GSA Standardization Study (2007)

The GSA LPOE Standardization Study was undertaken to explore opportunities for streamlining the process of design and delivery of LPOE's. Working closely with GSA and its customer, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it was determined that efficiencies could be gained and monies saved by standardizing certain components of the typical LPOE. After identifying a group of components for which standardization seemed to offer a benefit, the list was narrowed to seven to be studied initially.

Expedited Design and Delivery Study (2006)

In the fall of 2006, commissioned by GSA, VIA Architecture undertook a study of Expedited Design and Delivery methods for U.S. Land Ports based on ideas discussed at the Port of The Future Workshop in October. The study analyzed the process of delivering land ports from the point of need identification through to construction delivery. The study concluded with a series of recommendations that would help to improve the methodologies by which Land Ports of Entry are designed and constructed.

The proposed guidelines include:

• Using a Systems Approach to LPOE design that would establish a standardized Kit of Parts design for common land port elements;
• Considering prefabrication for selected elements;
• Reconsidering the funding and approvals processes to reduce the overall delivery time;
• Implementing intelligent technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) to inventory and store LPOE design information.

Upon completion of this study in December, 2006 it was requested that VIA explore specific aspects of expedited design and delivery more thoroughly, including development of recommendations for the implementation of Kit-of-Parts design elements, defining port typologies that would facilitate bundled delivery options, and leveraging the use of Building Information Modeling technology to increase design efficiency.

US Visit Upgrades to Five Border Crossings, WA, AZ, NY (2005)

Encompassing upgrades to five US Border Ports of Entry, this project required the evaluation of facilities in three disparate parts of the country and the development of common, innovative and economical, technical solutions to facilities varying widely in age, climatic conditions, and physical configuration. The success of this work order required clear project management leadership and the ability to simultaneously produce five parallel sets of contract documents on a fast-track schedule. The work incorporated upgrades in car lanes at customs stations which must be constructed in a manner which did not interfere with normal customs and immigration operations. The limited schedule required that the project is fast-tracked, utilizing multiple construction and procurement packages.