The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is updating business processes to improve efficiency and transform how infrastructure is delivered on time and within budget.
Traditionally, USACE has relied on lengthy and rigid processes when it comes to project execution, from contractor selection to construction completion. As the organization seeks to improve, the USACE Europe District has set out to incorporate new methods of procurement and project delivery. The intent is to streamline tools to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget, according to district leaders.
“Military program delivery is at an inflection point. Our mission is accelerating, and expectations are rising. We collectively need to move faster to deliver infrastructure at the speed of relevance,” Europe District Commander Col. Dan Kent said. “Our focus today really needs to be on collaboration.”
Col. Kent delivered these remarks to attendees at a Reverse Industry Day event Europe District hosted on Aug. 11, in Frankfurt, where experts from the construction and design industry were invited to share their innovative planning and delivery methods.
This all-day interactive workshop covered subjects including Other Transaction Authorities, Progressive Design Build, Design Build to Budget and other methods to streamline project delivery.
“It was the first step taken by our agency, and we will continue this dialogue to ensure we adjust where it makes sense to attract the most capable and knowledgeable industry partners to deliver our projects,” Europe District Contracting Chief Katya Oxley said.
The event included case study presentations from industry partners who could show recent applications of collaborative methods that could benefit future USACE procurements and support the readiness of warfighters overseas.
After the case study presentations, a panel of industry experts with experience in both government and commercial business practices led a discussion focusing on the unique aspects and barriers involved with operating in an international environment. This included discussion of design and construction codes in different countries, taxing nuances, and various permitting barriers.
“Industry provided a ton of great information for me and the rest of the district to consider when we choose projects for these alternate acquisition strategies,” said Europe District Technical Services Branch Chief Jason Manning. “This event confirmed that industry believes these strategies will work in Europe, with the right people involved and on the right project. There will be more collaboration between the Design Build contractor team and government than we have seen in other acquisition strategies.”
Moving forward, Europe District leaders will assess upcoming projects to ensure the new acquisition methods align well with goals and resources. This process of ongoing transformation will involve close collaboration with industry partners and innovative problem-solving. Europe District is committed to work smarter and faster to support warfighters and their families across Europe and Africa.