Battle Command Training Center

Battle Command Training Center (BCTC), Fort Carson, Colorado

After successful design of a TSC at Ft. Carson, CO, Omaha District selected HSW to design a Battle Command Training Center at Ft. Carson, based on a standard concept but modified for full functionality from “lessons learned” from construction of 11 other BCTCs and extensive User input. The BCTC was designed on a compressed schedule within a 13-month period from the Design Charrette through Advertisement. The project consists of a 85,462 SF BCTC including classrooms, work cells, reconfigurable tactical operations center (RTOC), After Action Review (AAR) multi-purpose auditorium, and admin areas, with capacity for future expansion.  Primary facilities include the BCTC, Access Control Facility, Pavilion, Tactical Pads, parking, and utilities.  Support facilities include sitework, hardstand with secured area to support tracked and wheeled command and control vehicles, and information systems.  Design and Development (SDD) and Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct05) features were also provided.  The BCTC was intended to meet a minimum LEED “Silver” Rating, Executive Order 13423, and EISA 2007. 

The design process incorporated a functional, capabilities-oriented approach, room-by-room to ensure that the appropriate equipment (power/lighting, SIPR/NIPR, AV, furniture) is provided for the intended function of each space. For example, the AAR is reconfigurable and fully AV equipped with the ability to show secure / non-secure simulations and live video. The AAR is networked with other BCTC functional areas, Tech Control, and VTC conference rooms to accommodate sharing of briefings and information. The AAR requires a distributed classified (SIPR) and unclassified (NIPR) capability to all multi-purpose and conference rooms within the BCTC and to any location outside the facility.

Construction includes special foundations for expansive clay, connection of energy monitoring and control system (EMCS), and installation of intrusion detection system (IDS).  Force protection measures include blast resistant glazing, reinforced window frames, secure mounting of overhead architectural and mechanical features, air intakes above roofline, an emergency air distribution shutoff, and AT/FP setback.

Project Highlights:

• Design of academic / training facility and production of engineering plans & specifications and design analysis
• Collaborative training / mulit-user integrated design
• Integrated adaptable Data (SIPR and NIPR), AV & COMM systems w/ expansion capacity; Interface w/ ISEC & NEC
• Mulit-use facility (education, training, student support & admin) 
• Secured Government COMM system (SIPR)
• Main Equipment Control Room (MECR) and Tech Control Suite
• Life Safety / Fire Protection (Mixed Use - Business and Assembly)
• Comprehensive Interior Design (CID) w/ PEO-STRI
• Sustainable Design Features, LEED Silver, Solar Photovoltaic System
• IBC, NFPA, UFC, UFGS, UFAS, ABA criteria
• DoD Antiterrorism & Force Protection / Physical Security
• Energy conservation, pollution prevention, waste reduction, reuse / recovered materials
• Civil, Survey, Geotechnical, Grading & Drainage, Parking, Access Drives and Roads, Utilities, Erosion and Sediment Control, Storm Water, Environmental
• Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Landscaping
• Cost Estimate (MII)
• Engineering Construction Support