Site, Scope, and Speed – How to Win the Data Center Race
Data Center Development Series – Blog #2
Introduction: Where Competitive Edge Begins
In the hyperscale and industrial edge sectors, success doesn't just come from megawatts—it comes from momentum.
If you're late to energize, late to permit, or slow to construct, you've already lost the deal. Developers and end users alike are discovering that the difference between winning and losing is no longer price—it's readiness.
This post breaks down three critical factors—site, scope, and speed—that influence how developers and users can align early, execute quickly, and scale efficiently in today’s highly competitive data center landscape.
SITE: The Ultimate Precondition
🔍 Power First, Everything Else Second
The fastest-growing barrier to site readiness isn't land—it’s available and scalable power.
Data center developers need to answer:
Is there existing service at the capacity you need?
Is that capacity available now, or committed to others?
Is the utility partner capable of delivering more within 12–24 months?
Power delays of 24–36+ months are now common, especially in congested metros. Winning sites are those with:
Verified capacity availability
Redundant service from multiple substations
Close coordination with utilities and EPCs
Forward-looking, phased power roadmaps
📍 Key Site Readiness Factors
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Power (existing + future) | Primary gating factor for speed and phasing |
| Fiber + network | Must support low latency, multiple carriers |
| Environmental clearance | Timeline killer if not pre-screened |
| Zoning + entitlements | Fastest track wins—pre-zoned is ideal |
| Community support | Silent opposition = active delay risk |
SCOPE: Define It Before You Can Deliver It
Clarity of scope is where many data center projects go wrong—and where winners gain their edge.
Misaligned scope causes:
Rework in programming and design
Delayed long-lead equipment procurement
Budget volatility
Delivery partner misalignment
Successful developers and OR teams begin with business case-driven requirements:
Who are you building for?
What tier, density, and redundancy is required?
What markets, timelines, and phasing constraints apply?
Scope should not be static. Build a modular baseline:
Phaseable to match market demand
Flexible to shift between tenants or wholesale vs. colocation
Right-sized to balance speed, cost, and competitiveness
SPEED: Time Is the Real Currency
Every week of delay impacts not just CAPEX—it risks customer commitment, revenue recognition, and competitive position.
⏱️ Speed Levers
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre-vetted sites | Begin with sites that have known entitlements and power paths |
| Design-assist delivery | Engage GC, EPC, and trade partners early for preconstruction value |
| Procurement alignment | Long-lead items scoped and ordered during design |
| Permitting prep | Submittals coordinated before full CDs |
| Parallel workflows | Civil, utility, and foundation work started ahead of vertical build |
🧠 “Fast” Doesn’t Mean “Risky”
Owners often conflate speed with risk—but structured acceleration done correctly reduces both. The key is not cutting corners—it’s controlling the sequence.
How Albers Helps Clients Win
We work with developers, REITs, and enterprise users to:
Validate and vet sites for power, water, zoning, and fiber
Define delivery scope that fits phasing, budget, and tenant flexibility
Drive schedule alignment through tools, controls, and owner advocacy
Our approach doesn’t just produce fast projects—it builds predictable ones.
Conclusion: Site, Scope, Speed—In That Order
No amount of budget or vendor horsepower will overcome misalignment in site, scope, or speed. These are not tactical checkboxes—they’re strategic levers.
If you want to win the data center race, don’t just ask “How fast can we build?”
Ask “How fast can we be ready?”
At Albers Management, we help our clients get there—smarter, faster, and with fewer surprises.
Coming Soon: A full-length version of this article is in development and will be released next week as part of our Data Center Delivery Series. Subscribe to stay updated and get early access.
Want a deeper, behind-the-scenes perspective?
Read the personal blog version by David Gray:
What Are Project Controls? – DavidGrayProjects.com
About the Author
David Gray is a principal at Albers Management and a national expert in capital program delivery. With experience managing over $20B in complex infrastructure and healthcare projects, he leads with strategy, structure, and service.
Outside of Albers, David shares long-form insights and behind-the-scenes lessons at DavidGrayProjects.com, where he writes about project strategy, leadership, and the future of infrastructure.
Visit DavidGrayProjects.com →