From handling large civil construction projects to designing and erecting buildings, the Construction & Environmental Services sector of Koniag Development Corporation, handles significant and diverse projects. With three companies – Angayuk Construction Enterprises, Clarus Environmental Services and LugoKDC – the sector has the capability to respond to a wide array of client needs and changing market conditions.
The construction industry has struggled during this difficult economy. “We are deeply embedded in that general economy from the standpoint of anything related with construction,” said Dave Maiero, the senior vice president of Koniag’s Construction and Environmental Services Sector. “Our marketplace is primarily Department of Defense construction, which is decreasing now. In addition, the collapse of the residential and commercial construction market has led to more businesses entering the government contracting market which increases competition.”
Despite the difficult market conditions, Koniag is responding with a strategy to use the Sector as efficiently as possible, combining resources and ensuring the companies are able to respond to all opportunities. Each company in the sector offers specific qualifications and competitive advantages. Angayuk brings extensive experience in civil construction projects and is a certified SBA 8(a) corporation. Clarus couples construction work with environmental permitting and has a HUBZone certification. Meanwhile, LugoKDC’s specialty is design/build structures and has a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) preference.
“We’re structured that way because you never know what the agency’s need is going to be. All of the agencies within the federal government have allocation requirements that they have to meet for each of these preference designations and they are under heavy pressure from both the contractors and government to meet their requirements,” Maiero said. “Our sector strategy brings the experience and expertise in a wide variety of specialties to meet the market’s specific demands, no matter which preference is in demand.”
When Angayuk, Clarus or Lugo wins a contract, success is the only course of action. One of the more prominent projects was the Horseshoe Bend levee in Kent, Wash, which was completed by Angayuk in September 2009. The high-profile job compelled Angayuk to maintain constant coordination with local residents, businesses, the Muckleshoot Indians and the county to make the project a success. The project required five sections, totaling 2,600 feet, of failing flood control levee to be excavated and rebuilt. Almost 56,000 cubic yards of material was excavated removed and more than 61,000 cubic yards of rock and dirt were added to strengthen the levee. At the same time, Angayuk had to meet strict environmental standards with the project as to not harm the Green River’s salmon run. Despite the challenges, Angayuk finished the project ahead of schedule.
“Our construction companies are a source of pride and help Koniag maintain its reputation of excellent work and exceptional value,” said Will Anderson, president and CEO of Koniag, Inc. “As the economy improves we look forward to more opportunities to showcase the talents of our well-trained employees.”
Currently, the Construction & Environmental Services Sector are working on six projects in the Pacific Northwest, one in Alaska and one in Louisiana.