Only yesterday, on Wednesday, Information Technology Battalion 281 at the Eifel Barracks in Gerolstein took over the first new accommodation options from the “Immediate Program for Infrastructure Needs for Personnel Recruitment Organization” (SIPGO) for female soldiers and soldiers in the New Military Service. Today, a contract package was signed on Hardthöhe in Bonn as part of the project “G-CAP Inland Level 1.”
While SIPGO—this Immediate Program for Infrastructure Needs for Personnel Recruitment Organization—envisions the creation of more than 8,600 accommodation places in 4,800 containers across 32 sites, the German Armed Forces – Contractor Augmentation Program C-CAP envisions the construction of 300 buildings at roughly 130 sites nationwide. This will make more than 54,000 additional beds available, among other outcomes. The first buildings are planned to be put into use by the end of the first half of 2027.
Standardized Company Buildings for the New Military Service
The contract package signed today includes planning, construction, and technical operation. Standardized company buildings will be erected—accommodations, functional areas, training rooms, and armories. The total contract volume amounts to around 4.6 billion euros. A total of seven contractors will implement the required services. In particular, standardized and accelerated construction methods will be used—for example serial or modular construction.
A uniform floor plan design and the typification of building components contribute to faster implementation and a recognizable appearance. The first calls from the framework contract are to be made immediately, so that the first 14 buildings can be completed as planned by the end of the first half of 2027. The tendering and awarding of the framework contract were carried out by the Building and Real Estate Administration of North Rhine-Westphalia (BLB NRW) on behalf of the Bundeswehr.
A Major Milestone for the Growth of the Bundeswehr
BLB NRW serves as the state construction administration for North Rhine-Westphalia and falls under the remit of the Ministry of Finance of North Rhine-Westphalia. The significance was underscored during the contract signing by the presence of numerous guests. Representatives from the Ministry of Finance of NRW, the BLB NRW, the involved companies, as well as the Federal Ministry of Defence and the Bundeswehr, were on site.
Prof. Dr. Roland Börger, President of the Federal Office for Infrastructure, Environmental Protection and Services of the Bundeswehr (BAIUDBw) and signatory of the contracts for the Bundeswehr, emphasized: “These contracts are an important milestone for the growth of the Bundeswehr and the foundation for the success of the project. At the same time, they are proof that the amended legal framework conditions are being exploited and are effective. When all involved parties work hand in hand, as here, a lot becomes possible. The first calls under this contract are now being made immediately to meet the ambitious schedule.”
“Defence Capability Needs Infrastructure”
From the Ministry of Finance of North Rhine-Westphalia, Finance Minister Dr. Marcus Optendrenk stressed: “Defence capability needs infrastructure. North Rhine-Westphalia, through the BLB NRW, is responsible for federal construction in the state and thus brings a capable construction administration to this project. Realizing around 300 buildings at this pace is only possible if the federal government and the states work hand in hand. We are prepared for it.”
Also, the companies involved are aware of the scope and responsibility that come with securing the contracts. One representative stated: “The expectations are enormous. We know we will be measured against the schedule and must deliver. But we know this from other projects. We are very proud to be part of this important venture and to actively help enable the growth of the Bundeswehr.”
