Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a nearly $2.5 million contract May 18 to Solid Structures Inc., a small business based in Brownsville, Texas for design and building of three high explosives magazines at Naval Air Station (NAS), Kingsville, Texas.

"This project brings much needed upgrades to our munitions storage capability," said Capt. Erik A. Spitzer, NAS Kingsville commanding officer. "These new facilities will allow us to safely and securely handle the munitions needed to meet Training Wing Two's training mission requirements."

"We currently have two functional bunkers and one condemned bunker," said Lt. Cmdr. Steve Parks, NAS Kingsville public works officer. "All three bunkers have experienced severe deterioration and risk damage to munitions stored there from rainwater penetration through the failing earthen bunkers. Replacement is paramount."

The project calls for the demolition of three existing magazines consisting of three earthen covered, reinforced concrete structures, and the design and construction of three new pre-fabricated high explosive magazine storage buildings and site amenities.

Work will be performed in Kingsville, and is expected to be complete by November 2018.

Small business (which includes 8(a) firms) play a vital role in the American economy - employing half of our country's workforce, creating nearly two out of every three new American jobs, and often being the source of the next great American innovation. NAVFAC Southeast strives to meet its goals building on its success by providing contract opportunities to these businesses.

"Our technical leads and acquisition team members seek opportunities for optimal small business participation early in the planning process," said Mark Brock, NAVFAC Southeast small business deputy. "Our sound business processes along with capabilities based strategies that consider program risks, cost, schedule and technical requirements help us meet the expectations of supported commanders while supporting public policy objectives."

Each year NAVFAC establishes target goals for Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Historically Underutilized Business Zone Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, and Women-Owned Small Business categories. The maximum practicable utilization of small business concerns is a matter of national interest with both social and economic benefits.

NAS Kingsville is one of the Navy's premier locations for jet aviation training. Its primary mission is to train tactical jet pilots for the Navy and Marine Corps. It is home to Training Squadron (VT) 21 and Training Squadron (VT) 22 who conduct advanced strike jet training for carrier jet aviators. Both squadrons employ the T-45C aircraft, a tandem-seat, carrier-borne jet specifically built for the training of Navy and Marine Corps aviators. There are currently 108 T-45C aircraft assigned to NAS Kingsville.

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