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NAVFAC Southwest Begins Construction of Model Field Office for NCIS

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090306-02
Release Date: 3/6/2009 7:28:00 AM

By Lee H. Saunders, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest began construction of a $7.2 million model field office for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Feb. 2.

The facility will serve as a prototype for future design projects for NCIS buildings worldwide.

"This is a very exciting and unusual project, as this is the first new building for NCIS in many years," said Carol Davis, NAVFAC Southwest project manager for the NCIS project.

"The NCIS agents have been wonderful to work with, always available despite their extremely demanding schedules. I have a tremendous respect for what they do and hope that the new building we provide them will reflect the important job they have and make the agents more comfortable at work."

The new 21,753 square-foot facility will house spaces for administrative offices, state-of-the-art information technology, forensic interrogations, surveillances and investigation, evidence preparation, evidence storage, terrorism squad-counter intelligence, training and exercise functions.

Exterior features will include improvements in site utilities, access roads, parking for government and private vehicles, secured paved area for evidence storage, exterior lighting, landscaping, irrigation, erosion control and storm water management.

"The purpose of this construction project is the replacement of the existing NCIS building which was built in 1942," said David Yturralde, NAVFAC Southwest construction manager for the project. "I take great pride in the opportunity to learn firsthand about the vital needs of the NCIS mission. The difference this involvement engenders is getting to personally meet and know the myriad of people working together to shape this "design dream" into a physical reality."

NCIS is the primary law enforcement and counterintelligence command of the Department of the Navy. It works closely with local, state, federal and foreign agencies to counter and investigate the most serious crimes of terrorism, espionage, computer intrusion, homicide, rape, child abuse, arson and procurement fraud.

NAVFAC Southwest is managing the construction project. Primary contractor is Soltek Pacific of San Diego, Calif. Michael Baker Jr., Inc. of Phoenix, Ariz., is the architect and engineer firm for the project.

"This is one of my first fiscal year 2009 military construction projects I'm working on," said Dora Villa, NAVFAC Southwest design manager architect for the project.

"I'm excited in being part of this team set to deliver a great prototype facility for NCIS. As an architect in training I'm enthusiastic [about] overseeing the design of this unique facility."

NAVFAC Southwest plans to complete construction in fall 2010.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Jan 15. The official party included NCIS Executive Assistant Director for Middle East and Pacific Operations Mark D. Clookie, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Assistant Chief of Staff for Facilities Col. Gary W. Storey, Combat Logistics Regiment 17 Area Commanding Officer Col. John J. Broadmeadow, NCIS Special Agent in Charge of Marine Corps West Field Officer Gregg Munroe and Soltek Pacific Vice President John Myers.