Project Overview

Designed and coordinated the electrical systems for a confidential biologics CDMO facility in Portsmouth, NH. The fit-out included two large cold storage rooms for resin restore operations, adjacent clean-not-classified storage spaces, personnel and material airlocks, and expanded downstream product storage and distribution areas. The project spanned approximately 10,000 square feet across multiple levels of an existing facility.

Role & Responsibilities

Power & Emergency Systems – Designed UPS and generator power distribution for the cold rooms using dual-source feeds from separate UPS panelboards via manual transfer switches.
Cold Storage & Clean Space Infrastructure – Engineered power distribution from existing panelboards to support cold rooms, airlocks, and clean storage areas, following a detailed electrical load analysis.
Fire Alarm & Life Safety – Developed fire alarm systems integrated with a dual-event activated pre-action system for critical cold storage zones.
Low-Voltage & Control Systems – Coordinated with vendors and utilized owner specifications to design power and controls interconnection for door interlock systems, access control vendors, PA systems, and building data network teams.
Vendor & Trade Coordination – Worked closely with the owner’s preferred electrical contractor and system vendors to define scope boundaries and ensure clarity across trades.
Documentation & Clarification – Issued detailed contract documents, interconnection block diagrams, and scope ownership tables to support bidding accuracy and execution.
Construction Oversight – Reviewed submittals, responded to RFIs, attended OAC meetings, and conducted site inspections to ensure code compliance and quality execution.

Key Challenges & Solutions

🔹 Complex low-voltage systems with multiple vendors and unclear ownership responsibilities
✔ Solution: Held coordination meetings with all system designers and vendors. Issued detailed contract documents with diagrams and tables clarifying each trade's scope and interfaces.
🔹 Cost control risk due to homerun cabling requirements across a multi-level facility
✔ Solution: Created interconnection block diagrams and clearly defined termination points for each system to eliminate uncertainty and control construction costs.
🔹 Incorporating extensive owner specifications into biddable documents without creating confusion
✔ Solution: Integrated all owner-provided equipment and performance specs into tailored contract documents to ensure accurate pricing and compliance.

Outcome & Impact

✅ Dual-power distribution design – Ensured cold storage room reliability and resilience under all power conditions.
✅ Well-coordinated low-voltage systems – Reduced field confusion, minimized change orders, and streamlined contractor execution.
✅ Accurate, enforceable documentation – Owner specifications fully captured in construction documents, supporting accurate bids and reliable execution.

Let’s Talk About Your Project

Looking for a trusted electrical engineering partner for your next biotech, CDMO, or life sciences facility? Let’s connect to discuss how NLS can support your project needs.

Confidential CDMO Electrical Fit-Out (Portsmouth, NH)