ITEM 121-1003-R1103

November 20- 21, 2003

ITEM 121-1003-R1103Increase in Authorization for Research Facility; The University of Montana - Missoula

THAT: Consistent with the provisions of MCA 18-2-102, the Board of Regents of the Montana University System authorizes The University of Montana to increase the project budget to construct a new research facility.

EXPLANATION: The original project budget, presented in September 2002 (BOR Item 116-1001-R0902), was for $700,000 to erect two modular trailers near the Health Sciences building to serve as temporary lab facilities until a permanent structure could be constructed.

The project authority was increased to $1,500,000 in January 2003 (BOR Item 118-1002-R0103) to enlarge the size of the facility to accommodate additional space for research activities and faculty offices for both the Division of Biological Science and the School of Forestry. This change was necessitated when we decided to abandon modular buildings in favor of a long-term permanent solution to the pressing need for new research space. The site for this facility was identified in the recently completed Campus Master Plan.

At the October 15^th 2003 bid opening for this project no bids were received that were within the original project budget. Consequently, the University is requesting an additional $500,000 in authority to construct the same facility we had planned for earlier.

This project will utilize unused authority only authorization from the 55^th Legislature and will be financed with indirect costs from research grants and unrestricted funds.

This authority request is for an amount greater than $150,000, which requires the following additional information:

(a) Project Description:

The work performed under this authority encompasses the construction of permanent lab facilities for research and faculty offices in the Division of Biological Sciences and the School of Forestry.

(b) Cost Estimate and Funding Sources:

This project will be financed with indirect costs from research grants and unrestricted funds.

(c) Programs Served, Enrollment Data, Projected Enrollments:

The work completed under this authority is for the Division of Biological Sciences and the School of Forestry.

(d) Space Utilization Data:

The work completed under this authority will provide approximately 10,000 square feet of new lab/office space that is not currently available on campus.

(e) Projected Use for Available Residual Space:

(Not applicable to this request)

(f) Projected O&M Costs and Proposed Funding Sources:

O&M costs for the research facilities are projected to be $74,305 for the first full year of operation in FY 2005. No state funds will be used in supporting the O&M costs.