Contract for Operations and Maintenance Facility South design and construction approved
The first agency progressive design-build procurement will maintain and store light rail vehicles and provide more than 600 living wage jobs in South King County
The Sound Transit Board has approved a progressive design-build contract for the Operations and Maintenance Facility South, located on about 70 acres at South 336th Street in Federal Way, to Hoffman Construction Company of Washington. When complete in 2032, the essential facility will house maintenance and operations equipment and staff in support of the existing and future light rail vehicle fleet.
Progressive design-build is a phased procurement process where the design-builder is selected early in the project lifespan, primarily based on qualifications, and works closely with the project owner on cost and schedule control as the project evolves. The contracting method is widely used by other public agencies in Washington state and by transit agencies around the country.
“Advancing this project through progressive design-build is another example of how Sound Transit is responding to the Board’s directive to leverage best practices from our peers and industry to deliver cost-effective projects on schedule,” said Sound Transit Deputy CEO and Chief Capital Delivery Officer Terri Mestas. “This delivery method will help us better collaborate with our industry partners to manage risks, control costs and streamline decision-making — continuing our efforts to make Sound Transit an owner of choice in the region.”
The scope of work covered under the $350 million Hoffman contract award includes final design, site preparation, roadway improvements, long-lead material procurement and construction staging and support facilities.
The project baseline budget and the additional cost of completion will require additional action by the Sound Transit Board.
The OMF South will support future service levels across all Link lines. The facility will provide space to store, test, commission and maintain at least 72 new 95-foot-long Series 3 light rail vehicles and will include a maintenance-of-way building and other support facilities. The mainline track will provide access to the OMF South facility building and yard.
More than 600 people will be employed at the completed facility, earning living wages.