At ConstructionOwners.com, we know that the keys to success in any large-scale construction project are collaboration, innovation, and agility. These principles were demonstrated with the completion of the Mariner Skills Training Center (MSTC) at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia—a project that moved from concept to completion in just under four years, a remarkable feat given the average military construction timeline of seven to ten years.

Early Contractor Involvement: A Key to Success

This success was driven by early contractor involvement and a focused commitment to collaboration between the U.S. Navy's Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic and key industry partners. By adopting a flexible approach, NAVFAC was able to pivot from renovating an existing structure to building a new facility, recognizing the limitations of the original site. Such agility was critical in keeping the project on track and meeting the urgent demand for improved seamanship training following tragic naval incidents in 2017.

Time and Cost Savings Through Strategic Approaches

For construction owners and developers, this project is a shining example of the benefits of early contractor involvement (ECI). By engaging construction partners at the design stage, NAVFAC and its team were able to anticipate potential challenges, optimize designs for both cost and schedule, and achieve significant time savings—cutting more than 200 days off the schedule by moving from a design-build to a design-bid-build approach. This strategy not only ensured a timely delivery but also reduced construction phase costs by around 7%, a valuable insight for owners seeking to balance efficiency and budget in their own projects.

Sustainability and High-Performance Design

The MSTC's design adhered to high-performance and sustainable building standards, enhancing occupant health while significantly reducing environmental impacts. For instance, the facility's energy-saving measures surpassed ASHRAE 90.1 guidelines by over 31%, proving that speed and sustainability can go hand in hand. Construction owners can take note of how resource-efficient designs and close interdisciplinary collaboration can deliver both operational excellence and sustainability.

Overcoming Challenges with Flexibility

The success of this project also underscores the importance of flexibility and real-time decision-making. When faced with unexpected challenges, such as COVID-19 and labor shortages, the construction team quickly adapted. By securing subcontractors from outside regions and maintaining clear, consistent communication with all stakeholders, they ensured that deadlines were met despite global disruptions—a crucial lesson for owners navigating complex construction environments.

The Power of Public-Private Partnerships

Ultimately, the MSTC project highlights the power of partnership between government entities and private industry to achieve ambitious timelines without sacrificing quality. For construction owners involved in high-stakes, time-sensitive projects, the Mariner Skills Training Center serves as an inspiring model for how to leverage innovation, teamwork, and strategic foresight to overcome obstacles and deliver critical infrastructure.

At ConstructionOwners.com, we continue to advocate for these best practices, recognizing that early engagement, flexibility, and strong partnerships are essential for successful project delivery in any industry.