As part of a significant upgrade to the facilties at RAF Fairford for the United States Visiting Forces (USVF), new building infrastructure, rehabilitaed pavements and enhanced drainage were part of separate contracts awarded to two main contractors by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation. Worth a combined value of approximately £75M these design and build schemes involved bringing initial client concepts through design stage gates of 35%, 65%, 95% and 100% maturity. Working with civilian and military stakeholders located in the UK, Europe and the United States, the projects required a deep understanding of military processes, close collaboration and communication with end users, and an ability to adhere to the ISO 19650 BIM level 2 criteria.
In the first of our two commissions, MOC Associates was contracted to provide specialist engineering management advice in the military stakeholder environment. Our record of successfully working with both UK and US teams at RAF Marham and RAF Northolt enabled us to advise our client on the presentation of building designs as relevant to the American “charette” process. We also provided an overview of the requirements of domestic facilities management operators, maintainers and statutory bodies. With design reviews being undertaken remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were entrusted with the moderation of these initial events held via Microsoft Teams. Our contribution ensured the timely completion of week-long agendas while providing 20-40+ attendees on any given session the opportunity to comment on the level of design maturity.
In the second of our two commissions, we were contracted to provide engineering management services to an adjacent civil and pavement infrastructure project. Selected on the back of our track record of leading multidisciplinary design teams, and already familiar with the stakeholder environment at the base, we successfully coordinated a BIM level 2 compliant design submission from 35% through to construction issue. In addition to our interactions with base personnel and the hosting of in-person design review events, we assisted the principal contractor with the set-up of their common data environement and the completion of all BSI accredited BIM related documentation
Our familiarity with both UK and US military design processes led our clients to entrust us with representing their teams in leading roles. Our skills remained adaptive to the ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions where we fulfilled our duties both remotely and in person as necessary. Our excellent communication skills and ability to interact with a wide range of stakeholders meant relationships were built and maintained to a high standard throughout the course of our involvement. Additionally, our knowledge of the ISO 19650 BIM level 2 criteria meant all design processes and documentation were delivered in accordance with the requirements of the UK government’s BIM mandate.
Projcect testimonial
"Having worked with Martin over the last four years I would have no hesitation in recommending his services. He is a passionate experienced design manager in the defence airfield sector. He has recently proven to be a skilled moderator in client engagement meetings held over teams with multiple stakeholders being involved. His witty and considered approach to handling what at times have been challenging situations has proven invaluable to the projects he has been involved in.”
– David Goff, Director Imtech Engineering Services