by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific officially awarded a $3.3 million design task order to Ahl Setiadi Gushiken Joint Venture out of Honolulu. The original contract was actually awarded back in January 2010, but Guam Contractors Association president James Martinez says because the money had been tied up and not authorized through the National Defense Authorization Act.

The contract, for architecture and engineering work required for utilities and site improvements of the north ramp on Andersen Air Force Base, is being paid through government of Japan funds for the relocation of U.S. Marines to Guam. "These funds that are government of Japan funds have been released by NAVFAC, especially for the relocation of Marines to Guam," Martinez said. "So it's a beginning hopefully it's a start of more things to come and so good to hear news that they are finally award another task order."

Acting principal deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for energy, installations and environment Joe Ludovici says the Department of Defense is committed to establishing a Marine Corps presence on Guam, adding the award reflects Japan's willingness to contribute to the accomplishment of this objective.