Building Committee Work Progresses

p>By Craig Hitchings

A building committee was formed by Greg McNeal in September 2007 to commence planning for a replacement facility (or facilities) for the Office of Information Technology and Maine Revenue Services in the Augusta area. The new space will house the OIT data center, telecommunications functions, and office space currently located at 26 Edison Drive and other leased space in Augusta occupied by OIT Core Technology Services and the Maine Revenue Services. The current lease for the Edison Drive facility expires in 2012 and will not be renewed.

Following a competitive qualifications process, the committee contracted with Harriman Architects and Engineers in January to assist with completing the following tasks by August 2008:

- Develop a survey to facilitate the collection of existing and projected space and infrastructure needs

- Conduct a detailed review of our current leased space, current operations, and projected needs

- Review existing State-owned land and buildings to assess building or renovating verses leasing space

- Assess options for greatest operational and cost efficiency including combined or separate facilities

Harriman has conducted an initial review of existing spaces and delivered a survey template for the purpose of collecting information on the current facilities and projected needs. The Building Committee will complete collection of this information for Harriman analysis and delivery of a space needs assessment report by mid April.