The United States missile defense technology is imperative for national security. Developed and tested to counter ballistic missiles of all ranges, sizes, speeds and performance characteristics, the Missile Defense Agency’s Ballistic Missile Defense System is an integrated architecture that provides multiple opportunities to destroy missiles and their warheads before they can reach their targets.
We helped achieve the MDA’s goal by delivering launch infrastructure for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense program, which is specifically designed to protect the United States from attack by long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles. Through this partnership we helped MDA to create a program to defend the nation and deter potential adversaries.
Bechtel designed and installed three missile fields at Fort Greely, Alaska; four operational silos at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California; and a test silo at Vandenberg.
In remote locations and under the most challenging conditions - including temperatures ranging from -50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, we:
- Designed and built a test bed program to support the new system, designing, procuring, fabricating, and installing key ground system components at Fort Greely, Vandenberg, Meck Island on Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific, and Huntsville, Alabama.
- Enhanced the capabilities of the GMD program to encompass 40 silos at Fort Greely and 5 silos at Vandenberg.
- Led the 24/7 scheduling effort for more than 600 worldwide operational and test assets owned or controlled by a variety of agencies. Activities included systems testing, operational exercises, maintenance, and upgrades.
In addition to our EPC work, we supported Boeing with a seconded engineering team to assist and provide oversight of continued system growth and deployment. Throughout the project, Bechtel maintained a Boeing Performance Excellence - Silver Level standing for quality and on-time delivery and achieved Aerospace Standard 9001 (AS9001) certification for quality management. Fewer than 3 percent of Boeing suppliers achieve Silver level and Bechtel was the only EPC contractor to do so.
Highlights
- Tasked by Boeing to coordinate the work of 45 contractors and 26 government entities using 114 schedules at 8 locations.
- Despite harsh conditions, completed construction at Fort Greely two months early on a 23-month schedule and $16 million under budget.
- Accomodated new scope: $190 million program adding 10 silos at Fort Greely and 2 and Vandenberg.