The following is authored by Tim Bayes, MPP, PMP, who serves as Kleinfelder’s East Division Federal Market Manager and U.S. Air Force Program Lead. Bringing more than 26 years of experience leading infrastructure, engineering, construction, and mission support programs in complex federal environments, Tim is a retired U.S. Air Force Command Chief who oversaw organizations of more than 4,200 personnel, 31 aircraft, and a $311 million budget before joining Kleinfelder. He now leads federal business development and program delivery efforts, helping clients address infrastructure, environmental, facilities, resilience, and mission readiness challenges.
Construction on an active military installation is different from work on a typical commercial site. The facility may be undergoing significant improvements, but the mission must continue throughout construction. That reality creates challenges in how the project should be planned and delivered.
Construction Must Be Planned Around the Mission
Success requires a clear understanding of installation operations, security requirements, occupant needs, access limitations, and the potential effects of construction on mission-critical activities. These considerations should be incorporated into the project from the beginning — rather than addressed after work is underway.
Planning around the mission is key to success. Construction phasing should reflect how the installation operates. Work may need to be sequenced around training activities, operational schedules, secure areas, occupied spaces, or limited shutdown windows.
Temporary facilities and services may also be needed to maintain operations while permanent systems are taken offline. Depending on the project, this could include temporary utilities, alternate access routes, protective barriers, environmental controls, and interim workspaces.
The objective is to create a construction plan that allows improvements to move forward without creating unnecessary disruption to essential operations.
Coordinate Early to Avoid Operational Impacts
Early coordination is a must. Utility shutdowns, equipment outages, road closures, and construction in occupied areas can have consequences beyond the immediate work zone. These activities should be identified early and coordinated closely with installation personnel.
The project team should clearly communicate with the installation staff on the following:
- What systems or areas will be affected
- When the disruption will occur
- How long the impact is expected to last
- What temporary measures will be available
- What contingency actions will be taken if conditions change
This coordination gives installation personnel the information they need to prepare while giving the construction team a better understanding of operational constraints.
Access and Security Require Continuous Management
To keep interruptions at a minimum, access planning is also critical on an active military installation. Construction personnel, vehicles, equipment, and deliveries must move through the site without interfering with installation traffic or compromising security.
Clear access plans can help separate construction activities from facility operations, maintain emergency routes, protect occupants, and reduce conflicts at gates and active work areas. These plans should be reviewed throughout construction because security requirements and operational priorities may change.
Communication Doesn’t End When Construction Begins
Finally, remember the coordination cannot end once construction begins. All stakeholders need a consistent process for sharing updates, discussing upcoming activities, and responding to changing conditions.
Regular communication helps the team adjust work sequences, resolve field issues, and schedule disruptive activities around the installation’s priorities. It also allows concerns to be addressed before they develop into safety issues, operational impacts, change orders, or schedule delays.
At Kleinfelder, we understand that successful federal project delivery means balancing facility improvements with the client’s broader mission requirements. By integrating those requirements into planning, design, and construction-phase services, project teams can safely advance critical improvements while maintaining continuity, readiness, and essential operations.
Kleinfelder Can Help
Mission continuity is not something to be addressed during construction. It must be built into project planning from day one. If you’re preparing for a project on an active installation, we’d welcome the opportunity to discuss the operational considerations that can help support a successful outcome.