On March 18, 2024, Fai Ali, Deputy Director for Planning and Development, took the stage at the International Partnering Institute’s (IPI) ‘Owner’s Lunch and Learn’ session. It was a day marked by insightful discussions and innovative explorations, particularly surrounding SJC’s state-of-the-art, multi-award-winning Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility. ARFF Station 20 opened in March 2022, and was a collaborative project between the City of San José, San José Fire Department (SJFD), the FAA and SJC.
Fai gave an in-depth presentation on the ARFF project, illustrating how structured collaborative partnering played a pivotal role in the project's success. His insights were not just technical but also strategic, as he navigated through the elements that contributed to the seamless execution of the project.
What makes the ARFF project truly remarkable is its dual functionality, serving as a critical hub for both Airport rescue personnel and City firefighters. As a hybrid facility that accommodates two separate firefighting crews, ARFF Station 20 extends SJFD coverage beyond the Airport, offering enhanced protection to the adjacent community.
For the various industry owners present, Fai also offered valuable advice on what to consider when applying for an IPI award. His guidance was grounded in the lessons learned from the ARFF project, including how to effectively partner with design builders and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.