NAVFAC Southeast Awards $15.7M for Barksdale AFB CDC Expansion

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $15.7 million firm-fixed-price construction contract, Sept. 24, to EMR, Inc., of Niceville, Florida, for a major addition to the Child Development Center (CDC) at Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB), Louisiana.

Once complete, the expanded CDC will provide a total capacity of 305 child spaces, offering care for infants, pre-toddlers, toddlers, and preschool-age children.

“This project is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about supporting Airmen and their families,” said Capt. Matthew Williams, NAVFAC Southeast commanding officer. “By investing in a modern child development center, we’re ensuring families at Barksdale have access to safe, high-quality care that allows parents to focus on the mission.”

The existing CDC East, built in 1971, no longer meets Air Force standards for child development facilities. The current layout and space limitations have resulted in overcrowding and a waitlist of more than 40 children, most of them infants.

The project will expand the existing Building 3723 with two single-story additions and renovate portions of the current facility. The additions will include new pre-toddler and toddler rooms, support spaces such as training and staff resource rooms, administrative offices, restrooms, and kitchen storage. The work also includes the demolition of Building 3725, new playgrounds and storage facilities, upgraded utilities, and additional parking.

The expanded facility will help consolidate operations, reduce staffing inefficiencies created by multiple smaller centers, and provide a more functional and supportive environment for children.

“Providing quality childcare is essential to quality of life and readiness,” said Col. Chris G. Cain, commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB. “When Airmen know their children are cared for in a safe, modern facility, they can concentrate fully on executing the mission. This project directly supports the warfighter by reducing stress at home and strengthening focus on national defense.”

Construction will include structural steel framing with reinforced concrete foundations, masonry veneer and stucco finishes, asphalt shingle roofing, and interior upgrades to ensure the facility blends seamlessly with the existing center. Outdoor activity areas, playground equipment, and intercom and closed-circuit television systems are also included in the project.

“This contract award reflects the Navy and Air Force’s shared commitment to taking care of people,” said Williams. “We are proud to play a role in making Barksdale a place where families feel supported, which in turn strengthens our warfighting capability.”

Work is expected to be completed by September 2027.