Army Corps of Engineers awards contract for new Nellis Child Development Center Published Sept. 10, 2009 By Daniel J. Calderon NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District today awarded a $7.6 million contract to Benchmark Contracting, Inc. (DBA Cobblestone Construction), a Small Business/Small Disadvantaged Business (SB/SDB), of Las Vegas for construction of the new Child Development Center here. The contract is being paid for by funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Act, referred to as the "stimulus package," appropriates nearly $184 million for the district to continue studies, complete construction work and conduct operations and maintenance for two dozen projects throughout the region. The ARRA, which President Barack Obama signed into law on Feb. 17, is intended to help in the recovery of the U.S. economy. "This project is important to the quality of life of the Airmen who work here and the families who support them," said Col. Thomas H. Magness IV, Los Angeles District Commander. "We are proud to be starting work on this important assignment." The CDC will serve 202 children ranging from one- to five- years old. Air Force Col. Dave Belote, commander of the 99th Air Base Wing, said the new facility will be a welcome addition. "We are glad to partner with the Corps of Engineers to get construction of this vital facility started," he said. "Quality child care has been the number one concern of Nellis and Creech parents for years, and our CDC routinely has more than 200 on its waiting list. I'm thrilled we're investing significant funds in ensuring we have a quality facility for military children while their parents are serving our nation." Benchmark Contracting is scheduled to break ground on the project within the next month. The CDC will be built to be certifiable under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design to the Silver rating. According to the current schedule, the project should be completed by late 2010. For additional information about the Corps' nation-wide projects funded by the Recovery Act, visit http://www.usace.army.mil/recovery. For information on the ARRA, visit http://www.recovery.gov/