That situation changed in 1991, when AFCEE was approved and created as a field operating agency of the Air Force Civil Engineer.

The center, which had started out with only a handful of people, grew rapidly and within a year had in place a full service array of environmental cleanup contracts.

The business line directorates were designed to provide direct services to specific customers and to act as their single point of contact for most AFCEE work.

The Center served as the primary restoration agent and consultant to the Air Force Real Property Agency (AFRPA) and major commands (MAJCOMs) for designated bases.

It also provided technical assistance to Headquarters, United States Air Force (HQ USAF) and MAJCOMs on issues affecting restoration policy and guidance, and munitions response program development.

AFCEE identified and validated environmental research and development requirements, managed demonstration projects, and maintained technical libraries.