JF, well said. I might add, that there should be inspections and approvals at each phase before the next phase is begun.

Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. The Right People:Given the Mission of NODS and its expected Human Capacity, one could ably make the case for a better Structure to effect this project. NODS should be acting as Project Managers. In this scenario Project management would be coordinated by NODS Staff to timely complete the renovations. Work would be done in phases and by different sectors(design, construction, equipment purchasing and data cabling). Each would legally go through the appropriate procurement processes of GoAB. If the Design was carried out by Private Consultants - Architects & Engineers, Public Works could act as Construction Managers.
The Financial management should again given the Mission of NODS be easily handled. If not NODS could second staff from Finance or Public Works.
Disaster Services is a critical core function of GoAB at all levels. Modest investments such as the proposed capital expenditures, even though not fully known, over time enhance capabilities and provide assurance that optimal levels of NODS coordination and Public Safety will be realized.
Budget, Schedule & Quality.
Heaven Help The Nation of Antigua & Barbuda.

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. For Innovation Contd: Seismic Engineering Design Codes have improved significantly over the last 30 yrs.
New Technologies, business practices & functional relationships have developed necessitating changes to the spatial layout & technological infrastructure required to provide effective coordination of National Disaster Services during an emergency.
Emergency management has evolved significantly over the past decade as a result of lessons learned from major emergencies around the world. Hurricane Katrina, earthquakes in Haiti & Japan, Tsunamis in Japan and South East Asia. The public's awareness and expectation are that GoAB is taking appropriate steps to ensure the safety and resiliency of the Nationand its Structures & Systems.
A&B must have a state-of-the-ar t facility and must strengthen the core functions of Disaster Services: the planning, training, exercising and validation of the program.
Changes to floor space design, access to IT networks and infrastructure and improved audio/visual technology will help to maximize situational awareness and the ability to share information with all stakeholders.

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. National Advancement should project The Innovative Good: Against Doom; For Innovation & The Right People.
Against Doom: Quote:

utilising the emergency centre, ... creates considerable hiccups in cases of disaster responses due to the design of the building and the technical areas that easily become overwhelmed; Public Works Department awaits bids for the renovation of a $1.3 million structure; renovations with minor adjustments to the foundation are sufficient; he has some reservations about the proposed time for completion.

For Innovation: Is $1.3M the cost of the Renos or the current value of the existing facility? That the facility will be a critical component of NODS public safety and emergency responsibilitie s must be ably demonstrated by a high level of commitment and leadership to emergency management and preparedness. Completion of these renovations in a timely manner should ensure the Nation is better prepared to coordinate disaster services.
The facilty is some 30 yrs old and the level of seismic engineering is confirmed by the Foundations' condition.

And the money is coming from where? You did hear Sir Allen was locked up, right?