Project Description
Ridgecrest, Calif.
Following the devastating 2019 earthquakes at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, construction partnering played a key role in delivering critical recovery infrastructure. To lead the $2.3 billion Earthquake Recovery Program, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) established the Officer in Charge of Construction (OICC) China Lake, which oversaw 29 major projects required to restore operations at NAWS China Lake and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division. Among the earliest and most pivotal efforts was the design, construction, and operation of a 1,300-unit temporary contractor berthing camp.
To reduce the housing burden on the nearby Ridgecrest community while supporting a large, rotating skilled workforce, the project team developed a sustainment contract for a full-service, off-base housing complex. The solution included 850 self-contained living units—each approximately 300 square feet—and 450 smaller units without kitchen or laundry facilities. Designed and constructed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 284-module camp featured private suites and comprehensive support facilities, including dining halls, recreation areas, laundry, administrative offices, and check-in services.
Following construction, the contractor also provided full facility operations—managing utilities, janitorial services, pest control, grounds maintenance, wastewater, and solid waste. Though located off-base, the complex remained on federal property and was designed to be decommissioned and restored to its natural state once the recovery work concluded.
Despite significant supply chain disruptions and evolving pandemic-related restrictions, the team delivered accommodations for the first 400 residents in just over four months. Each subsequent expansion phase was completed in alignment with NAVFAC’s scheduled milestones.
Essential to sustaining the 3,000-person workforce needed to rebuild the Navy’s largest landholding, the housing complex helped attract skilled labor from across the country and supported worker satisfaction, retention, and productivity. In addition to bolstering the mission capability of NAWS China Lake, the project strengthened community relations and set a new standard for efficient, high-quality workforce support services.
Partnering Approach
As with all major recovery projects at NAWS China Lake, this effort was guided by a proactive, structured partnering strategy. The facilitated process included 10 formal partnering sessions throughout the project lifecycle. During the initial session, the team collaboratively established success metrics, communication protocols, key milestones, and mutual expectations.
The approach centered on aligning around shared priorities—including schedule adherence, safety, resident satisfaction, community engagement, and CPARS evaluation. Each session reinforced transparency, tracked goals, encouraged early problem-solving, and recognized individual and team contributions through a Partnering Award program. This consistent communication fostered a unified commitment to timely delivery, quality performance, and responsible stewardship.
Partnering Results
- Delivered all scheduled housing phases on time
- Maintained safety throughout construction, with no COVID-related shutdowns
- Fostered innovation and collaborative problem-solving
- Earned high satisfaction scores from camp residents
- Attracted skilled labor, aiding recruitment efforts
- Created a respectful, quiet, and well-managed living environment
- Built trust and collaboration across agencies and contractors
- Received positive feedback from the community and local stakeholders
- Enabled “just-in-time” contracting to expand capacity as needed
Project Notes
- Construction & housing duration: 35 months
- Project capacity: 1,300-person temporary housing units
- Delivery Method: Firm fixed price
Related Case Study: Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake South Airfield Earthquake Recovery Project
