AECOM Tops CA$270m DCC Source List with Sustainable Offer

AECOM has secured the top position on Defence Construction Canada's National Architecture & Engineering Source List, a multi-year programme worth up to CA$270m (US$196m) that will support the delivery of critical infrastructure for the Department of National Defence across the country.

The appointment represents the largest Source List ever issued by Defence Construction Canada (DCC) in total maximum estimated value. AECOM says its top ranking was determined by “technical merit, cost and specialist defence experience”, and as the highest-placed firm, it will be “the first called upon for projects of exceptional technical complexity or compressed delivery timelines”.

Canada is under pressure from NATO to hit the 2% GDP defence spending target while simultaneously meeting net zero commitments. Defence Construction Canada joined Canada's Net-Zero Challenge in April 2025, committing to hit net zero emissions by 2050 and embedding sustainability requirements directly into its infrastructure procurement. 

A 15-year defence infrastructure partnership

AECOM's position at the top of the Source List builds on a 15-year relationship with Defence Construction Canada and the Department of National Defence (DND).

Bane Gaiser, Chief Executive of AECOM's global Buildings + Places business, says that history underpins the company's institutional knowledge of Canada's most critical assets: "Through years of mutual trust and integrated partnership, AECOM has developed deep institutional knowledge of Canada's most critical defence assets, and we are proud to once again provide DND with leading expertise in vertical defence infrastructure, operational readiness and sustainability."

The contract runs for three years, with two additional one-year extension options. Under the programme, AECOM will deliver multidisciplinary architecture and engineering services spanning planning, design and construction-phase support across a broad range of facility types.

What the programme covers

Infrastructure to be delivered under the Source List includes:

• Hangars and aircraft maintenance buildings
• Vehicle maintenance bays
• High-security office complexes
• Accommodation, mess facilities and recreational amenities
• Training facilities.

AECOM will also provide strategic planning services to support DCC's long-term recapitalisation plans and asset portfolio management.

Defence spending and net zero

Canada's defence budget is set to increase by around 12% in 2026–27, but net zero commitments remain. Defence Construction Canada has been embedding green requirements directly into procurement and has already delivered net zero buildings on active bases, including DND's first net zero facility at CFB Gagetown. AECOM's integrated approach combines greenhouse gas analysis, advanced energy modelling and lifecycle asset planning, positioning it as a partner that can help DCC meet those commitments.

Richard Barrett, Chief Executive of AECOM's Canada region, says: "Across Canada, our local teams take deep pride in supporting the people and infrastructure that safeguard the nation. As we help DND prepare for future challenges, we will leverage our full architecture and engineering expertise, along with advanced energy modelling, asset management and innovative design solutions, to help deliver facilities that perform, endure and meet the highest standards of safety and technical excellence."

The Fortune 500 firm recorded revenue of US$16.1bn in fiscal year 2025 and operates across water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings for public and private sector clients worldwide. Its Buildings + Places business has particular depth in vertically complex and operationally sensitive defence assets, as well as sustainable building practices.