DHS Awards $46M Border Infrastructure Contract to Barnard Spencer Joint Venture
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $45,957,683 ($46.0M)
Contractor: Barnard Spencer Joint Venture
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2023-09-28
End Date: 2025-09-20
Contract Duration: 723 days
Daily Burn Rate: $63.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION
Place of Performance
Location: JACUMBA, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 91934
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $46.0 million to BARNARD SPENCER JOINT VENTURE for work described as: BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION Key points: 1. Significant investment in border infrastructure, totaling $45.96 million. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of 723 days indicates a substantial, multi-year project. 4. Focus on commercial and institutional building construction within California.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $45.96 million appears reasonable for a large-scale infrastructure project of this nature. Benchmarking against similar large construction contracts would provide a more precise assessment, but the scale suggests a competitive bid was likely secured.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of qualified contractors to bid. This method is expected to result in a fair market price.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential border infrastructure, aiming to enhance security and operational capabilities. The competitive nature of the award should ensure efficient use of these funds.
Public Impact
Enhances border security and operational capacity for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Supports economic activity through construction jobs and material procurement. Potential for long-term impact on border management and enforcement strategies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 60 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in large-scale construction projects.
- Dependence on a single joint venture for critical infrastructure delivery.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear project scope and fixed-price contract type.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector for federal infrastructure projects can vary significantly based on national priorities and economic conditions. The $46 million award is substantial for a single project.
Small Business Impact
While the award was made to Barnard Spencer Joint Venture, there is no explicit indication of small business participation in this specific contract. Further investigation would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities were extended to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Homeland Security, through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal construction projects, including progress monitoring and quality control, should be in place.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Large contract value.
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for construction-related risks.
- No explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-homeland-security, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $46.0 million to BARNARD SPENCER JOINT VENTURE. BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BARNARD SPENCER JOINT VENTURE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $46.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-28. End: 2025-09-20.
What specific types of border infrastructure are being constructed or improved under this contract?
The contract specifies 'BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION' and falls under 'Commercial and Institutional Building Construction.' While the exact nature isn't detailed, it likely includes facilities such as ports of entry, processing centers, administrative buildings, or related structures essential for border operations and management.
What are the primary risks associated with the delivery order for this border infrastructure project?
Key risks include potential construction delays due to unforeseen site conditions, weather, or supply chain disruptions. Cost overruns, although mitigated by a firm fixed-price contract, remain a concern for large projects. Ensuring the quality and durability of the infrastructure to meet long-term operational needs is also critical.
How effectively will this investment contribute to the overall mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection?
The effectiveness hinges on the successful and timely completion of the infrastructure. Improved facilities can enhance processing efficiency, officer safety, and operational capacity, directly supporting CBP's mission. However, the true impact will be measured by how these new or upgraded structures facilitate border security and trade facilitation.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 701 GOLD AVE, BOZEMAN, MT, 59715
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $45,957,683
Exercised Options: $45,957,683
Current Obligation: $45,957,683
Actual Outlays: $8,266,196
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 70B01C23D00000008
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-28
Current End Date: 2025-09-20
Potential End Date: 2025-09-20 10:24:45
Last Modified: 2025-12-29
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