Corvias Highlights How Existing Authorities and Partnerships Can Deliver Solutions for Military Installation Challenges

ADC Installation Innovation Forum panel emphasizes using established authorities and collaborating to address capability and operational challenges

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As military installations face workforce and operational challenges – including an estimated $285 billion in deferred maintenance and facility improvement backlogs across Department of War (DOW) – many already have access to broad partnership authorities that can help address emerging needs and specialized capability gaps. At the recent Association of Defense Communities (ADC) Installation Innovation Forum in Tampa, Fla., Corvias joined government and industry leaders in emphasizing how existing authorities, combined with strong partnerships, can deliver practical solutions to evolving installation needs.

The panel, "Short-Staffed: How Partnerships Can Help Installations Address Workforce Challenges," explored how established authorities including the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI), utilities privatization, Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs), and Intergovernmental Support Agreements (IGSAs) provide proven frameworks for collaboration, innovation and access to private-sector capabilities. These models can be used to address critical gaps beyond their original areas of focus, where permitted by applicable authorities.

"Understanding the authorities within your program and having open conversations about the challenges you're trying to solve allows partners to identify where they can contribute,” said Denise Hauck, President, Military at Corvias. “Sometimes the solution starts with the partners you already have on the installation. Partnerships create solutions, and good conversations create solutions."

The potential impact is significant. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, federal energy savings performance contracts have supported nearly $8.9 billion in energy improvements since 1998, with approximately $19.3 billion in cumulative guaranteed energy cost savings.

Panelists highlighted three opportunities to turn existing authorities into solutions:

• Leverage authorities already available. Retired Lt. Gen. Omar Jones, former Commanding General of U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM), emphasized that many of the necessary authorities already exist. Greater awareness, leadership support, and thoughtful application can help installations address emerging requirements.
• Build solutions through existing partnerships. Emily Stewart of American States Utility Services (ASUS) encouraged installations to maximize established agreements and explore how complementary authorities and partner capabilities can address challenges collaboratively. Robb Reid of Sourcewell highlighted how intergovernmental partnerships can expand access to specialized expertise, workforce resources and innovative solutions.
• Encourage collaboration and responsible innovation. John Conger of Conger Strategies and Solutions reinforced that successful partnerships begin with conversations, relationships and a shared commitment to solving problems. Clearly defined responsibilities, appropriate risk management, and continued government oversight remain essential.

For Corvias, these principles reflect more than 25 years of experience partnering with the U.S. Army through MHPI. Supporting more than 20,000 military homes across seven Army installations, Corvias demonstrates how established authorities and sustained public-private partnerships can bring together investment, specialized expertise and operational capabilities to support military communities and mission readiness.

"No single partner has to provide every element of a solution," Hauck added. "It's about understanding what each partner can bring to the table, where those capabilities intersect and how we can work together to address the installation's needs."

The panel reinforced that existing authorities provide the foundation, but partnerships turn those authorities into solutions. By engaging established partners, understanding available capabilities and collaborating across government, industry and communities, installations can develop practical approaches to emerging challenges without necessarily creating new mechanisms.

About Corvias

Corvias partners with the Department of War and higher education institutions to solve infrastructure and energy resiliency challenges and create long-term, sustainable value through its Solutions Through Partnerships® approach. With more than 25 years of military housing experience, Corvias supports military communities through housing development, modernization, property operations and innovative infrastructure investments. Learn more at Corvias.com.