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About the Project
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Administrative Office Building at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a multi-story facility designed to support the mission-critical operations of DTRA and other government organizations. The building accommodates 250 personnel and includes open office areas, private offices, hoteling spaces for temporary staff, collaboration zones, shared conference rooms and two large meeting rooms. Specialized spaces such as machine rooms, a seismic lab, a secure analysis area and storage areas are also integrated into the design.
A key architectural feature—a large overhang with trellis-style openings—spans the length of the building, highlighting the main entrance while providing year-round shading for the lobby and upper-level offices. The facility includes a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) to support secure operations. Prior to vertical construction, the project involved extensive demolition, hazardous materials abatement, utility infrastructure upgrades and site improvements. Advanced building systems were incorporated, including Energy Monitoring and Control Systems (EMCS), cybersecurity infrastructure and other mission-supporting technologies.
Awards
2025 Engineering News-Record (ENR) Mountain States Best Project
Category: Government/Public Building
This award honors the most exceptional construction projects in the region, judged by independent panels of industry experts. Projects are evaluated on criteria such as safety, innovation, teamwork, design and construction quality and contributions to the community. Winning this award places the DTRA project among the top-tier developments in the Mountain States region and qualifies it for ENR’s national “Best of the Best Projects” competition.
2025 Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America – New Mexico Chapter
Grand Prize of Show – Federal & Heavy Category
This top honor in the Best Buildings Awards celebrates the project that best exemplifies excellence in design and construction.
2024 Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) New Mexico Chapter
Golden Eagle Award – Government Over $20 Million
Company Merit Award – Most Merit Shop Subcontractors
Hensel Phelps successfully partnered with 13 local ABC New Mexico Chapter members, demonstrating a strong commitment to the merit shop philosophy and local workforce engagement.
2022 Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)
Merit Award – Best Design Category
Recognized for its innovative and mission-driven design that enhances the built environment and supports federal agency operations.
