Meta’s data center program is accelerating faster than nearly any other infrastructure class in the United States. With massive investments tied to artificial intelligence, next-generation compute environments, cloud storage, and emerging technologies, Meta continues to build, expand, and retrofit hyperscale datac enters at an unprecedented pace.
For contractors, this means one thing:
There has never been a better time to enter the data center construction market — but the qualification bar has never been higher.
Meta relies extensively on Avetta®, a global contractor management platform, to qualify, score, and continuously monitor every supplier that steps foot on a Meta project. If your Avetta profile isn’t perfect, you will not move forward — no matter how skilled your team is.
This long-form guide provides a deep dive into Meta’s construction pipeline, the role Avetta plays in their contractor selection process, and how Cascade QMS can give your company a measurable advantage when competing for Meta opportunities in 2026 and beyond.
Want to skip the read and jump straightforward to Avetta compliance? Call Cascade QMS at 855-792-5722
The Unstoppable Growth of Meta’s Data Center Program
Meta operates one of the most complex hyperscale data center networks in the world. These facilities are the backbone of:
- AI training & inference
- Workplace
- Llama models
- Global content delivery networks
- Machine learning infrastructure
- Reality Labs & VR systems
As Meta shifts aggressively into advanced AI development, data centers must evolve — requiring:
- More power
- Higher cooling capacity
- New server architectures
- High-density racks
- Liquid cooling retrofits
- Redesigned electrical rooms
- Smarter monitoring systems
- Automated logistics
This evolution is driving billions of dollars of new construction, expansions, and retrofits across multiple U.S. and international sites.
Many of these projects continue through 2026, with additional phases already positioned for groundbreaking in late 2025 and early 2027.
What Meta’s Data Center Construction Pipeline Looks Like for 2026
While Meta does not publicly release full build schedules, industry reports, state filings, economic development announcements, and vendor communications show a very clear trajectory for 2026:
- Major AI-Driven Retrofits to Existing Campuses
Meta must upgrade its older generation facilities to support AI compute and high-density environments. These upgrades often require:
- New uninterruptible power systems (UPS)
- Higher-capacity switchgear
- Power distribution redesign
- Busway & cabling replacement
- Structural reinforcement for heavier racks
- New liquid cooling systems
- Structural support for heat exchangers
- Full mechanical room overhauls
- Controls modernization & automation
These retrofits require mechanical, electrical, structural, commissioning, and specialty contractors who can work in active, high-security data center environments — which is why Avetta compliance is so crucial.
- Multi-Building Campus Expansions Across the U.S.
Meta’s long-term infrastructure strategy continues to prioritize campus-style data center development.
Across the U.S., several regions are expected to see activity through 2026:
- Midwest
- Pacific Northwest
- Central U.S. energy corridor
- Southeast technology hubs
- Northern Virginia & surrounding markets
- Texas high-power counties
Many approved campuses include:
- 4–8 new buildings
- Additional cooling plants
- Backbone utility service upgrades
- Storage & warehouse expansions
- On-site modular staging areas
- Access control and security enhancements
These multi-phase build cycles can span multiple years — and only contractors with high-performance Avetta profiles are allowed into the rotation.
- Meta’s Shift Toward Massive AI Compute Facilities
AI data centers fundamentally differ from traditional hyperscale builds:
- They require massive electrical capacity
- They increase heat output per rack
- They depend on enhanced cooling systems
- They demand tighter safety controls
- They rely on automation, robotics, and high-density wiring
This shift increases the need for:
- Qualified high-voltage contractors
- Precision mechanical and hydronics teams
- Chiller plant specialists
- Controls integrators
- Liquid cooling installers
- Fire/life safety system experts
These scopes have high risk, so Meta relies on Avetta to screen contractors before awarding any work.
- Supply Chain, Utility, & Logistics Infrastructure Expansion
Supporting Meta’s data centers requires more than technology — it requires massive logistical and utility infrastructure:
- Substation upgrades
- Underground utility expansion
- Water routing and cooling infrastructure
- Fiber and conduit networks
- Heavy roadwork and paving
- Transportation hubs
- Delivery yards
- High-security access points
Meta’s investment in logistics optimization is expected to continue into 2026–27, creating additional opportunities for civil, heavy equipment, transport, and infrastructure contractors.
Once again, Avetta compliance is a mandatory prerequisite for all vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers on Meta jobs, from steel to civil to data hall commissioning.
Why Avetta is a Critical Gatekeeper for Meta Construction
Meta’s safety and compliance expectations exceed standard industry practices. Avetta gives Meta a controlled environment to evaluate contractors on a level field using:
- Safety statistics
- TRIR, DART & EMR reviews
- Written program audits
- Insurance verification
- Documented training
- Subcontractor plans
- Environmental & quality programs
- Security and risk controls
Because Meta’s data center construction environments involve high-voltage work, large structural assemblies, complex mechanical systems, and multi-contractor coordination, the company enforces a zero-tolerance policy for unqualified contractors.
If your Avetta profile is not green, contractors may be:
❌ removed from bid opportunities
❌ suspended from active jobs
❌ denied site access
❌ required to undergo audits
❌ placed on compliance hold
In some cases, a single expired document — even an outdated insurance endorsement — can halt onboarding or delay mobilization.
For highly competitive Meta projects, these delays can cost contractors hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How Cascade QMS Helps Contractors Get Approved for Meta Data Center Projects in Avetta
Our Avetta Management Plan was specifically designed to help contractors win and maintain approval with high-tier hiring clients like Meta, Oracle, Google, Microsoft, PG&E, Meta, and others.
Here’s how we give contractors a competitive edge:
- Complete Avetta Account Setup, Correction & Ongoing Management
We handle:
- Account creation
- Questionnaire completion
- Document uploads
- Safety documentation organization
- Profile cleanup
- Gap analysis
- Raise-to-green action plans
Most contractors fail Avetta verification simply because the platform is complex and time-consuming. We eliminate that problem.
- Written Safety Programs for Avetta Approval
We create OSHA-, MSHA-, EPA-, and ISO-aligned documentation that meets Avetta reviewer expectations including:
- Lockout/Tagout
- Confined Space
- Fall Protection
- Electrical Safety
- Hot Work
- Emergency Response
- Subcontractor Controls
- Environmental Compliance
- Respiratory Protection
- Job Hazard Analysis
- Training Procedures
- PPE
- And more
Every program we produce is tailored to your scope of work and Avetta’s required standards.
- Insurance Verification, COI Uploads & Endorsement Corrections
Meta is extremely strict about:
- Additional insured endorsements
- Waivers of subrogation
- Primary/non-contributory wording
- Policy limits
- Expiration dates
Cascade QMS manages the back-and-forth with your insurance agent to ensure your Avetta insurance section stays green at all times.
- Safety Statistical Review & Error Correction
We analyze your:
- TRIR
- DART
- EMR
- Incident logs
- Near misses
- OSHA 300/300A data
and ensure the numbers are submitted correctly in Avetta — preventing accidental disqualification.
- Audit Preparation & RAVS-Style Review Support
Meta may require deeper audits depending on scope. We prepare your company so you are fully compliant before submission.
- Subcontractor & Workforce Control Documentation
Meta requires contractors to demonstrate strong oversight of:
- subcontracted work
- temporary labor
- specialty teams
- site-specific training
- badging & access control
- onboarding procedures
Cascade QMS builds these documents and systems for you.
- Full Ongoing Monitoring of Your Avetta Account
While you focus on construction, we manage:
- renewals
- expiring documents
- insurance resets
- safety program updates
- performance alerts
- compliance changes
- Meta-specific requirements
- and new Avetta feature rollouts
Our goal is simple:
You stay green — always.
How Contractors Should Prepare Now for Meta’s 2026 Contractor Pipeline
Meta’s 2026 construction cycle will reward contractors who begin preparing now. Here are the essential steps:
- Get your Avetta profile in perfect shape before bid invitations go out
Contractor selection at large data centers begins months before mobilization.
- Strengthen your safety culture and statistical performance
A high TRIR or a single incident can jeopardize eligibility.
- Ensure your safety programs reflect current OSHA & Meta expectations
Old programs often fail Avetta reviews.
- Resolve all insurance issues 90 days before renewal
This is one of the biggest causes of onboarding delays.
- Build out environmental, subcontractor control, and security documentation
Meta is extremely strict on multi-tier risk management.
- Establish a partnership with a compliance firm like Cascade QMS
Having an expert team managing your Avetta account increases your:
- approval speed
- bid eligibility
- scorecard stability
- hiring-client confidence
- project continuity
And it reduces your risk of unexpected suspensions.
Final Takeaway: To Win Meta Data Center Work, Contractors Must Be Avetta-Ready
Meta’s data center construction ecosystem is expanding at record speed, but only the most compliant, safest, and best-structured contractors will be selected for work in 2026 and beyond.
To win these contracts, your company must have:
- A fully approved Avetta profile
- Clean, accurate safety metrics
- Verified safety programs
- Correct insurance & endorsements
- Strong subcontractor controls
- Documented training records
- High visibility into compliance trends
This is exactly what Cascade QMS delivers.