Michael Baker Enhances Resilience and Technology Solutions with MLU Services Acquisition

Friday, June 7, 2024

Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning, and consulting services, has acquired MLU Services, Inc. (“MLU”), a national logistics and disaster response firm headquartered in Athens, Georgia. MLU will now operate within Tidal Basin Group, an industry-leading program management consulting firm known for its integrated technology, resilience, and emergency management solutions.

Strengthening National Capabilities

The acquisition of MLU bolsters Michael Baker’s and Tidal Basin’s national capabilities in disaster management and technology solutions for both government and private sectors. This includes a comprehensive range of services from pre-disaster preparedness, sustainability, and resilience, to emergency response and long-term disaster recovery and hazard mitigation, aimed at building stronger, more resilient organizations and communities.

Industry Benchmark in Program Management and Technology Solutions

MLU’s turnkey logistics and disaster response services, combined with Tidal Basin’s expertise in grant and case management technology and program management, and Michael Baker’s technology, planning, engineering design, and construction solutions, set a new industry benchmark. This collaboration differentiates the combined team as the leader in full-spectrum program management and technology solutions.

“Integrating MLU with Michael Baker International to complement and diversify the offerings of our Tidal Basin team enhances our combined capacity to offer swift, comprehensive resiliency consulting and technology solutions nationwide for the public and private sectors,” said Brian A. Lutes, Chief Executive Officer of Michael Baker International.

Expanding Operations and Enhancing Disaster Response

This partnership expands a growing team of over 4,500 professionals and increases local operations with more than 100 physical offices and service locations nationwide. This enables rapid and effective disaster response, providing timely, on-the-ground support to affected organizations and communities.

Comprehensive Project Portfolio

The addition of MLU enhances the combined firms’ nationwide portfolio of projects across various sectors, demonstrating integrated, holistic solutions.

Federal Government Projects

• FEMA: MLU has delivered temporary housing under the $2.7 billion LOGHOUSE IDIQ contract, installing over 82,000 units nationwide. Tidal Basin, through the Vanguard joint venture, has conducted over 2 million post-disaster housing inspections for FEMA’s Housing Inspections Services (HIS) contract. Michael Baker has supported FEMA’s $1.05 billion flood map modernization and resilience programs under the Production & Technical Services (PTS) contract and enhanced FEMA’s hazard mitigation efforts through the Hazard Mitigation Technical Assistance Program (HMTAP) and the Community Energy Resiliency Centers (CERC) contracts.
• U.S. Military Installations: Michael Baker has contributed to various U.S. military projects, focusing on sustainability, security, and efficiency. Notable projects include the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) headquarters in Virginia, U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, and Customs and Border Protection’s Advanced Training Center in West Virginia.

State Government Projects

• Hawaii: Tidal Basin has managed over $1.8 billion in federally funded disaster programs for Hawaii, enhancing disaster response and recovery. Following the Maui Wildfire in August 2023, Tidal Basin provided comprehensive emergency management services to support immediate response and long-term recovery efforts.
• California: Tidal Basin, including Michael Baker, executed structural debris and hazard tree removal monitoring services in California’s inland counties affected by wildfires. MLU provided temporary housing and other disaster response services during the Paradise Fire and Creek Fire.
• Florida: MLU, Tidal Basin, and Michael Baker have played crucial roles in Florida’s resiliency and recovery initiatives, providing housing, wrap-around services, and technology solutions for disaster response and recovery.

Healthcare Sector Projects

• Veteran Affairs Las Vegas Medical Center: The 936,468-square-foot facility integrates the latest healthcare concepts and technology, focusing on a holistic approach to veteran care.
• Major U.S. Healthcare Institutions: Tidal Basin has enhanced disaster recovery and mitigation efforts at several major healthcare institutions, securing significant federal grant funding and improving disaster preparedness.

Energy Sector Projects

• Puerto Rico: Tidal Basin manages the $300 million CEWRI Program, improving energy and water resilience for homeowners affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Tidal Basin also secured $11 billion in funding for PREPA to rebuild infrastructure.
• California: Michael Baker has provided engineering and design services for the world’s largest solar generation facilities, highlighting advancements in solar energy technology and contributions to renewable energy production.

Transportation Sector Projects

• Airport Facilities: Tidal Basin and Michael Baker have enhanced safety, efficiency, and emergency preparedness across major U.S. airports, improving infrastructure and technology.
• Road and Rail Transit Facilities: Michael Baker and Tidal Basin have advanced safety and resiliency in road and rail transit, improving infrastructure and connectivity for major U.S. transit companies.

Impact and Commitment

The collaboration between Michael Baker, Tidal Basin, and MLU has had a significant positive impact on communities nationwide. Their work underscores a commitment to resilience, recovery, and sustainability, managing and executing large-scale projects under challenging conditions, and enhancing the well-being of affected communities and environmental sustainability.

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone for our companies and clients. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to deliver top-notch disaster response and resiliency solutions,” said James Kelley, President of MLU Services, Inc. “Combining the companies allows us to focus on immediate relief and long-term success for our clients in a better and more diversified way.”

With a larger, more diverse portfolio and a unified team of experts, organizations and communities can now benefit from enhanced turnkey solutions, empowering them to become stronger and more resilient than ever before.