Embassy Security Group Facilities, Marine Corps Base

Construction Cost: $23,328,723

Type of Project: Design-Build 

Project Location: Quantico, VA

Project Owner: NAVFAC Washington

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ARGO Systems, LLC. led this $23 million design-build contract with NAVFAC Washington to construct a 39,000-square foot, two-story administrative, training, and armory building, warehouse, and gatehouse at the Marine Corps Base (MCB), Quantico, Virginia. The new facility supports the missions of the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG) by providing a realistic training environment that depicts worldwide embassy facilities. The design of each building follows the Georgian style of the Base Exterior Architectural Plan and portrays the stately nature of both the U.S. Embassy’s mission and that of the MCESG. The facility is designed to achieve a LEED Silver rating and the constructed facilities will be certified by the USGBC under USGBC LEED-NC. Sustainable strategies and features are integrated into the building and site to minimize the energy consumption of the facilities, conserve resources, and minimize adverse effects on the environment. These strategies also improve occupant productivity, health, and comfort while reducing the total ownership cost by using a whole building, life-cycle approach. Additional highlights of this project include specialized features and secure areas for training, anti-terrorism force protection (AT/FP), long lasting, low maintenance, durable materials to withstand the rigors of training exercises. The administrative and armory building includes an elevator and specialized features found in typical US Embassies abroad to provide realistic hands-on training. Electrical systems include fire alarms, energy-saving electronic monitoring and control system (ECMS), and information systems. Mechanical systems include plumbing, fire protection systems, and HVAC. Supporting work includes site and building utility connections (water, sanitary and storm sewers, gas, electrical, telephone, local area network (LAN), and cable television). Paving and site improvements include sidewalks, roadway access and landscaping. The project also includes OMSI manuals, anti-terrorism force protection (AT/FP) measures and the base Geographic Information System (GIS) As-Built Drawing Requirements. In addition, the Department of State has specific exterior design criteria for US Embassies implemented in the design of the Administrative and Armory Building. This criterion includes exterior wall surfaces designed to prevent possible climbing, requiring flush mounted exterior veneer details and flush mounted windows. Additional elements include: central ceremonial stamped concrete plaza; security barrier with bollards; sliding gate and wedge barrier at the plaza entrance; combination of wrought iron fencing and brick walls surrounding the entire compound; lighting and CCTV security cameras; secure information storage vault; multi-purpose concrete pad area; screened cooling tower area; screened dumpster pad with exterior brick walls; large propane tank and distribution system; and, various access roads and sidewalks. The project includes guard stations, passport style lobby and transaction area, SIC communications room, safe haven, atrium, command suite and a rooftop terrace. Additional rooms include administrative offices, massage rooms, and conference rooms.