During the annual engineering facility survey of the center, it was identified that the HVAC roof top units in both the male and female dormitories had outlived their usual life.  These units provided air circulation and heat but no air conditioning.  The engineering services contractor (ESC), recommended their replacement.  Alternate Perspective Inc. (API-the contractor that operates Job Corps) along with the Management and Training Corporation (MTC) a subcontractor to API and the Shriver management applied for and were granted funding of 1.3 million dollars by the Department of Labor to replace the units.  Through a competitive bid process, a local contractor N&T Mechanical from Lancaster, MA was awarded the contract.

N&T Mechanical replaced the 22 roof top units on the two dorm buildings.  The existing units were manufactured in 1998 and could only provide heat and not air-conditioning to all dormitory rooms and common areas.  The old units were replaced with new Trane Precedent High Effficiency series units.  The benefit of these new units, besides the addition of air conditioning, is that they are one of the most energy-efficient packaged roof top units in the industry at 17.5 SEER and exceeds federal minimum requirements by up to 25 percent.  These units include humidity control to increase comfort while maintaining low sound levels.  Included with the units is a full Direct Digital Control (DDC) system by Johnson Controls which monitors and control the units and the existing exhaust fans.  Both students and staff are very appreciative to the Department of Labor for the major investment made for the center.  A ceremonial ribbon cutting event was held in July.