Coast Guard Awards Largest Shore Contract in Service History

Military.com is the first to report that the U.S. Coast Guard’s awarding of a contract valued at up to $400 million marks the largest shore construction award in Coast Guard history.

The contract, awarded to Whiting Turner Contracting Company for the design and construction of new facilities at Coast Guard Training Center (TRACEN) Cape May, N.J., is described as part of a broader effort to modernize the service’s only accession point for enlisted personnel.

Enhancements are funded through the Working Families Tax Cut Act (WFTCA), which includes historic investments to upgrade training facilities and infrastructure, along with annual appropriations. The Coast Guard says it will use the funding to solidify TRACEN Cape May as the nation’s premier location for developing military enlisted members.

Regarding the bid process, a Coast Guard spokesperson told Military.com that on Feb. 6, 2026, the service issued an announcement under the National Multiple Award Construction Contract III (NMACC III) vehicle—the primary contract vehicle DHS uses to deliver capital construction requirements at government facilities—to a vetted pool of 10 highly qualified contractors.

“Responses to that announcement were received by March 9, 2026,” the spokesperson said. “Following a comprehensive review, the Coast Guard identified the selected contractor’s proposal as the best value to the government.”

A Coast Guard spokesperson told Military.com that on April 30, 2026, the service completed the $126.5 million purchase of the Birmingham-Southern College campus. That campus, according to a readout issued March 4 by the Department of Homeland Security, sought potential locations for that new center based on requirements including lodging for 1,200 recruits, a medical facility to support 1,000 personnel, a land area of 150–250 acres, and 14 classrooms sized to accommodate 30-60 students.

DHS said Birmingham-Southern “best satisfied” Coast Guard training mission requirements and has turn-key ready facilities.

“The Coast Guard will provide updates regarding the ceremonial transfer in the coming weeks,” the spokesperson said. “The acquisition of the historic campus as the Service’s newest training center marks a critical step in our transformation and growth, providing the facilities needed to grow our force and ensure the Coast Guard stands always ready.”

How the $400 Million in Funding Will be Utilized

Currently, according to the USCG, TRACEN Cape May has the capacity to train 5,500 recruits annually without relying on temporary modifications.

But due to having new barracks, the Coast Guard expects to increase its number of annual recruits to more than 8,000 annually by the year 2030 with WFTCA funding focusing on permanent improvements to support these new targets.

“By improving living spaces and facilities we are not only bettering the quality of life for recruits, staff and their families, but also enhancing our Service readiness and ensuring the Coast Guard is able to meet the future demands of the nation,” Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Phil Waldron, a former recruit company commander, said in a statement.

Planned projects, according to the service, include:

• The demolition and disposal of abandoned steam trenches and building foundations.
• Temporary facilities with utilities and C5IT connections.
• The relocation of electrical duct banks and transformers.
• The demolition of two existing barracks: James and Healy Halls.
• Construction of a new VIP review stand, grandstands with cantilevered shading, and a new parade path.
• Construction of a new multi-purpose training facility housing Seamanship training, an indoor graduation space, an indoor track, and a new drill hall.
• Construction of a new galley.
• Construction of a new fire station, replacing a building from the 1920s with new, modern, state-of- the-art ventilation systems that allow all fire apparatus to be stored together and indoors.

The projects, according to the Coast Guard, will specifically address berthing, messing, instruction and life safety improvements for recruits

and staff. The service said it is “moving efficiently” to deliver the enhanced facilities, taking advantage of funding that enables investments previously deferred due to budgetary constraints.

Contracted work will be conducted in phases to minimize interruption to recruit training.

“This investment marks a historic milestone in modernizing our facilities and ensuring we are fully prepared to develop the next generation of Coast Guardsmen while maintaining the highest standards,” said Capt. Amanda Lee, Commanding Officer, Training Center Cape May, in a statement.

“By improving infrastructure and quality of life, we are not only strengthening our workforce but also enhancing our readiness and ability to carry out critical missions that protect the nation’s maritime interests,” she added.