Conti Federal Awarded $36.3 Million Contract for B-21 Flight Simulator Facility at Ellsworth Air Force Base
Conti Federal Services, LLC, a leading federal construction and engineering company, has secured a $36.3 million contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Omaha District to support the ongoing development of infrastructure tied to the nation’s next-generation bomber program. The contract involves the construction of a new Aircrew Distributed Debriefing (ADD) Flight Simulator Facility at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.
The project represents another major step in preparing Ellsworth Air Force Base for the arrival and long-term operation of the B-21 Raider, the United States Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber aircraft. As one of the primary locations selected for the B-21 Beddown Program, Ellsworth Air Force Base continues to receive significant federal investment in mission-critical facilities, training infrastructure, and operational support systems.
Under the newly awarded firm-fixed-price contract, Conti Federal will construct an addition to the existing B-21 simulator complex at the base. The project will create approximately 16,500 square feet of secure space specifically designed to support advanced training, simulation, and mission debriefing activities for B-21 aircrews.
According to project details released by the company, the facility will include highly secure simulator areas and specialized infrastructure required for modern military training technologies. The scope of work also includes structural systems, interior construction, paving, utility upgrades, site development, and related infrastructure improvements necessary to fully support the advanced capabilities of the facility.
The new Aircrew Distributed Debriefing facility will serve as a key component of the broader B-21 operational ecosystem at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The facility is intended to enhance pilot training, mission analysis, and operational readiness through high-level simulation technologies and secure mission planning environments.
Military leaders and defense officials continue to emphasize the importance of advanced simulation and training facilities in preparing aircrews for increasingly complex operational environments. Modern flight simulators and debriefing systems allow military personnel to train for real-world combat scenarios while improving mission coordination, communication, and tactical decision-making capabilities.
Conti Federal said the project highlights the company’s ongoing partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its continued role in supporting strategic defense infrastructure programs across the United States.
“We are honored to continue our long-standing partnership with the USACE Omaha District as they build the foundation for the B-21 mission,” said Korey Mullins, Vice President of U.S. Operations at Conti Federal. “This facility is critical to ensuring that aircrews have access to the most advanced simulation capabilities available, and we’re proud to play a role in supporting national defense priorities.”
The B-21 Raider program is considered one of the most important modernization initiatives currently underway within the U.S. Air Force. Designed as a long-range stealth bomber capable of penetrating advanced air defense systems, the aircraft is expected to become a central component of the nation’s future strategic deterrence and global strike capabilities.
As part of the B-21 Beddown Program, multiple military installations across the country are undergoing extensive upgrades to support future bomber operations. Ellsworth Air Force Base has emerged as one of the most significant hubs for the program, resulting in large-scale investments in military housing, operations centers, training facilities, maintenance infrastructure, and airfield improvements.
The construction of advanced simulation and debriefing facilities is viewed as essential to ensuring operational readiness for aircrews assigned to the B-21 mission. Training technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated, enabling pilots and mission teams to rehearse complex missions in secure virtual environments before actual deployment.
Conti Federal noted that its ongoing presence and operations at Ellsworth Air Force Base have allowed the company to develop strong relationships with local subcontractors, suppliers, and trade partners. These partnerships are considered critical in helping deliver complex federal projects efficiently and in compliance with strict military and security requirements.
According to the company, its established network of regional construction professionals and skilled labor providers supports project quality, schedule performance, and workforce reliability. The company also emphasized its commitment to supporting local small businesses and helping them navigate U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction protocols and federal contracting standards.
By mentoring and collaborating with local trade partners, Conti Federal aims to strengthen regional workforce participation while contributing to the broader economic impact associated with defense-related infrastructure projects.
Defense construction projects connected to the B-21 program are expected to continue generating economic activity across South Dakota and surrounding regions over the coming years. In addition to creating construction jobs, the projects also support long-term employment opportunities tied to military operations, maintenance, logistics, and facility management.
The Ellsworth Air Force Base expansion effort has already attracted significant public attention due to the scale of planned investment associated with the B-21 mission. Federal officials have described the program as one of the largest military infrastructure modernization efforts currently underway in the United States.
Industry observers note that contractors involved in highly secure defense projects must meet strict standards related to security compliance, quality control, scheduling, and technical execution. Facilities supporting advanced military aircraft programs often require specialized construction expertise and coordination across multiple federal agencies and stakeholders.
Conti Federal has built a strong portfolio of federal and military construction projects over the years, including work involving secure facilities, operational centers, aviation infrastructure, and mission-critical government installations. The company continues to expand its presence within the defense construction sector by supporting projects tied to national security modernization efforts.
As work progresses on the new Aircrew Distributed Debriefing Flight Simulator Facility, the project is expected to play an important role in preparing future B-21 aircrews for operational readiness. The facility will provide advanced simulation environments that support pilot training, mission evaluation, tactical coordination, and secure debriefing operations.
The project also reinforces Ellsworth Air Force Base’s growing role as a cornerstone of the United States Air Force’s future bomber strategy while demonstrating continued federal investment in advanced military infrastructure and training capabilities.
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