The Department of the Air Force selected Layton/Gensler to lead the Medical Education and Training Campus Recapitalization project at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, utilizing an innovative Other Transaction Authority Agreement with Progressive Design Build.

This OTA effort will construct five 400,000-square-foot dormitory facilities housing a total of 6,000 joint force combat medic students. This agreement uses proven industrial offsite manufacturing technology to accelerate the previously planned construction timeline by approximately 70 percent, targeting completion within 24 months while securing an anticipated 20 percent reduction in overall project costs.

OTAs provide flexibility to rapidly acquire innovative commercial technology through non-standard procurement contracts, grants or cooperative agreements. Progressive Design Build is an innovative alternative project delivery method that uses a qualifications-based selection that onboards the contractor early in the project lifecycle.

“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.”

The partnership with Layton/Gensler will immediately initiate preliminary design activities, demolition and construction is expected to start this calendar year.