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Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov. Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at opm.gov.

Tools that Sound Like Firearms/Explosives to be Used Adjacent to Building 40

​Beginning today, November 4, 2024 and continuing periodically through approximately April 30, 2025, construction work on the next phase of the new 40A addition to the Dale and Betty Bumpers Vaccine Research Center (Building 40), will include explosive powder-actuated tools (EPATs).

When in operation, EPATs can sound like a gunshot, firearm or explosive discharging. Please do not be alarmed or confused if you work in or near Building 10 and surrounding facilities and hear this noise. Use of EPATs is a common practice in building construction.

If you work in or near these buildings, please ensure your colleagues are aware so no one is unnecessarily alarmed. 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as NIH continues with this important renovation of Building 10. For questions regarding this message, please contact the Office of Research Facilities (ORF) project officer, Melinda Alexander at 703-507-4788.