DAF taps company to lead METC recapitalization

The Department of the Air Force has selected Layton/Gensler to lead a recapitalization of the Medical Education and Training Campus at Joint Base San Antonio–Fort Sam Houston, Texas, under an Other Transaction Authority agreement paired with a progressive design-build approach. The plan calls for five 400,000-square-foot dormitories designed to house 6,000 joint-force combat medic students, using industrialized offsite manufacturing to speed delivery.

Officials say the approach will accelerate the previously planned schedule by about 70 percent, target completion within 24 months, and cut overall project costs by roughly 20 percent.

OTAs allow the Pentagon to rapidly acquire commercial innovation through non-traditional agreements outside the Federal Acquisition Regulation, while progressive design-build brings a contractor on early based on qualifications to collaboratively develop and deliver the project.

“Our people deserve quality living quarters that are clean, safe and comfortable, delivered at speed, so they can focus on their work,” said Dale Marks, assistant secretary of War for Energy, Installations and Environment, the principal advisor to the under secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. “This effort is a massive achievement for the Department of War Barracks Task Force and represents a fundamental change in how the Department procures and delivers infrastructure to meet mission timelines. We are leveraging American industry to deliver a warfighter production capability – this is an unprecedented milestone for the DoW and a huge win the warfighter.”

“This achievement is consistent with the policy we released only 100 days ago; the department must fundamentally change how we do business and we must go fast,” said Michael J. Borders, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations and Environment. “The Air Force has delivered on securing a historic agreement in record time while utilizing the efficiencies and effectiveness of industry to deliver this critical capability in record time. We are laser focused on changing – this is what change looks like.”

“Our top priority is ensuring our war fighters have modern, resilient and high-quality living spaces they deserve to maintain mission readiness,” said Brig Gen David J. Wilson, commander of the 502d Air Base Wingand Joint Base San Antonio. “This step in the METC project represents a vital investment in that priority.”

According to the department, the partnership with Layton/Gensler will begin preliminary design immediately, with demolition and construction expected to start this calendar year. The Air Force did not disclose the value of the agreement.