Fort Lee BRAC construction program nationally recognized

Reposted January 19, 2011 (originally posted November 16, 2010)
By Norfolk District Public Affairs

01/19/2010 - MCLEAN, Va. — The Construction Management Association of America, or CMAA, has selected 15 of the best and most innovative construction management projects and programs of 2010, and the Fort Lee, Va., 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Phase 1 program won in the category of best Buildings, Program Management or Programs Phase.

More than 130 entries were received nationwide for the 2010 Project Achievement Award program, and the final 15 winners were announced during the Association's Industry Recognition Banquet Oct. 5 at the National Conference and Trade Show in San Diego, Calif.

"This award is a testament to the outstanding partnership enjoyed at all levels of this massive and complex program. Well-deserved congratulations to all of our customers, the Corps' program manager, project managers, resident engineers, quality assurance representatives, administrative support team, and all the design and construction contractors, large and small," said Col. Andrew Backus, Norfolk District commander.

Since 1999 these awards have been presented to projects that exemplify the contributions of professional construction and program management to the successful completion of a challenging project or program. The Project Achievement awards are grouped into buildings and infrastructure, new construction and renovation across several budget-size ranges, as well as program management honors for buildings and infrastructure and an international award.

Fort Lee's Base Realignment and Closure, or BRAC, Phase 1 construction included 11 projects and 22 new facilities. Work included the demolition and clearing of 330 acres with construction of roads, gas lines and a flyover bridge. New facilities included the multifunctional Sustainment Center of Excellence headquarters building, the Army Logistics University, equipped to train 40,000 students annually, five new high-bay facilities for hands-on training, dining facility, three new barracks that house up to 2,700 Soldiers, and 12 other administrative, education and training facilities.

As cited in the nomination packet: In completing this large government program, there was great potential for serious delays, cost overruns and claims. Yet there were none. This extraordinarily complex and accelerated program finished on time, $5 million under the $667 million budget, with no litigation. It is a marvelous example of technical innovation and collaboration among the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, and two private sector program and construction management companies – MOCA Systems and URS Corp.

"Congratulations to our standout projects. The number and quality of projects that were submitted this year sets the bar very high for what is expected to yield a successful project," concurred Judges Mark Ballard, PE, and Brian Koches, CCM.

CMAA is North America's only organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of the professional construction and program management industry. On behalf of its 27 regional chapters and more than 6,300 public and private organizations and individuals throughout the nation, CMAA promotes professionalism in the Construction Management industry and provides resources, advocacy, professional development, certification, and business opportunities to its members. CMAA's national headquarters is located in McLean, Va. The Association's Web site is www.cmaanet.org.