Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey, commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command and chief of civil engineers, has outlined his four strategic priorities to strengthen the service branch’s shore infrastructure systems amid an era of strategic competition.
Speaking at a Society of American Military Engineers Capital Week event, VanderLey said his top priorities center on four key areas: partnership and governance, planning, risk allocation and affordability.
“I think one of the most important things we can do as NAVFAC and the government to ultimately produce success in projects is to really be in lockstep with our industry partners,” VanderLey said.
He also noted the importance of planning, or “getting the scope of the requirements right in the beginning,” to meet critical mission objectives.
According to VanderLey, the success or failure of most projects depends on how well the planning requirements and scope development go at the start of the process.
For his third priority, VanderLey said his team is seeking to “reap the benefits” of risk allocation through strategies such as early contractor involvement, economic price adjustments and planning and design integrations.
Moreover, VanderLey is looking to strengthen collaboration with industry to address challenges related to the affordability of projects.
“We’re really looking for engagement with industry to help us get after that affordability challenge,” he said.
