Corps officials from both Charleston and Baltimore Districts joined DLA Distribution leaders for the Jan. 24 kick-off for the roof replacement on the Eastern Distribution Center (EDC), the largest Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization project on the installation in New Cumberland, Pa.
Two descriptive words capture this project – teaming and huge. “We will replace the roof on this facility which covers 43 acres or 1.6 million square feet,” said Lt. Col. Ed Chamberlayne, Commander, Charleston District for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “This is a very large project and when completed, it will improve energy efficiency and bring significant cost savings,” he said.
The EDC, a 1.7 million square foot facility, equivalent to 30 football fields, currently processes 73 percent of DLA Distribution Susquehanna’s workload. It is the largest distribution facility in the Department of Defense.
The project will include a complete roof replacement with ethylene propylene diene monomer (a popular reroofing material), heating, ventilation and air conditioning, control, and lightning protection systems. Because the facility is critical for U.S. military missions and support, it will remain open throughout the project.
Chamberlayne emphasized that “We work for you and we will work closely with our Baltimore District colleagues to deliver the project.”
Teaming with Charleston, the Baltimore District, through its Harrisburg Area Office, will provide the on-site contract administration for the project. Remi Bollana is the resident engineer and contracting officer representative.
“We are happy to work with and support Charleston District on this project,” said Col. Trey Jordan, Baltimore District commander. There is an additional, special relationship between these two Corps districts – Jordan served as the Charleston commander from 2007-2009. He warmly greeted the Charleston team members at the ceremony including Effie Meletis, the program manager and key point of contact on the project.
“There is one door to the Corps and we are committed to providing quality goods and services,” Jordan said.
Both commanders emphasized that the customer will determine the value of the project. “Our reputation is on the line,” Jordan said, “and we will stand behind the project even after it is done.”
“This is a team of teams,” noted Col. David Touzinksy, installation commander, in referring to the continual coordination and communication needed as the project moves forward.
The kick-off concluded with Corps, DLA Distribution, Jacobs Engineering and Boro Developers representatives holding a ceremonial check for the $52 million project. The contract was awarded in September 2012 with a period of performance of almost 900 days. Project completion is expected in 2015.
Terra Dietz, DLA Distribution Public Affairs, contributed to this article.