Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $10.4 million contract to Drace Anderson Joint Venture, a small business based in Gulfport, Mississippi, June 20.

The contract was awarded for construction of the T-6B Texan II Joint Primary Aircraft Training System, training operations facility, at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.

"This state-of-the-art facility will provide the necessary training space for the hundreds of flight instructors and student naval aviators to prepare for their daily flight syllabus events in the T-6B Texan II," said Capt. Mark Murray, commodore, Training Air Wing 5. "This facility will not only enhance the training capability of Training Air Wing 5, but will significantly improve the efficiency which the wing and the three primary training squadrons operate on a daily basis."

The contract calls for the construction of a two-story training operations facility with a steel frame, reinforced concrete masonry, standing seam metal roofing system, and spread footing foundation. The facility will be built on the flightline, and the will include classrooms, administration space, ready-rooms, electronic briefing space, personnel support space, storage, reproduction areas, a library, food storage and prep area, student activity space and additional space in support of the T-6B training curriculum.

This project will provide anti-terrorism/force protection (ATFP) features and comply with ATFP regulations, and physical security mitigation in accordance with DoD Minimum Anti-terrorism Standards for Buildings. The ATFP line item includes standard force protection measures such as mass notifications systems, laminated windows, blast resistant window and door frames and emergency lighting and signage.

"The modern design features of this facility will provide an environment for all pilots to conduct flight briefs and debriefs, video playback capabilities, training meetings, grade sheet execution and flight schedule oversight," said Murray. "Currently the three squadrons operate in very small, separate and inefficient buildings. Combining the three primary squadrons into one large facility will not only enhance the standardization and quality of flight instruction, but it will promote improved coordination between the squadrons, which is vital to the wing's continued success in providing the most qualified and capable warfighting aviators to the fleet."

The existing hangar space, Building 2941 and Squadron Facility Building 2973, will be renovated to serve as temporary facilities for squadron personnel until the new construction is complete. Demolition of existing buildings is also included in the task order.

The contract calls for the construction of parking areas, site preparation, and storm water and utility construction. Funding for a pavilion, furniture, fixtures and equipment is also included in the award. An option, if exercised, provides for the installation of an access control system.

The work will be performed in Milton, Florida, and is expected to be completed by March 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.

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