Recapitalization of a 30-Year-Old Dry Dock: Project Insights, Risk Management, and Team Building

In December 2017, submarine forces at NSB Kings Bay identified the need to recapitalize the dry dock. Submarine forces also identified 12 continuous months, beginning in fall 2021, where the Kings Bay Dry Dock (KBDD) submarine maintenance schedule had been cleared. It was within this 12-month timeline that all recapitalization construction would need to occur. The KBDD recapitalization request was delivered to Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast (hereafter call “the owner”) for execution. With that, the massive KBDD recapitalization project that involved scoping, assessment, and design development processes began. This paper discusses key elements of the project, including project scoping, architect and engineer (A&E) scoping study and risk assessment, expedited design process, phasing, project scope, early industry engagement, acquisition strategy, and award fee plan. Active collaboration, team building, maintaining flexibility, and streamlining processes were all key components to the owner and the A&E design team delivering a quality design and early construction award.