Air Force requesting $140 million will be injected into privatized family housing projects at two bases in 2025. But lawmakers have expressed concerns about funding further privatization efforts.
“We don't own the units. These are departments that private companies took charge of many years ago.” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida). of House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing Wednesday.
“i'm gonna The question continues to be why it should be the responsibility of governments rather than private companies to cover these additional costs of maintenance and reinvestment. And importantly, how will this funding help not only private businesses but also service members and their families?”
privatized military housing; it is It is managed by a private company based on a contract with the base. issue For a while. Substandard living conditions such as mold, pest infestations, lead paint, and water leaks plague privatized housing. and Companies responsible for managing homes have been criticized for failing to address maintenance issues quickly. but Given the Financial constraints have led to growing support for privatized housing initiatives.
“We went from 2019, when privatized housing providers were the worst in the world, to now thinking, ‘We should privatize the barracks.’ Great idea, let’s do it. go Do this. 'Because we know we don't have that cash. And even if we had that money, we would be pushing these massive modernization programs,” Defense Community Association Executive Director Matt Boron told Defense on April 9. This was stated at the Community National Summit.
Air Force Facilities Director Ravi Chaudhary said the Air Force's surveillance program to monitor private companies has yielded positive results.
This year, the service held one project owner at an Air Force facility responsible for approximately $58 million to address mold problems in more than 1,000 units.
In 2023, the service held another project owner liable for approximately $32 a million, and after that Another $33 million in 2024, To address safety issues.
“Our surveillance program is paying dividends upon This will reduce the number of layoffs,” Chaudhary said.
In addition, the service has added 218 resident advisors to assist. service Members resolve housing issues along the chain of command.
Still, the Air Force's request for privatized housing funding is what Other services requested in 2025.
“I understand that there are lease constraints. Several factors outside the Company's control; [Basic Allowance for Housing], there are occupancies that affect it. If the project needs to be restructured, what steps are we taking to better ensure that the new agreement leaves the privatized housing provider, rather than the Air Force, responsible for operating and sustaining the force? ''' Schultz said.
Rather than providing a lump sum, Chaudhary said, of money The Service actively monitors how funds are used without supervision. is used.
“We’re definitely going to make improvements.” directly affect Military members and the challenges we face. This is done directly using the installation command. And members who can give us direct feedback and resident champions who can speak directly to us about our efforts. individual Homeowners are experiencing it,” Chaudhary said.
For contractors inconsistent with Depending on their performance criteria, the service adds them to a watch list. Those contractors will receive a notification from headquarters: Areas that need improvement On top of that.
One of the main indicators of a contractor's performance is: residents' feedback. If your performance is poor, you will be placed on a watchlist.
“circleThe atch list is very influential. Really Place the facility and headquarters focus on that specific project owner.” said Choudhary.
“cormorantEventually, if you fail at all three levels, you will revert to the default situation. We believe this progressive approach has yielded some positive results, especially for new project owners.”
The military is also considering privatized housing for lone airmen on isolated bases.
This year, the service plans to invest about $1.1 billion in dormitories. This is the largest investment the service has made in modernizing its facilities in more than a decade. The first privatization project for single-person housing will take place at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
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