The DCAT Division is staffed by design and construction professionals, who work closely with other County departments, agencies and elected officials in the management of renovation and construction projects.  Being included from conceptual discussions through the budgeting, planning, and design stages, and ultimately through construction is essential and beneficial. Their project management ensures that new facilities meet the needs of the using agencies as well as meeting the appropriate standards and requirements for systems, materials, and construction.

Additionally, this division works closely with the department’s Administrative, Maintenance and Telecommunication Divisions.  This allows the department to prepare for those maintenance responsibilities that follow project completion in a more efficient manner and to facilitate optimization and standardization of systems and equipment.

The professionals in this division ensure quality control on all contracted work from the planning stage through final completion and the warranty period. All work is closely reviewed and inspected to make certain that it complies with sound design practices, the specific requirements of the County, and the construction contract documents. Change orders and pay applications are carefully reviewed by DCAT prior to approval.

Each spring, DCAT meets with representatives from County departments, agencies and elected officials to discuss their budget needs for the next fiscal year. The information obtained during these meetings assists the department in setting its strategic direction, as well as provides feedback on how well the department is meeting its mission. Capital budget requests are then provided to the Budget Office to assist in developing the County’s capital budget proposal.

DCAT has managed the following representative projects:

• The Additions and Renovations to the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building
• The Additions and Renovations to the Sheriff’s Administration Building
• The Conversion of University Hospital into the Central Booking Facility
• The Public Safety Building
• The Courthouse Block Complex
• The Judicial Building Parking Garage
• The Sheriff’s Vehicle Maintenance Garage
• The Work Release Building
• The Renovation of the Old Health Dept. Building at Maxwell and Palafox
• The Conversion of the old West Building Materials store into the Facilities Management Office, Shop, and Warehouse Facility

DCAT’s current projects include:

• The new One Stop Building
• The Historic Interior Renovations to the Old Courthouse Building
• The new Pensacola Beach Fire Station
• The Fishing Bridge
• Leonard Street Central Energy Plant

DCAT was instrumental in the recovery from the devastating effects of Hurricane’s Ivan and Dennis.  The cost for repairing and replacing the County's damaged facilities has exceeded $50,000,000.  The work included facilitating the temporary, emergency repairs, and managing architects, construction managers, general contractors, and specialty contractors in completing the permanent repairs.  DCAT is the County’s primary representative for the Federal Emergency Management Administration, the State Emergency Response Team, and the various insurance companies for the facility repairs.