Coast Guard awards $95.5M for Charleston base infrastructure, including design-build for roads and a clinic

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $95,538,222 ($95.5M)

Contractor: Brasfield & Gorrie LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-20

End Date: 2029-07-10

Contract Duration: 1,177 days

Daily Burn Rate: $81.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: DESIGN-BUILD UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE, ROADS & CLINIC AT UNITED STATES COAST GUARD (USCG) BASE CHARLESTON CHARLESTON, SC

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH CHARLESTON, CHARLESTON County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29405

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $95.5 million to BRASFIELD & GORRIE LLC for work described as: DESIGN-BUILD UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE, ROADS & CLINIC AT UNITED STATES COAST GUARD (USCG) BASE CHARLESTON CHARLESTON, SC Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust market search. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts risk to the contractor, potentially stabilizing costs. 3. Delivery order for a multi-year project indicates a significant, long-term infrastructure need. 4. The project encompasses diverse construction elements: utility infrastructure, roads, and a clinic. 5. The contractor, Brasfield & Gorrie LLC, has a substantial presence in large-scale construction. 6. The contract duration of nearly four years points to complex project execution.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $95.5 million for a design-build utility infrastructure, roads, and clinic project appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale federal construction projects, particularly those involving multiple building types and infrastructure, suggests this price falls within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price contract type also aids in cost predictability for the government. However, a detailed cost breakdown and comparison to independent cost estimates would provide a more definitive value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The solicitation likely attracted a significant number of bidders, fostering a competitive environment. The presence of multiple bids allows for price discovery and selection of the offer that represents the best value to the government, considering both price and technical factors. The Coast Guard's approach suggests confidence in the market's ability to meet its requirements.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive process through potentially lower prices and a wider selection of qualified contractors, ensuring a better return on investment for public funds.

Public Impact

The United States Coast Guard will benefit from modernized and expanded facilities at Base Charleston. Services delivered include the design and construction of essential utility infrastructure, roadways, and a new clinic. The geographic impact is concentrated at USCG Base Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. The project will likely create numerous construction jobs in the Charleston area, supporting the local workforce. Improved infrastructure will enhance the operational readiness and quality of life for Coast Guard personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise during the design-build process.
Schedule delays could occur due to the complexity of integrating utility, road, and clinic construction.
Ensuring seamless coordination between design and construction phases is critical for project success.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract mitigates cost escalation risks for the government.
Full and open competition likely secured competitive pricing and a qualified contractor.
The contractor's experience in large-scale construction projects suggests a capacity to manage complexity.
Delivery order structure allows for phased execution and potential flexibility.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a broad category encompassing the development of non-residential structures. The federal government is a significant consumer of construction services, particularly for infrastructure upgrades and facility modernization at military bases and government installations. Comparable spending benchmarks for large-scale federal construction projects, especially those involving design-build elements and multiple facility types, indicate that this award is substantial but within the typical range for such comprehensive undertakings.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is Brasfield & Gorrie LLC, a large entity, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. The extent of small business subcontracting will depend on the prime contractor's strategy and the specific requirements outlined in the contract. Further analysis of the subcontracting plan would be needed to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, likely through contracting officers and project managers responsible for monitoring progress, quality, and adherence to specifications. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract, which incentivizes the contractor to complete the work within budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award notices and public reporting, though detailed project-specific oversight reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

USCG Base Charleston Infrastructure Modernization
Federal Military Construction Projects
Design-Build Construction Contracts
Healthcare Facility Construction
Utility Infrastructure Upgrades

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting schedule and cost.
Complexity of integrating diverse construction elements (utilities, roads, clinic).
Risk of design deficiencies in a design-build contract.
Long project duration increases exposure to changing requirements or economic conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $95.5 million to BRASFIELD & GORRIE LLC. DESIGN-BUILD UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE, ROADS & CLINIC AT UNITED STATES COAST GUARD (USCG) BASE CHARLESTON CHARLESTON, SC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRASFIELD & GORRIE LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $95.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-20. End: 2029-07-10.

What is the track record of Brasfield & Gorrie LLC on similar federal design-build projects?

Brasfield & Gorrie LLC has a significant track record in large-scale construction, including federal projects. While specific details on their past federal design-build projects of this exact scope (utility, roads, clinic) are not provided in this data, their general portfolio indicates experience with complex infrastructure and institutional buildings. They have undertaken projects for various government agencies, often involving significant dollar values and challenging logistical requirements. A deeper dive into their past performance on similar federal contracts, including client feedback and project completion history, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their suitability and risk profile for this specific Coast Guard contract.

How does the $95.5 million contract value compare to similar federal construction projects for military bases?

The $95.5 million contract value for the design-build of utility infrastructure, roads, and a clinic at USCG Base Charleston is substantial, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the project. When compared to similar federal construction projects at military installations, particularly those involving new facility construction, infrastructure upgrades, and multiple distinct components, this figure appears to be within a reasonable range. Large-scale military base development or renovation projects can easily reach tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars. Factors such as geographic location, specific site conditions, labor costs, and the complexity of the design-build requirements influence the final price. Without specific benchmarks for identical projects, this value suggests a significant but not necessarily outlier investment for the scope of work.

What are the primary risks associated with a design-build contract for utility infrastructure and facilities?

Design-build contracts, while offering potential efficiencies, carry inherent risks. A primary risk is the integration of design and construction responsibilities under one entity; any design flaws or omissions can directly impact construction timelines and costs, potentially leading to disputes. For utility infrastructure, unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., soil instability, existing utilities not accurately mapped) can cause significant delays and cost increases. Constructing a clinic alongside infrastructure adds complexity, requiring adherence to stringent healthcare facility standards. Schedule risks are also present due to the interdependencies between different project elements. The firm-fixed-price nature shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor, but this can incentivize cutting corners if not properly monitored.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type in managing costs for complex construction projects like this one?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for managing costs in construction projects where the scope of work is well-defined and risks can be reasonably anticipated. For this project, the FFP structure places the responsibility for cost overruns on the contractor, Brasfield & Gorrie LLC. This incentivizes the contractor to manage their costs efficiently and accurately estimate project expenses. However, for highly complex projects with potential for unforeseen issues (like subsurface conditions or design changes), an FFP contract can sometimes lead to contractors including significant contingency in their bids, potentially inflating the initial price. It also requires robust government oversight to ensure the contractor does not compromise quality to maintain profitability.

What is the historical spending pattern for infrastructure and facility construction at USCG Base Charleston?

Historical spending data specifically for infrastructure and facility construction at USCG Base Charleston is not provided in the current data set. However, federal agencies like the Coast Guard regularly invest in maintaining and upgrading their installations. Spending patterns for such facilities are typically driven by lifecycle maintenance needs, modernization initiatives, capacity expansion, and compliance with evolving safety and environmental regulations. Major projects like the one awarded often follow periods of assessment and planning, indicating a strategic investment rather than ad-hoc spending. To understand historical patterns, one would need to review past Coast Guard budget allocations, previous contract awards for Base Charleston, and any facility master plans or needs assessments.

What are the implications of awarding a delivery order for a project spanning nearly four years?

Awarding a delivery order for a project with a duration of nearly four years (1177 days) signifies a long-term commitment by the U.S. Coast Guard to a significant infrastructure development. This structure allows for phased execution, potentially enabling the contractor to commence work on certain elements while others are still in the design phase. It also provides a degree of flexibility for the government to manage funding and priorities over the project's lifespan. For the contractor, it offers a substantial, multi-year revenue stream. However, such long durations increase the risk of scope creep, potential changes in requirements, and the need for sustained government oversight and contract administration to ensure project objectives remain on track and within budget.

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

Solicitation ID: 70Z04725PCNI0007

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3021 7TH AVE S, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35233

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $95,538,222

Exercised Options: $95,538,222

Current Obligation: $95,538,222

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z04723DPCNI0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline