Progressive Design-Build Services under Other Transaction Authority Project: Multi-Domain Cyber and Intel Operations Center, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland AFB Texas

Quick Summary

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Special Notice announcing an upcoming solicitation for Progressive Design-Build (PDB) Services under Other Transaction Authority (OTA). This project is for the Multi-Domain Cyber and Intel Operations Center at Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland AFB, Texas, with a programmed amount of $986,000,000. An Industry Day is scheduled for July 21, 2026, to provide project overview and acquisition strategy details.

Project Scope

The project involves constructing a multi-story, high-performance facility for the 16th Air Force, accommodating approximately 3,500 occupants. It will feature a structural steel frame on a reinforced concrete foundation, designed to meet enhanced security standards including progressive collapse resistance. Key elements include an integrated Visitor Control Center (VCC) and a purpose-built Cyber Operations Data Center engineered for high-performance computing (HPC), AI, and Machine Learning (ML) platforms with scalable, high-density power infrastructure.

Acquisition Strategy & Contract Details

This requirement will be executed using a qualifications-based PDB model under 10 U.S.C. § 2808a. The process involves two phases under a single contract: Phase 1 for design and preconstruction services (based on qualifications, not final price), and Phase 2 for final design and construction (with a potential Guaranteed Maximum Price). The acquisition will follow a streamlined competitive selection:

• Step 1 – Request for Qualifications/White Papers: Interested parties will submit a Statement of Qualifications (max 30 pages) within an aggressive 15-day window. This step focuses on corporate experience with similar projects, key personnel qualifications, and understanding of PDB and technical challenges. Up to three companies will be down-selected.
• Step 2 – Pitches: Selected companies will participate in mandatory, interactive Q&A sessions to evaluate expertise, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative chemistry.
• Final Selection: Award will be based on a holistic, most qualified best-value assessment, prioritizing the most compelling combination of experience and collaborative/technical excellence.

Key Requirements & Important Information

• Offeror Requirements: Companies must be entirely U.S.-owned and operated. Work should primarily be executed by U.S. citizens, with U.S. persons authorized. All assigned personnel must have prior experience in secure facility design/construction and be eligible for security clearance. Contractors must maintain CMMC Level 2 certification.
• Bonding: Offerors must furnish evidence of $1.2 Billion bonding capacity from Treasury Department Circular 570 sureties.
• Registration: Offerors must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration.
• Industry Day: July 21, 2026, 0900-1100 at TSA Canine Training Center, JBSA-Lackland, TX. RSVP by July 10, 2026, by contacting Rodney Alexander (rodney.d.alexander@usace.army.mil) or Heather Groff (heather.groff@usace.army.mil) and submitting a base pass access form.
• Set-Aside: None specified.
• NAICS Code: 236220 (Construction Of Miscellaneous Buildings).

Specific dates for the official solicitation release, question deadlines, and submission deadlines are yet to be determined. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to monitor SAM.gov for updates.