The Census Bureau was also busy last year because its 495,000-sq-ft headquarters at the Suitland Federal Center, Suitland, MD, was scheduled to have its heating system completely replaced. Given that the building and its workers could not be interrupted during that crucial survey-taking time period, those involved with altering the heating system had their jobs cut out for them.
The fast-track project was started in March 2000, and the new heating system had to be up and running no later than September 15, 2000. While there were a few surprises or challenges that arose along the way, the project was finished on time. Once the mercury started to dip last fall, personnel at Bureau headquarters were warm and toasty.