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Local Contractor Receives Contract For Work At Blount Island Command

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110805-23
8/5/2011

By Sue Brink, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $5.8 million contract July 29 to Sauer, Inc. of Jacksonville, Fla., for work to be done at Marine Corps Support Facility (MCSF) Blount Island (BI) Command, Fla.

The work will provide for structure steel and coatings to refurbish the protective coating systems on building B350 at MCSF-BI.

"In addition to removing the existing lead based paint and prolonging the structural integrity of the building, this project will greatly enhance the working environment," said Marine Col. Christopher Michelsen, MCSF-BI commanding officer. "On an average daily basis there are around 250 contractor and government employees working in building 350."

"The facility at MCSF is known as the Big Blue Maintenance Facility and encompasses over 300,000 square feet with an interior building height of 58 feet," said Jay McGovern, NAVFAC Southeast Project Management branch head. "The facility serves as the vehicle maintenance shop."

The building was originally constructed by Offshore Power Systems in the late 1970s and completed by various owners in phases. The facility is now occupied by the Blount Island Command.

"Although it has been well maintained over the years, no corrosion identification or remediation projects had been undertaken since its original construction," said McGovern.

An engineering study of the "Big Blue" facility was conducted to provide a complete, comprehensive, and detailed investigation of the existing conditions and to identify and outline effective repair or replacement alternatives. After a review of the study and the various options, the $5.8 million project was developed for its refurbishment.

"Blount Island Command, the building, and the work force must remain fully operational at all times during this project," said Fred Rounsaville, project manager with Sauer, Inc. "We will work with everyone to ensure that there are no interruptions to the facility operations or the project."

Michelsen said the contractors' intend to perform the majority of the work after normal operational hours to not interfere with facility operations during normal business hours.

"Maintaining operations during construction is going to be challenging, but we're up to the task," claimed Michelsen. "The end result will be a safer and brighter working atmosphere for all."

The project has a 327-day construction schedule.