2021 Construction Management Association of America Overall National Project of the Year Award
In response to the unparalleled challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Cube Root assumed the role of prime program manager through an emergency contract with the DC Department of General Services (DGS). Our mission was unequivocal: to protect the well-being of students and staff in the District of Columbia’s 117 public schools.
This pivotal $24 million program aimed to rapidly retrofit HVAC systems in all DC Public Schools (DCPS). The objective was crystal clear: to enhance air quality, ventilation, and filter airborne viruses, including COVID-19, ensuring a secure environment for education. Kicking off in September 2020, the urgency of the situation dictated the completion of all upgrades in time for the scheduled school reopening in February 2021.
Undertaking this monumental task required a colossal collaborative effort. Over 400 individuals, including the Cube Root Team, DGS and DCPS personnel, and 13 contractors, worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Navigating the complexities of a high-visibility program, we garnered support from stakeholders at all levels, from DGS and DCPS leadership to school principals, teachers, parents, students, and even the Mayor’s office.
The result? Success. Spring 2021 saw every school ready to welcome students back, thanks to the efficient execution of this crucial initiative.
As program manager, Cube Root orchestrated the entire operation, from equipment procurement to logistics, condition assessments, quality assurance, meticulous building inspections, systems commissioning, and comprehensive document control services. In an era of unprecedented uncertainty, Cube Root provided a beacon of hope, ensuring that schools remained not just buildings but sanctuaries of safety and learning.