Improving U.S. Military Infrastructure in Eastern Europe

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Europe District has chosen WSP USA as its consultant to lead multiple architecture-engineering projects at military facilities in Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria.

The indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract is part of the European Reassurance Initiative (ERI) program, a U.S. initiative to implement over $1.5 billion in capital improvements at military facilities in Eastern Europe under the management of the USACE Europe District.

Although WSP has worked with USACE on previous projects, this will be the first time the firm will work on military projects with the Europe District, according to Scott Nall, who is serving as program manager for the ID/IQ contract.

“ERI is one of two programs in Europe to build new U.S. military bases or improve existing bases in Eastern Europe,” said Nall, who also serves as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. “This is one way the U.S. is demonstrating to our allies that we have their back in a future perceived as unstable and tenuous by many in the region.”

As the lead consultant on the task order-based contract, WSP will be responsible for planning, design and construction administration work involving major and minor new construction, as well as alteration, repair or rehabilitation of various eastern European military facilities. This work could include improvements to items such as runways, taxiways, aircraft parking aprons, barracks, roadways, utility systems, vehicle maintenance facilities, administrative buildings and other U.S. or host nation facilities.

Architect-engineer services may also be required for developing request-for-proposal packages for design/build projects. Other projects may involve security upgrades, safety coordination, construction supervision, inspection, or feasibility studies such as cost estimating, energy conservation, fire protection and environmental assessments.

“This contract casts a wide net over many possible services for potentially nine to 12 bases in the region,” Nall said.

Nall expects WSP to receive its first task order in the fall. The firm’s three-year contract also includes two one-year client options for years four and five. The contract is being managed through a joint effort that will include staff from the U.S. as well as the firm’s European offices. Pietr Kurka in the Zug, Switzerland office is serving as the onsite deputy program manager. “Pietr will be available to meet with the Army Corps in their offices in Wiesbaden, Germany the next day, if needed,” Nall said.

Nall, who works in the St. Louis office, will travel to Europe when needed to provide guidance for projects. He is looking forward to the opportunity.

“I’ve been in the military for 25 years,” said Nall. “For me personally, to have the opportunity to support our country and our allies, both in my military uniform and in my civilian clothes, is very special.”