Department of Forensic Science (DFS) and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME)
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Interior Spaces
Interior spaces for DFS include:
This new construction project will enable the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Forensic Science and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to more efficiently provide critical services to the criminal justice syste m as well as promote public safety and public health.
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Coming Q1 2026
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Mobilization January 2023
Ground Breaking 03/02/23
Structure Complete Q4 2023
Final Inspections Q4 2025
Laboratory
This new construction project will enable the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Forensic Science and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to more efficiently provide critical services to the criminal justice system as well as promote public safety and public health.
Design
The project stakeholders strived for a design aesthetic that was modern and reflected the laboratory work that occurs within. The finished exterior strategy is a combination of brick, metal panel, and aluminum storefront and curtainwall. The building has a flat roof, with parapets and integrated equipment screens to conceal most of the rooftop mechanical equipment.
Partnerships within this project
Exterior Skin Complete Q3 2024
Location: Mechanicsville, VA
Targeting two Green Globes
The building: 281,425-SF
State-of-the-art construction
The building will function as laboratory space, training space, and office space for two independent agencies.
Watch the new Central Laboratory take shape
Construction Updates
Breath Alcohol
Controlled Substances
Digital and Multimedia Evidence
DNA Data Bank
Evidence Receiving
Firearms and Toolmarks
Forensic Biology
Forensic Training
Latent Prints and Impressions
Mitochondrial DNA
Toxicology
Trace Evidence
Statewide Administration
Instrument Laboratory
Biology Laboratory
Chemistry Laboratory
Autopsy
Interior spaces for the OCME include:
Anthropology
Autopsy Suite
Fatality Review Programs
Histology
Mass Disaster Response
Medicolegal Investigation
Radiological Services
For additional information on this project, please contact Deputy Director of Forensic Science, David Barron.
Questions about this project?
State Anatomical Program
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The Project
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Points of Interest
Erosion and sediment control measure installation
Grading and earthwork
Groundbreaking Ceremony
MAR 2023
FEB 2023
Concrete foundations south portion of the building
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing underground installations
Forming ballistic range concrete walls
CMU installation for Stairwell #4
Excavation for the North Stormwater Detention Basin
North portion of the building pad stoned and ready for foundations
Screening and hauling topsoil
APR 2023
MAR 23
FEB 23
APR 23
2023
2024
2025
Check back monthly for new video updates as the Central Laboratory takes shape.
FEBRUARY 2023
APRIL 2023
MARCH 2023
MAY 23
Concrete foundations progressing, with expected completion in June
Site utility work including domestic, sanitary, and fire-water lines is ongoing
North underground stormwater detention system nearing completion
CMU installation for Stair 4 expected completion early June
MAY 2023
JUNE 2023
Concrete foundation installation completed this month
Stair 4 CMU installation completed this month. Metal pan stair installation has begun
Stair 2,3 and elevator 3 and 4 CMU installation ongoing
Concrete wall installation is progressing at loading dock areas
CMU Installation for Stairwell #4
JUN 23
South stormwater detention system nearing completion
Roadwork on Times Dispatch is ongoing; expected to be complete in July
Site utility work including domestic, sanitary, storm, and fire-water lines is ongoing
Underground utilities being worked on by all subcontractors
Plumbing progressing for underground on east section of the north building
Stair 3 CMU installation completed this month
CMU Installation for stair 1 in progress
CMU installation for elevator 3 & 4 nearing completion
Forming of retaining wall inside mechanical courtyard
JULY 2023
JUL 23
AUG 23
CMU installation of stair 5 in progress
Completion of stair 1
CMU installation for elevator 1 and 2 in progress
Concrete pour on northside of building
Structural steel started on south building on east end
Site utilities ongoing
AUGUST 2023
Site grading activities ongoing
SEP 23
OCT 23
CMU Installation of stair towers complete
Concrete pour for north building and connector to be completed this week
Installation of metal decking sequence 1-6 on south building
Structural steel progressing to west end of the south building
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing hangers’ sequence 1-6 starting this week
Stone being installed around the perimeter of site
SEPTEMBER 2023
Elevated slab pours on east-end for levels 2 and 3
Structural steel nearing completion on west end of the south building
Final slab on grade pour to be completed this week on the north building
Stone base for temporary drive lane ongoing around perimeter of site
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing hangers’ continuing to follow metal deck installation
OCTOBER 2023
NOV 23
Underground for fire hydrants complete
50% complete on north building for steel erection
Mechanical sleeves and hangers ongoing
Topping off party set for December 20th
Masonry veneer being installed on loading dock
NOVEMBER 2023
Loading dock set to be completed by end of month
Fireproofing continuing on level 3 area C
DEC 23
Initial pass of curb and gutter at west and south building complete
Topsoil around site continues
Structural steel nearing completion
Spray Fireproofing installation is ongoing
Interior and Exterior metal stud framing
Interior and Exterior CMU underway
Overhead MEP and Fire Protection rough-in proceeding
DECEMBER 2023
JAN 24
Wrapping up storm sewer installation on the westside of the site
Spray fireproofing installation is ongoing
North building roof screen and windowsill support being installed
Movement of topsoil around site ongoing
Finishing up CMU installation in the south building
Interior priority wall framing ongoing throughout south building
Prepping for last couple of elevated slab pours
JANUARY 2024
Exterior framing and sheathing ongoing in south building
CMU installation at the north building loading dock continues
Last major concrete pour completed this week
MEP overhead rough-in continues in south building
Fireproofing is ongoing in the southern portion of north building
Exterior metal stud framing is ongoing in the north building.
Curtain Wall installation has begun at the east elevation of south building
Roofing ongoing at the South Building Penthouse
FEBRUARY 2024
FEB 24
Prepping for placement of base level asphalt
Exterior, Framing and Sheathing is ongoing in the South Building, Connector and North Building
Exterior and interior CMU installations continued in the North Building
Interior MEP rough in is ongoing in the South Building
MARCH 2024
Base paving from entrance, one to south parking lot complete
Equipment pad pours are ongoing
Curtainwall is being installed at the South Building and Connector
Interior MEP in wall and above ceiling rough in continues in the South Building
APRIL 2024
Priority wall framing continues in the Connector and North Building
Roofing is ongoing in the South Building main roof and North Building low roof
Brick started in the equipment yard
Brick Veneer is being installed on the loading dock screen walls and in the equipment yard
APR 24
MAR 24
Department of Forensic Science Team Members
Department of General Services Team Member
Department Director
Linda Jackson
Deputy Director of Forensic Science
David A. Barron PhD
Project Manager– Special Projects
Mary Ann Petry
Lead Architect
SFCS Team Members
C. Dereck Aplin, AIA
Senior Project Manager
David A. Prevette, AIA
Principal
Brenda D. Landes, AIA, CID LEED AP
Lead Interior Designer
Christen L. Houser, NCIDQ, WELL AP, IIDA
Account Manager
Skanska Team Members
Mark Balling
Project Director
Matt Kidwell
Sr. Superintendent
Ronney Pope
Project Executive
Mark Collins
Project Manager
Andy Tate
Superintendent
Alex Smith
Lisa Lacy
Sr. MEP Project Manager
Cathy Howell
EHS Manager
Zach Davis
Field Administrator
Tyra Gore
Project Engineer
Alec Williams
VDC Manager
Seth Shaver
Regional Diversity Manager
Sheila Bowles
Learn more about Matt
16 years
How long have you been with Skanska?
Rewarding
How would you describe working at Skanska in one word?
I worked in construction as a high school job before college and liked how all the different pieces and parts come together to create a finished product.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction in one sentence?
I like to wakeboard, snowboard, mountain bike, and play golf in my free time.
What is an interesting fact about you?
All of the different specialty lab spaces that are used to complete the forensic work for both DFS and OCME.
What is your favorite part of the new Central Lab?
In my role I help the construction team to develop a plan and approach for the project and support them throughout by helping to remove obstacles so that at the end of the day we are all successful and the owner gets a brand new high quality facility.
What parts of the construction do you manage as part of your role on the project?
7.5 years
Inspiring
Every day is different.
Native of Buffalo, NY – Go Bills!
Overnight accommodations for 300 bodies.
The contract and client when needed.
Learn more about Mark
Family
My Dad.
I coached Youth Sports for 20 years.
The South Building.
Field Sr. Leader
Richard Conage
Learn more about Alec
Since July 2022
Fulfilling
I like a team-based environment and working with other professions/trades on a daily basis.
I can hold my breath longer than Tom Cruise (over 6 minutes).
The ballistics range.
Document control management.
Learn more about Tyra
Since April 2022
Purposeful
I wanted to make an impact in building for a purpose and a better community.
I have never been on an airplane.
All of it. I am excited to be a part of something that will aid in the advancement of the criminal justice system.
Field Administration
Assistant Project Manager
Ashley Keane
Asst. Project Manger
Read Article
Meet Sheila Bowles, Our Regional Diversity Manager on the DFS project
Department of Forensic Science, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Central Laboratory in Hanover County
Construction begins on new Central Laboratory to help criminal cases
Breaking ground in Virginia: Work is underway on the new Central Laboratory
Groundbreaking of New Central Laboratory in Hanover County
Her approach to supplier diversity includes regular site walks and honest conversations with firms about what they are doing well and where they can improve. She also researches and recruits the businesses to support our teams if we anticipate a potential deficiency in meeting goals. This grassroots approach helps Sheila find great subcontracting partners for projects, and if those firms lack the necessary certifications from Virginia, she walks them through the qualification process so they have better opportunities with us and other large contractors. Sheila also makes long-term investments in the SWaM firms we partner with, looking for opportunities to help them grow in their success. Men Power Labor LLC started out as a lower tier subcontractor on prior projects with us, but Sheila recognized that they had the potential to grow into a first-tier subcontractor. With her support, they transitioned to a prime subcontractor, and they are successfully completing work in that role on the DFS project. Sheila brings a genuine commitment to finding and helping diverse firms be successful. She understands “the only way to help people succeed is to get to know one another and build a relationship,” and she brings her personal touch to networking. Sheila goes above and beyond in her commitment to our SWaM partners because she wants “to put firms on better footing for success.”
Meet Sheila Bowles
Our Regional Diversity Manager on the DFS project
We are currently targeting 60.42% Small, Women-owned and Minority-owned Business (SWaM) participation on the DFS project through the efforts of our team and Regional Diversity Manager Sheila Bowles. Sheila tracks compliance for Skanska’s projects with a rigorous Commercially Useful Function (CUF) process, but she uses the compliance aspect of her job to build relationships and make sure SWaM firms we contract with have the support they need to be successful.
We are currently targeting 60.42% Small, Women-owned and Minority-owned Business (SWaM) participation on the DFS project through the efforts of our team and Regional Diversity Manager Sheila Bowles. Sheila tracks compliance for Skanska’s projects with a rigorous Commercially Useful Function (CUF) process, but she uses the compliance aspect of her job to build relationships and make sure SWaM firms we contract with have the support they need to be successful. Her approach to supplier diversity includes regular site walks and honest conversations with firms about what they are doing well and where they can improve. She also researches and recruits the businesses to support our teams if we anticipate a potential deficiency in meeting goals. This grassroots approach helps Sheila find great subcontracting partners for projects, and if those firms lack the necessary certifications from Virginia, she walks them through the qualification process so they have better opportunities with us and other large contractors.
Sheila also makes long-term investments in the SWaM firms we partner with, looking for opportunities to help them grow in their success. Men Power Labor LLC started out as a lower tier subcontractor on prior projects with us, but Sheila recognized that they had the potential to grow into a first-tier subcontractor. With her support, they transitioned to a prime subcontractor, and they are successfully completing work in that role on the DFS project. Sheila brings a genuine commitment to finding and helping diverse firms be successful. She understands “the only way to help people succeed is to get to know one another and build a relationship,” and she brings her personal touch to networking. Sheila goes above and beyond in her commitment to our SWaM partners because she wants “to put firms on better footing for success.”
March 2, 2023 Richmond, VA–The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) today broke ground on a new Central Laboratory and OCME Central District Office in Hanover County that will house both agencies’ statewide offices and their central Virginia operations. “This step in the process might seem like a beginning, but it actually is the culmination of years of work by multiple individuals,” said Dr. David Barron, Deputy Director of the Department of Forensic Science. “This project will enhance greatly our ability to support the criminal justice system by efficiently providing quality and timely laboratory services in criminal matters throughout the Commonwealth as well as advancing the understanding of forensic science in order to promote public safety.” “This new facility will provide us with the updated equipment and space necessary to perform ar our highest functionality,” Chief Medical Examiner Dr. William T. Gormley said. “moreover, the new training space will make it that much easier for our teams to prepare for our cases.” The new Central Laboratory, located at 8850 Times Dispatch Boulevard in Hanover County, is scheduled to be completed in early 2026. The Central Laboratory that houses the DFS and OCME combined facility has been located in the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park in downtown Richmond since 1998.
Celebrating Our Groundbreaking
OCME
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is part of the Virginia Department of Health and is accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners. OCME is responsible for determining the cause and manner of deaths that occur under certain circumstances in Virginia. Each member of the medical examiner’s staff is committed to providing the detailed information demanded by the legal community while protecting the respect deserved by decedents and their families. More information can be found at www.vdh.virginia.gov/medical-examiner/.
DGS
DGS provides laboratory, procurement, real estate, construction, and engineering and architectural services for state agencies, as well as fleet vehicle management, graphic design, surplus property disposal, and mail service at the seat of government. The agency also manages the facilities and grounds at Capitol Square. More information can be found at dgs.virginia.gov.
For more information: Contact Dene Potter Director of Communications Phone: (804) 786-0282 Dena.potter@dgs.virginia.gov
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