With the estimated influx of more than 21,000 additional personnel to Fort Belvoir as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) law which took effect Nov. 9, the U.S. Army is seeking private-sector expertise to develop a plan to handle the impact the increase poses to the base and the surrounding communities. Of the total personnel increase, 5,000 will be military while 16,000 will be civilian employees and contract personnel.
A request for bids from master developers was released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District Nov. 21. The Army estimates construction of approximately six million square feet of new space and a general upgrade of supporting on-post infrastructure to comply with BRAC law, according to the Fort Belvoir public information office.
"We cannot — and will not — ignore the concerns and needs of the surrounding community. We will continue to seek input and keep them informed throughout this process," said Col. Brian W. Lauritzen, Garrison Commander.
"This is the beginning of a major transition and we are committed to a process that works for everyone who will be impacted, including local residents. We must get it right," Lauritzen said.
He noted that expertise in the private sector will help ensure that what is built at the base over the next six years "will continue the post's legacy of world-class service and support to a broad community of defense organizations," according to the base's public information office.
A developer will be selected soon after Jan. 1 to support Lauritzen and his staff in development of a the master plan that meshes BRAC's requirements with Belvoir's ongoing mission. BRAC law requires all realignment actions be complete by September 2011.