The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has received international acclaim for its innovative approach to project delivery, earning a prestigious top 20 finish in the Project Management Institute (PMI) Program Management Office (PMO) Global Awards. This marks the first time in its 250-year history that the USACE has been recognised on a global stage alongside major corporations like Delta Air Lines and Schneider Electric.
A Focus on Value Engineering
The award acknowledges the USACE Office of Value Expertise’s commitment to maximising value for the public. This is achieved through a systematic, team-based process known as Value Engineering, which ensures that projects are delivered with the fewest resources possible without compromising quality, safety, or effectiveness.
Corey White, USACE’s acting chief value officer, explained the process. “We use teams of experts to look for creative and innovative solutions to help us solve whatever challenges and constraints have been put in front of us,” he said. “The government buys a lot of things – construction, services, products and more – and Value Engineering is one of the tools that helps us ensure that we’re getting (and delivering) value in our work.”
While Value Engineering originated in the private sector to boost profitability, the USACE applies it to prioritise the public good, with a focus on quality, safety, reliability, and efficiency.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
The USACE’s centralised Office of Value Expertise ensures that these principles are consistently applied across diverse projects, from civil works to disaster response. The USACE’s decision to enter the competition was driven by its alignment with PMI’s shift towards principles-based project management.
White highlighted how this approach fosters innovation. “We’re at an important time in the value industry, with continuous demands to go faster, streamline, and cut elements of work,” he said. “VE allows us to validate and pressure-test our solutions, creating a space for innovation and improving our designers by exposing them to a wider range of expertise.”
Thomas Smith, USACE director of Engineering and Construction, praised the team’s dedication. “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Value Engineering professionals are transforming challenges into opportunities, delivering world-class projects that maximise value without compromising quality,” Smith said. “Through the dedication of our District and Regional Value Officers and the innovative support of the Office of Value Expertise, we’re not just saving money—we’re creating lasting impact for our stakeholders and communities.”
Looking ahead, the Office of Value Expertise plans to use emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, to further enhance its analysis and make the concept of “value” a more measurable and recognisable metric for leadership.
