Hensel Phelps’ $342 million Command and Control Facility Phase 3 project with USACE at Fort Shafter completed in 2023.

Partnerships with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) hold a unique blend of challenges and unparalleled opportunities. Whether undertaking infrastructure projects, environmental restoration efforts, or disaster response initiatives, working alongside the USACE demands specialized skills and strategies. For general contractors navigating this terrain, understanding the intricacies of partnering with the USACE is paramount.

As a construction partnering facilitator, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of effective collaboration with agencies like the USACE. Embracing the USACE’s Essential Construction Partnering Behaviors of Collaboration, Commitment and Communication (the 3Cs) is not only essential but also leads to significant benefits and savings throughout the construction project lifecycle. Let’s dive into the 3Cs to discover how.

  1. Collaboration: The Engine Behind Efficiency and Innovation. At the core of successful construction partnering with the USACE is collaboration. It’s all about creating a culture of teamwork and shared accountability, where everyone brings their unique expertise and insights to the table. The USACE stresses the importance of involving stakeholders early on to build trust and tap into diverse perspectives. When we fully embrace collaboration, magic happens—project costs drop by 10%, and project timelines shrink by a whopping 20%. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about doing it smarter and better together.
  2. Commitment: The Backbone of Quality and Safety. In any partnership, and especially when collaborating with the USACE, commitment is non-negotiable. It’s about more than just meeting project objectives and regulatory standards; it’s about exceeding them. Contractors must show relentless dedication to excellence and accountability, going above and beyond to deliver outstanding results. When we fully embrace commitment to partnering principles, the benefits are tangible—we see an impressive 83% drop in lost-time accidents and a significant 50% decrease in rework.
  3. Communication: The Key to Risk Mitigation and Satisfaction. Effective communication is the glue that holds successful partnerships together. It’s about ensuring everyone is on the same page and that information flows freely between all parties involved. By actively listening to stakeholders’ concerns and addressing issues promptly, we prevent conflicts and misunderstandings, fostering a culture of transparency and trust. Improved communication not only leads to an 80% reduction in claims but also boosts job satisfaction among project team members by 30%, creating a collaborative and positive work environment.

In wrapping up, it’s clear that embracing the USACE’s core tenets of Collaboration, Commitment and Communication is key to thriving in construction partnerships and reaping maximum benefits for everyone involved. By fostering a collaborative culture, showing steadfast dedication, and prioritizing clear communication, construction teams not only unlock significant project savings but also elevate project outcomes and cultivate lasting relationships with the USACE.

At VELO Group, we take great pride in crafting personalized partnering strategies that seamlessly mesh with agencies like USACE, as well as other organizations and companies. Our adaptable approach to construction partnering has been embraced by public and private project owners, as well as design and construction teams, who have witnessed firsthand how our proven strategies can revolutionize projects and yield exceptional outcomes. Eager to delve deeper into our approach and its seamless integration with any agency’s program, project type, or delivery method? Explore VELO Group’s partnership approach.

About the author
Neal Flesner
by Neal Flesner

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