000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2137529-d8b7e43ba77d8f6541752ba834c7aab5&start=4993&end=4078","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2137529-d8b7e43ba77d8f6541752ba834c7aab5/thumbnail_4993000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6378477/Vermont/BGS-upgrading-door-control-and-camera-systems-at-correctional-facilities-juvenile-temporary-housing-remains-limited","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378477-54b80b68f368035233c9c3bfe5331220/orig.mp4?Expires=1775309444&Signature=QEy8A1DGs2~-C-F4-KGd5lBjVkxbJ1rFJ5V~Z6rjKN21nO-qU9WhSwlPlui2FeTvSFpmd0fzNGA7dDm7nGcqqERy4cb5Mj2fXAO5arKl7j~M2RxjDQ~~Hvt-Cksll4OhIHP3yKwnS-067Du0iV66SqyYmFDZt40gI5ZhTgjkms6x2HFuJiI9VH~P1d9F6iT~ZRLbgLrvs7LB57bOf9iftKStKvF-R7tcG17HeAzR-GvzPZd4gFTatXny0G3JfphiyWG1D4HCW1k1c0nqLo2lDYrns2qekijIs7yJA6amuYFH580-L5sL~x-eJeoqZ0n3BvV0~0tSYZsjGl78aNgxmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-22T08:49:20Z","article","Buildings and General Services told senators on Jan. 21 that it is replacing legacy mechanical door controls and upgrading camera and access-control systems at correctional facilities statewide, but the sensitivity and operational constraints of secure facilities limit how projects can be consolidated for bidding.

Aja said the new systems provide integrated camera control and timed door operations; when an access event occurs the associated camera feed can be displayed automatically. Manoli and Aja described efforts to standardize systems where practical but said security clearances, background-check requirements and the need to stage work for shut-down unit windows limit the ability to bundle many facilities into a single procurement.

Manoli said BGS has explored whether it could consolidate door upgrades across correctional sites to gain economies of scale, but that security and operational timing make widespread consolidation impractical. The department is continuing targeted projects (Newport and Springfield were cited) and tries to combine maintenance tasks while a housing unit is taken offline for work.

Separately, BGS updated the committee on juvenile housing: the department is using a temporary hardened site with trailers to hold juveniles while planning for a permanent facility proceeds. Manoli said the temporary site was hardened and improved but does not meet the longer-term statewide capacity need; she confirmed the short-term site does not provide the permanent capacity for the full programmatic requirement.

Ending: BGS said it will continue staged door-control upgrades and targeted consolidation where feasible, and pursue long-term juvenile housing planning while operating temporary solutions in the near term.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Institutions 2025-01-21 1:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Buildings and General Services told senators on Jan. 21 that it is replacing legacy mechanical door controls and upgrading camera and access-control systems at correctional facilities statewide, but the sensitivity and operational constraints of secure facilities limit how projects can be consolidated for bidding.","taxTitle","Institutions, SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont","taxId",38865,"location","Vermont","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6378482,"BGS updates courthouse planning; Hartford renovation proceeds while Newport options remain under review",420,5389000,5809000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2137529-d8b7e43ba77d8f6541752ba834c7aab5&start=5389&end=5809","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2137529-d8b7e43ba77d8f6541752ba834c7aab5/thumbnail_5389000.jpg","/articles/6378482/Vermont/BGS-updates-courthouse-planning-Hartford-renovation-proceeds-while-Newport-options-remain-under-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378482-8d21ca477b8ee6b69869b4f255421e86/orig.mp4?Expires=1775309444&Signature=V3GEBLDaHRuLiLUcUekBFWZFnzAmc5Gqlq39XE5wdY8Az4PZbRkLc2T9XF2YsvgtZGsy-uCXhiV0QsIlOjEN5euNbexyUUI6xnuWcfi2PVsaRdXbkLOwFKeUVmn6NU8H4jKcR5udCYqfCFXjyn3l9yQRL5~hnAYFVnWkDQ7BTl5zqP-z~GfYZs4clleWa4d2-6gd~DIvqUOgVcZU88okRkZiRBsHK7J-XrCT8Fi4GEFQc6KGNm2mX5ARLhz4SvZXAtlG1ofx8uaasNjeJlm7vYC~BSISqrvxexqFCWXkCTRiSt0QPtGj~AVLAStwIqHBJuJNwCyRf1DP1uLtnFiGig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Buildings and General Services told the Senate committee on Jan. 21 that courthouse projects are advancing at different stages: Hartford (White River Junction) is in active renovation with a construction-manager approach, while Newport remains in planning and property search phases.

On Hartford, BGS said water intrusion and failing window flashing required a tailored approach. Aja described a mitigation strategy that may avoid full exterior demolition by removing interior finishes, inserting rigid flashing above windows from inside, replacing windows and reinstalling insulation and finishes. Because of discoveries made during demolition, BGS said it selected a construction-manager contract with a guaranteed maximum price to allow the team to respond to unknown conditions while protecting state funds. Manoli noted that with a construction manager, unspent funds can return to the state and the manager’s early involvement can suggest cost-saving design changes.

On Newport, BGS said it has been pursuing properties and earlier studies that examined combining two historic courthouse structures into a single modernized facility. Senator remarks from the hearing indicated a local preference to keep courthouse functions downtown and to explore combining the two adjacent historic buildings rather than relocating to new land outside the core. Manoli said BGS will resume strategy discussions with the judiciary and local officials to decide whether to continue downtown planning or widen the search.

Senators were also briefed on the department’s use of planning funds and the need to coordinate court moves and temporary locations to keep proceedings on schedule. BGS said some projects are constrained by limited swing space, making schedules important.

Ending: BGS said it will continue designing Hartford’s renovation under the selected delivery method and will reconvene with judges and local partners on Newport to identify next steps and preferred alternatives for a downtown solution or relocation.","BGS presented planning updates for several courthouse projects. Hartford’s White River Junction renovation is underway with a construction-manager delivery; Newport planning continues as the department and local partners consider whether to combine two historic buildings or look for alternate sites.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6378486,"BGS pauses some statehouse HVAC work pending expansion decisions",367,4110000,4477000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2137529-d8b7e43ba77d8f6541752ba834c7aab5&start=4110&end=4477","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2137529-d8b7e43ba77d8f6541752ba834c7aab5/thumbnail_4110000.jpg","/articles/6378486/Vermont/BGS-pauses-some-statehouse-HVAC-work-pending-expansion-decisions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378486-603ac4ce4897d385d868004654ae88d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775309444&Signature=BKQeqO0TzLho~yX9EEAMSryC49RqIgWJES0GUXBmH1MPqJ4imIozRPD3IGeZ8HMGCjO01sTMwVK6Tt0dsuizWM2OuqK0YMKqgdAIuCkcIE2pfjeIp6KrXh5x1RkI~uwA5HtsImCLdSSiZj8fJ1UZI1zqQK4SNbXPcJv7~-wuqG8z2ikpjsfWLTsVHRY8BCZ-kccFrAjrAKwqWTMp9GcpFLHZNXSMvtnPAyHl6jhyVe8sKWPaZrylcltFpf4qA7tWC5y1fZQwE3xNFSWMgk7Z8BIhVAtqrE-jnVaGcbXco8HPAkzaHJQC2PXla~mqeR2jJAjnSZPt88x5wVvIJy6ACg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","BGS officials told the Senate panel on Jan. 21 that work to replace and modernize heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in parts of the State House is underway, but the department is pausing some follow-up work until expansion options are settled.

Commissioner Wanda Manoli and Director Joe Aja said earlier phases replaced older air handlers in the 1859 wing and annex; Aja described how older wall-mounted units limit airflow control and how moving ductwork above ceilings would improve air distribution. Manoli said the department installed additional chilled-water and mechanical infrastructure, and added that the State House’s unique historic fabric and uncertainties about a larger expansion make final decisions on some new units premature.

\"We are not recommending you need to do this work. We are not recommending that we do this and then come back,\" Manoli told senators, explaining she and the design team want to align remaining HVAC upgrades to whichever expansion option the legislature pursues. BGS said it has a contractor ready to proceed on some remaining elements but that implementing them before an expansion decision could require realignment and extra cost.

Manoli said the department funded substantial HVAC work in the FY24–25 capital budget and that coordination with the sergeant at arms and any special committee for expansion will guide next steps. Senators were told some interim work — such as replacing equipment in wings already determined — can proceed, but larger ductwork or new air-handling installations that would be affected by an expansion should wait.

Ending: BGS asked the committee to consider the expansion project decision and to allow the department time to align remaining HVAC work to avoid duplicative or mis-sized installations.","BGS told senators that much of the State House HVAC work has been completed in parts of the building but further major upgrades are being held while options for a possible Statehouse expansion are resolved, because the expansion would affect system sizing and placement.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6378492,"BGS outlines construction phases and warns rising costs, thin bidder pools are changing how projects are planned",5544,422000,5966000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2137529-d8b7e43ba77d8f6541752ba834c7aab5&start=422&end=5966","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2137529-d8b7e43ba77d8f6541752ba834c7aab5/thumbnail_422000.jpg","/articles/6378492/Vermont/BGS-outlines-construction-phases-and-warns-rising-costs-thin-bidder-pools-are-changing-how-projects-are-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378492-ac3eef1f1ece0d7c28838304cd967f1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775309444&Signature=Bi6HHDcP7ZERefc4Blx7CjCivEjc7WjpXPmGCoGeCZC7x-K2-jeNYStZLPA0jhIrSSW6r07lWigrLzo0XCttQfAF59rLKHYRh8tTNwS4KBk~-IYK6tc6LOZ1EC1E-czLzYWyEfzpAH5hx5o7Uhf9v1iUqdIzW-gSCWMcGiLYzAP9xKftmHgZqLIyaBiw8a5jwNtldCNcTe5JEtTGQKGUoJHVgwu7iGD1BYFNlaz-wfGldmhHKJHT8TGbQcYIuNKgznvdfMt2UfkLwL70AAyJdrWZvBcATVzhVqc715bbGQBYWzhwpcwrgScsIOxcatILgXlyOCDXwC76XNgwOopJdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Buildings and General Services officials told the Senate Committee on Institutions on Jan. 21 that the state’s established six-phase project process — from programming through construction and commissioning — remains the foundation for capital work, but that shifting market conditions are increasing costs and reducing the number of responsive bidders for some projects.

The briefing was led by Wanda Manoli, commissioner of Buildings and General Services, and Joe Aja, director of design and construction. Aja described the six phases in detail and said typical programming takes “six to 14 months” depending on project size. He emphasized that programming defines objectives, square footage and permit needs before schematic design begins.

The committee heard that cost estimating is volatile. \"Whenever I present or Joe presents to you a number, we're going to emphasize this is today's dollar,\" Manoli said, explaining that a project cost estimate can rise substantially if construction does not start for several years. Aja and Manoli told senators that contingency allowances and aligning estimates to realistic construction timelines are essential to avoid later budget shortfalls.

Committee members and BGS staff described a thin market for some work. Aja said some bids draw only one contractor; on other jobs they have rebid two or three times and still gotten few responses. \"There's more than enough work out there now because there's not enough people in the trades doing this work,\" Aja said, citing labor shortages and the time and cost for contractors to prepare detailed bids as deterrents.

To address those pressures, Manoli said BGS has begun talking with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) and is considering different ways to package and bid work. She and Aja described using multiple delivery methods — including construction management with a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) — when a project’s unknowns make a straight lump-sum bid likely to produce change orders. Manoli said the construction manager approach can return unspent funds to the state and allow earlier contractor input on cost-saving design changes.

The presentation also covered typical in-progress controls: detailed construction documents and specifications, permitting, bid evaluation for responsiveness (not only low price), site access logistics for specialized facilities (for example, correctional facilities with background-check requirements), daily project management and post-occupancy commissioning and warranty periods.

Senators pressed the department on how it handles projects that exceed initial budgets. Aja and Manoli said BGS works with client agencies to refine scope and, when necessary, return to the legislature for additional funding. They also noted BGS builds contingencies into presented estimates when construction won’t start immediately.

Manoli urged the committee to allow flexibility in the capital bill for contingencies, so projects can proceed without repeated appropriation requests when market conditions shift. The department said it will continue to report planned versus actual expenditures and to pursue procurement adjustments intended to increase competition and reduce cost uncertainty.

Ending: BGS officials said they will continue meeting with industry partners and the legislature to refine procurement approaches and align estimates with realistic build schedules; the committee is expected to follow up as BGS develops specific packaging and bidding recommendations.","At a Jan. 21 Senate Committee on Institutions hearing, Buildings and General Services officials reviewed the six phases of public construction, warned that current market conditions are increasing costs, and described repeated low-bidter/limited-bidder challenges that are prompting new procurement approaches.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6378474,"BGS reports planning study and temporary protections for Bennington Battle Monument",140,3663000,3803000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2137529-d8b7e43ba77d8f6541752ba834c7aab5&start=3663&end=3803","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2137529-d8b7e43ba77d8f6541752ba834c7aab5/thumbnail_3663000.jpg","/articles/6378474/Vermont/BGS-reports-planning-study-and-temporary-protections-for-Bennington-Battle-Monument","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378474-5e1c3010f9c299798e092e28b6c68795/orig.mp4?Expires=1775309444&Signature=QdVMo2NQCK9wmc-xDnBmeELNFFBud7mOpEFbJUllQX54KyFUd76CLG-eWNng8n6Z~1m7dPfqlToESbLsiqealZ85MoIch0m-q1uDPxJC~RM13DKGl3d6s3rRNfV4DRfajp0kkOIuotPhJCd6jN98P5YSrF2Pr~-LHa4JAK~V4rJGkvnLsg5hK6WePoTy7WWUmqfkz6cZM6EdKvcO9Iqw78dx6BFZCGm2eL4DiMaL1dWxp5qPmLe2hMw1WHWldWUJXA0pbXiyDpvmtowfmJQ6M9J4XcPqEnwjWQ0oYY8HBbOSH-e697bhENy-5d5gqyCwr8bMe7~~~WZRUMWEpdgVbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Jan. 21 Senate Institutions committee meeting, Buildings and General Services reported that the Bennington Battle Monument is part of a preservation planning study after staff documented significant masonry deterioration and interior moisture that causes ice buildup.

Manoli told the committee that stones are chipping and falling from the monument; the department has installed a temporary fence around the monument to keep visitors at a safe distance while the study evaluates repair options. BGS described the study as cataloging cracks and assessing the monument’s interior moisture problems; the study will feed planning for a preservation and stabilization project that may include a covered entry and perimeter work.

Senators requested copies of the study; Manoli agreed to provide the report to the committee and to post it through the committee assistant. BGS said limited short-term monitoring and fencing are in place while long-term funding and scope are determined.

Ending: BGS said it will provide the committee with the monument study and continue preservation planning while maintaining temporary public protections.","BGS said a planning and preservation study for the Bennington Battle Monument is underway after masonry deterioration and interior ice buildup were documented; a temporary fence has been installed to protect visitors while the study continues.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

BGS upgrading door control and camera systems at correctional facilities; juvenile temporary housing remains limited

BGS updates courthouse planning; Hartford renovation proceeds while Newport options remain under review

BGS pauses some statehouse HVAC work pending expansion decisions

BGS outlines construction phases and warns rising costs, thin bidder pools are changing how projects are planned

BGS reports planning study and temporary protections for Bennington Battle Monument