Fort Moore Directorate of Public Works leaders recently began construction at Lawson Army Airfield to replace outdated airfield lighting with new lighting and navigational aids aimed at enhancing safety and improving efficiency.
“Lawson Army Airfield is one of the most critical airfields in (Training and Doctrine Command) and across the Army due to its strategic role as a power projection platform for all three Army components," stated Col. Colin Mahle, Fort Moore garrison commander. “Modernization efforts to this facility are critical to supporting the Army’s strategic requirements for mobilization and deployment in a Multi-Domain Operations environment.”
Mahle said, “This project is part of a larger strategic concept that supports Lawson Army Airfield 2035 and encompasses over 60 projects to modernize airfield infrastructure over the next decade.”
The historic airfield was constructed prior to 1931 as a balloon landing field for the Infantry School. Over more than 90 years since its inception, it has been upgraded and expanded several times to accommodate then-current usage demands.
“Over time,” said Frederick Wolf, chief of engineering for DPW, “conditions of facilities change, standards and missions change, and we want to ensure the airfield remains ready and safe for Soldiers so they can focus on performing the mission.”
Airfield lights are used to light up airport runways during the night or in situations of low visibility, enabling safe navigation under such conditions.
"We are replacing airfield lighting and signage, runway edge lighting, runway threshold lighting, light bases, and precision approach path indicators," said Amy Vaughn, resident engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, which supports the installation. She added that the $11.4 million USACE designed and managed project also includes upgrading medium voltage cabling and replacing electrical systems along with current airfield lighting infrastructure.
Seth Newton, an electrical engineer from USACE, said the airfield lighting currently under construction is energy-efficient and expected to be complete in the fall.
“Exchanging fluorescent signs with LED signs will save approximately 50 percent power consumption. The runway lighting is required to be incandescent per Army and Air Force regulations,” Newton said. “We are currently replacing the runway edge lights with fixtures that are approximately 10 percent more efficient and greatly improve the reliability and safety for air traffic and ground maintenance crews.”
The lighting project is one of several initiatives planned over the next several years for the facility. Other projects include repair and improvement of taxiways, renovation of various buildings, and road and parking replacement and expansion.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District intends to solicit and award a $5 billion Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) for temporary emergency power augmentation and on related repairs of generation facilities to stabilize Puerto Rico's power system.
The work will consist of providing land based temporary generating units (dual fuel – LNG/diesel), temporary transformers, control cabling, and installation of equipment. In addition, the work will contain operation of the equipment, including maintenance, fuel, coordination with Puerto Rico Electric and Power Authority (PREPA) and LUMA Energy (LUMA) on operation schedule and connections to their equipment.
Original Published Date: Jul 05, 2023 03:43 pm EDT
Original Date Offers Due: Aug 07, 2023 01:00 pm EDT
For more details on this contract opportunity, visit:
https://sam.gov/opp/74982163ff3243a4b718562cac8a0d46/view
Douglas Saxon, deputy chief of Construction Division for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, received the Society of American Military Engineers’ James Connolly Award during the SAME Annual Program Review at the Savannah Riverfront Marriot, June 27, 2023.
Named in honor of James B. Connolly (1868-1957), Olympic gold medalist, Spanish-American War veteran, distinguished author, and former Corps’ Savannah District employee, the Connolly Award is presented annually to a civilian or military engineer for notable contributions in the field of engineering. The award is presented on behalf of the Savannah Community of Engineer organizations, which includes the SAME Savannah Post, and the American Society of Civil Engineers, Savannah Branch.
Saxon, who has served 33 years with the Corps’ Savannah District, was recognized for his outstanding accomplishments as a key team member in the execution of numerous high-profile projects throughout the years, most notably, the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project. Other key projects he has worked on include the Fort Stewart Modularity Complex and the 5th Infantry Brigade Combat Teams Complex at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
“Doug has been a backbone of our construction community within Savannah and across the region for many years,” said Col. Joseph Geary, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District. “So it’s great for him to be recognized by his peers across both the government and civilian sector.”
As the deputy chief of Construction Division, Saxon has been the catalyst in developing processes, tools, and metrics to improve the Division’s performance and skill. He is a subject matter expert on federal construction projects and is often sought out by USACE headquarters and numerous other Corps districts for input and guidance. Saxon has also been an outstanding leader and mentor to young engineers, encouraging them to seek additional training opportunities and obtain their professional credentials.
“I know a lot of people who received this award before me, and what they brought to the organization and the engineering profession, so I’m both humbled and honored to be nominated and selected for this award,” said Saxon “I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to work in this area, with the Corps and the people I work with.”
Saxon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Clemson University.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Savannah District has announced a major acquisition initiative with the goal of stabilizing the power system and enhancing power generation services in Puerto Rico. The acquisition aims to establish a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) with a shared capacity of $5 billion, spanning a five-year ordering period. USACE expects to issue a formal solicitation notice by June 20, 2023.
Under the responsibility of USACE Savannah District, the primary focus of the contract will be on temporary emergency power augmentation and related repairs to generation facilities. The objective is to address the issues affecting the power system in Puerto Rico and ensure its stability. The scope of work will involve the provision of land-based temporary generating units capable of utilizing dual fuel sources, specifically liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel. Additionally, temporary transformers, control cabling, and equipment installation will be included in the contracted services.
The acquisition will also encompass the operation and maintenance of the equipment provided. This includes tasks such as regular maintenance, fuel management, and coordination with Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) and LUMA Energy (LUMA) to synchronize operational schedules and ensure proper connections to their existing equipment.
USACE has decided to solicit and award the MATOC on an unrestricted basis, following the procedures outlined in FAR 15.304(c)(1)(ii). This approach ensures equal opportunity for all qualifying offerors to participate in the acquisition. By fostering competition and encouraging a diverse range of contractors, SAS aims to secure the expertise needed to successfully accomplish the power system stabilization and generation service objectives.
The establishment of this MATOC, with its substantial shared capacity and extended ordering period, is expected to significantly contribute to the improvement of Puerto Rico's power infrastructure. Through the temporary emergency power augmentation and repairs of generation facilities, USACE is dedicated to enhancing the resilience and reliability of Puerto Rico’s power system.
The estimated proposal due date is July 20, 2023.
The original announcement can found on SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/opp/8aa51a688b314a9db86b243d81be8bf8/view
