CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (June 4, 2025) — When failure isn’t an option and every bolt, beam and batch of concrete must meet exacting standards, Allen Malcomb and his team serve as the gatekeepers of quality. His dedication to excellence on the massive Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project — supporting a vital navigation route on the Tennessee River — earns him national recognition.
Malcomb, chief of the Quality Assurance Section for the Chickamauga Lock Resident Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, receives an accolade as the Quality Professional of the Year (Construction) through the USACE Engineering and Construction Community of Practice’s Performance and Recognition Awards.
In large-scale civil works projects like Chickamauga Lock, quality assurance serves as a critical check on contractor performance — confirming that construction aligns with complex engineering plans, safety standards and environmental requirements. Without it, even a small flaw can jeopardize long-term function or safety. Malcomb and his team ensure that doesn’t happen.
He leads a 10-person team of engineers, geologists and construction professionals who review every detail of the contractor’s quality control efforts. The team reviews more than 6,000 submittals, responds to 700 requests for information and maintains 100% inspection coverage on more than 1,100 concrete placements, totaling more than 257,000 cubic yards. His oversight also includes 14 underwater drilled shafts — a complex and high-risk element of the project.
“When you look at the metrics, Allen and his team’s efforts on both the Chickamauga Lock Chamber and Upstream Approach Walls projects have been Herculean,” said Tommy Long, resident engineer for the Chickamauga Lock Resident Office. “His 15 years of civil works construction knowledge and his sustained determination to achieve excellence day in and day out, ensures we get the construction right, safely.”
Malcomb leads the resolution of more than 700 quality deficiencies and drives improvements in contractor performance. His leadership contributed to a rise in contractor self-reporting of deficiencies from 50% to 72% in 2024 — a key indicator of a stronger quality control culture on site.
Beyond the field, Malcomb mentors young engineers, shares lessons learned across contracts and fosters a culture of precision and accountability.
“Allen has been an amazing mentor to me throughout my time at the Chickamauga Lock Replacement project, constantly guiding me with a hands-on approach to safety, quality and engineering excellence,” said Spencer Keylon, a civil engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Chickamauga Lock Resident Office. “His commitment to quality is truly immersive. He does not just supervise, but instead is actively involved in every detail to ensure the highest standards are met. Paired with his tireless work ethic and selfless dedication to the team, he leads by example and inspires those around him to strive for excellence each day.”
Malcomb holds professional credentials as a professional engineer and administrative contracting officer. He is a graduate of Auburn University’s Master of Science Building Construction Program and completed USACE’s Leadership Development Program II, combining technical expertise with organizational leadership.
His work reinforces the USACE commitment to safety, quality and public service. Across the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Program — which impacts commerce, transportation and public safety across the region — Malcomb serves as a steady force in the field, leading with knowledge, mentoring with purpose and delivering results.
“I may be the person receiving the award, but there is a whole team around me that does a great job that allows me to focus on the roles I need to perform,” said Malcomb. “Receiving this award is a true testament of the awesome work being performed by the entire Chickamauga Lock team. I hope everyone who has worked on the Chickamauga Lock project, feels like they won this award as well because it has been a total team effort. I have been blessed to have some great mentorships and supervisors during my career and I hope I can continue to pass what I have learned to others. I want to say thank you to all those who have helped me along the way, and those who took the time to nominate me for the award. It is truly unbelievable to be recognized for this award when you are just one person in a major team like this.”
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