KC NExT: Fortifying National Security Through Strategic Expansion

As the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) forges ahead with its stockpile modernization program, it relies on its robust network of facilities to design, analyze, and produce the components indispensable for maintaining America’s nuclear deterrent. As a key production agency within this enterprise, the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) requires substantial capacity growth to meet rising demands.

To meet increasing production workload, in 2024 NNSA launched the Kansas City Non-Nuclear Expansion Transformation (KC NExT) project, a multi-phase real estate acquisition strategy to add approximately two million square feet of cutting-edge office and manufacturing space. KC NExT is designed for immediate impact, allowing each completed phase to become operational even as construction progresses on subsequent phases, thus ensuring continuous forward momentum.

KC NExT recently marked another significant milestone with the signing of the purchase and sales agreement for the Phase 2 manufacturing building. This agreement paves the way for a build-to-suit procurement, enabling the federal government to collaborate directly with the developer to create a cutting-edge facility. The Phase 2 manufacturing facility is the first of several new production spaces, methodically designed to support the fabrication, inspection, and testing of highly specialized non-nuclear components essential for maintaining the safety, security, and reliability of our nation’s nuclear stockpile.

Construction on this pivotal Phase 2 has begun, signaling rapid progress. Concurrently, the Phase 1 office building is on schedule for construction completion and federal acceptance by June 2026. Agreements for Phase 3, which will encompass support facilities for the expanding campus, are expected to be finalized in the Spring of 2026.

The NNSA is strategically leveraging its production and infrastructure modernization programs to cultivate a more flexible and resilient enterprise. This proactive approach ensures the agency can swiftly adapt to unforeseen changes in mission requirements, mirroring the pace of evolving threats. This agile delivery method empowers KCNSC to consistently adapt to future mission demands with each completed phase.

NNSA’s strategic investments in KCNSC's infrastructure are poised to dramatically enhance our flexibility and resilience, ensure the safe and timely execution of production schedules, and introduce modern and efficient technologies while maintaining a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility. The KC NExT project is more than an expansion . . . it is a foundational investment in the future of national security.