As part of its ongoing expansion efforts, Fort Lewis created its FY05 Modularity Project which included the construction of modular buildings on the Army base. The original contract specified the building of 34 modular steel "Arms Vaults" to store weapons in when not in use. During the submittal review process, the Army Corps of Engineers realized that the steel vaults they had specified were not designed to withstand local weather conditions.

Alutiiq Manufacturing, under contract with the Corps of Engineers, enlisted Utility Vault to develop a custom vault solution that would provide safe weapons storage capabilities outdoors.

Utility Vault designed an all-concrete above-ground arms vault that could be installed and relocated in a day's time. All vault panels were manufactured to meet the maximum weight limit of 10,000 pounds, and all connections were bolted for easy removal. The vault, which measures 10' wide by 40' long with an 8'-6" inside height, met the Corps of Engineers demands for reliability, economy and flexibility.