The £219 million contract, funded by the United States, has been awarded to Skanska Black & Veatch, a joint venture, to design and construct a new facility in Cambridgeshire that will provide support to US Visiting Forces. This significant project is expected to be completed by 2028 and will comprise a two-story facility, including necessary infrastructure and a warehouse.
Commencement of the enabling works is scheduled for the spring, with full-scale construction set to begin in late next year. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) Chief Operating Officer, David Brewer, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the contract award represents a pivotal milestone in the ongoing relationship between DIO and their NATO partners, particularly the United States. He emphasized their commitment to working closely with suppliers to deliver an impressive facility for the US Air Force.
Brigadier General Kale, Commander of the US Air Force Civil Engineer Center, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the project’s significance in strengthening the enduring partnership between the United States and its NATO ally, the United Kingdom. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with DIO and its suppliers, emphasizing their commitment to successfully completing this facility.
Skanska’s Executive Vice President, Adam McDonald, expressed excitement about their collaboration with DIO on this project. Leveraging their extensive experience in delivering complex projects in the Defence sector, Skanska is well-prepared to hit the ground running on this site. McDonald emphasized their ability to provide innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance the daily lives of military personnel while effectively managing costs for the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence (MOD), and DIO.
Rick Kaiser, President of Black & Veatch’s Federal Segment, emphasized the focus on sustainability and resiliency in this endeavor, aligning with DIO’s goals. Drawing from their experience and track record working with US and other government clients, Black & Veatch understands the importance of delivering infrastructure that advances these objectives.
The contract award for the new facility supporting US Visiting Forces underscores the collaborative efforts between the UK and the US, reaffirming their strong alliance within NATO. This project represents a significant step forward in providing cutting-edge infrastructure to meet the needs of the US Air Force while fostering mutual cooperation between the two nations.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
