ORLANDO, Fla. — Conti Federal Services, a construction and design-build firm specializing in military and federal infrastructure, has been named a winner of Engineering News-Record (ENR) Texas & Louisiana’s 2025 Best Project Awards in the Government/Public Building category.

The honor recognizes Conti Federal’s delivery of a state-of-the-art F-35A Flight Simulator and Squadron Operations Facility at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NASJRB) Fort Worth, Texas—a project that enhances both training and mission readiness for the U.S. Air Force’s 301st Fighter Wing.

“We are honored to be recognized by Engineering News-Record with this prestigious award, which highlights our team’s innovative solutions to overcome unique challenges,” said Chris Conerly, Project Executive at Conti Federal.

Building for Next-Gen Airpower

The new complex integrates F-35A flight simulation, squadron operations, and aircraft maintenance functions under one roof. It is designed to advance combat readiness, support multi-branch training, and provide an environment where airmen and support crews can seamlessly transition from pre-mission training to post-flight analysis.

Located at the nation’s first joint reserve base, the facility strengthens interoperability across the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Texas Air National Guard, making NASJRB Fort Worth a future-ready hub for integrated defense operations.

“These state-of-the-art facilities form a cohesive hub that empowers airmen, accelerates operational tempo, and ensures the 301st Fighter Wing is mission ready at all times,” Conerly added.

Overcoming a Tornado Strike

The project’s resilience was tested when a tornado struck the site in March 2023, damaging the partially built Flight Simulator Facility and tearing through a 70-foot section of the Squadron Operations/AMU building.

Instead of delaying the schedule indefinitely, Conti Federal leveraged its proprietary Warrior Lean® construction management approach to quickly adapt. The team re-engineered structural elements, expedited the procurement of replacement materials, and re-sequenced construction packages to align with ongoing activities.

By doing so, the company was able to recover time lost to the storm, minimize delays, and keep the project moving forward without compromising quality or safety.

A Legacy of Recognition

This award builds on Conti Federal’s strong track record in federal construction. The company previously won ENR recognition for its Fort Liberty Barracks Renovation Project, was honored for Best Regional Project in the Water/Environment category, and earned runner-up for Southeast Project of the Year after converting a National Guard barracks into a COVID-19 Alternate Care Facility in just 22 days.

About Conti Federal Services

Founded in 1906, Conti Federal Services has delivered some of the U.S. government’s most demanding construction projects worldwide. The company specializes in military and secure facilities, critical infrastructure, environmental remediation, and disaster recovery, with a mission rooted in safety, integrity, and compliance.

For more information, visit www.contifederal.com.

Originally reported by Business Wire.