Thousands of contracting opportunities result from BRAC recommendations

BRAC is the acronym given to periodic reviews of the country's military installations. Analysis is done by an appointed commission charged with ensuring that the support system for the nation's military is both efficient and effective. As a result, BRAC recommendations often include closure or consolidation of military installations. Rarely, a recommendation will be made for expansion of a military facility but this is not the norm.

The latest BRAC recommendations for Texas military installations include some closings, but for the most part, the recommendations have been for consolidation. A few recommendations are for expansions aimed at meeting the country's ever-changing military needs. And, expansion recommendations create huge new marketplaces that are ripe with opportunities for vendors. Some parts of the state are just on the cusp of these new expansion marketplaces.

One of the richest opportunities for vendors is occurring now in the San Antonio area. By 2011, Brooke Army Medical Center will be consolidated with Fort Sam Houston into both a training and medical care center. As a result, Fort Sam Houston will see an influx of more than 13,500 new workers and students. More than $60 million in federal funding has been allocated for the project and there will be hundreds of contracting opportunities. Additionally, the Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in the San Antonio area will be converted to an ambulatory care center.

There are numerous commercial opportunities in any $60 million project and the type of work required will not all be related to construction. In addition to design, planning and construction of facilities, there will be needs for parking facilities, furnishings, equipment of all types, mechanical and electrical projects, medical supplies, computers, software, landscaping, security, professional services and probably even surge protectors!

Work has already begun in the El Paso area, where BRAC recommendations were to expand Fort Bliss so that the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division can be relocated there from Germany. An increase of thousands of soldiers and their families will require almost as much effort as building a new city. Immediate needs will include housing, other facilities, infrastructure, furnishings, equipment, technology, security, instruction and professional services. Construction related to the BRAC recommendations at Fort Bliss could trigger a construction "boom" in El Paso with the potential to last for five years. The bulk of the construction will begin in 2008 and continue in some cases through 2011. Contracting opportunities are practically endless.

Military families moving to El Paso will bring children who will become students in local school districts. One school district likely to be impacted is the 40,000-student Socorro ISD. In 1980, Socorro had only 5,000 students, but development in that area has been unprecedented, causing an increase of approximately 2,000 students each year. BRAC will add even more to the student population. Additional immediate needs may include new buildings, additional and upgraded technology, furnishings and equipment of all types as well as professional services and surge protectors.

El Paso city officials are considering how the addition of 20,000 soldiers by 2012 will impact city services - such as public safety. The cost of a new fire station is estimated to be approximately $10 million. A new fire station may be necessary along with new vehicles, furnishings, equipment and technology.

Small vendors are never overlooked when government procures, so subcontractors will be in high demand. Most prime contractors will have small and minority business quotas to fill. Interested firms should be getting positioned now to capture the new business just looming on the horizon.