Repair Rooms for Secure Area, FAC 427
AGENCY: U.S. Air Force
LOCATION: Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana
SIZE: $3,857,336
PRIME: AACON General Contractors
AWARD DATE: August 2021
COMPLETED: November 2023
AACON General Contractors served as prime contractor for a phased interior renovation within Building 427 at Grissom Air Reserve Base, a high-security operational facility requiring strict access control and mission-sensitive coordination. This project demonstrates AACON’s ability to manage complex renovations in restricted federal environments, combining secure logistics, mechanical upgrades, and multi-phase construction within an occupied and operational setting.
The scope of work required complete demolition and reconstruction of interior spaces, including new partitions, ceilings, finishes, and casework. AACON delivered turnkey mechanical and electrical upgrades, installing new variable air volume (VAV) systems, ductwork, chilled and hot water piping, hydronic controls, and reconfigured fire protection systems. Full testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) procedures were performed along with comprehensive HVAC commissioning to ensure performance compliance and system reliability.
AACON’s team resolved multiple undocumented field conditions through proactive coordination and government-approved design adjustments. Solutions included rerouting HVAC supply and return piping, adding isolation valves for maintenance accessibility, optimizing sanitary waste and vent systems, and rerouting dry-pipe drain lines externally to maintain secure perimeter integrity. The company also installed RF shielding in designated rooms to meet secure communications requirements and coordinated complex conduit routing through restricted attic spaces to prevent MEP clashes.
In addition to the building renovation, AACON managed temporary facilities, slab work, and site excavation for new sanitary sewer and sidewalk improvements. The team maintained meticulous documentation throughout, submitting RFIs, submittals, QA/QC reports, commissioning logs, and as-built drawings in strict accordance with contract standards.
Operating under tight access restrictions, AACON coordinated daily with the 434th Air Refueling Wing Base Civil Engineer, security escorts, and the Contracting Officer’s Representative to ensure safe and uninterrupted mission operations. The project’s challenges—including undocumented utilities, ceiling congestion, and secure-area construction constraints—were resolved through collaborative problem-solving and efficient field execution, avoiding delays to the critical path.
Despite extensive change orders and access limitations, AACON delivered the project on budget and within the government-approved adjusted schedule. The Air Force contracting office commended AACON’s strong communication, technical coordination, and document management, with zero safety incidents and a successful final commissioning.
