Conti Federal Breaks Ground on $169.1M FORGE Facilities Modernization Program at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

The First U.S. Army OTA FORGE program will modernize 16 projects forged together under one contract

TACOMA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Conti Federal Services, LLC, a leading federal construction and design-build firm, joined leaders of the U.S. Army and Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) for a groundbreaking ceremony launching the $169.1M Facilities, Operations, Readiness, Growth and Experience (FORGE) Facilities Modernization Program.

The ceremony held on August 25^th at the I Corps Joint Operations Center at Lewis Main marks the start of the U.S Army’s first major installation program using the Other Transaction Authority (OTA). The 5-year program includes 16 projects, supporting operational facilities, housing, energy resilience, and airlift deployment infrastructure at JBLM.

The FORGE program represents a significant change in how the Army delivers projects, combining OTA contracting with Architect-Engineer contracts that allow private companies to handle projects from start to finish. This approach significantly accelerates project delivery and reduces costs while still allowing the government its traditional oversight. The project will act as a guide to shape the future of urgent infrastructure delivery well into the future.

“FORGE represents a new approach built around collaboration, innovation, flexibility, and speed, moving beyond traditional approaches to a model focused on outcomes and mission requirements that has the ability to leave a lasting impact on industry,” said Peter Ceribelli, Chief Executive Officer at Conti Federal. “The government has challenged industry to think differently, and Conti Federal is proud to accept that call, continuing to drive forward as a dependable partner ready to meet evolving mission needs.”

The program is designed to rapidly modernize infrastructure while supporting the readiness of service members and the installation’s role as a critical power-projection platform for the Pacific. Army leaders have identified the project at JBLM as an opportunity to demonstrate how flexible contracting, commercial best practices and technology can be applied to accelerate infrastructure delivery at other installations.

As the prime contractor, Conti Federal is partnering with Pond & Company, serving as lead Designer, to execute the program through an integrated, collaborative delivery model. The approach builds on Conti Federal’s experience managing multi-project programs such as the Ellsworth Air Force Base Enterprise supported by its Warrior Lean^® management system, which provides project lifecycle collaborative delivery framework.

The FORGE program is expected to continue through July 2031.

About Conti Federal Services

Conti Federal Services is a leading global construction and design-build company with roots dating back to 1906. The company has delivered some of the most demanding projects for the U.S. federal government, specializing in military and secure construction, critical infrastructure, environmental remediation, and disaster response and recovery. Conti Federal is dedicated to ensuring clients meet mission success while committing to its core values of safety, integrity, and compliance. To learn more, visit www.contifederal.com.