DoD contract for biosafety lab construction in Senegal awarded to Black & Veatch for $14.5M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,492,133 ($14.5M)
Contractor: Black & Veatch Special Projects Corp.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-03-01
End Date: 2026-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,552 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: COMPLETION OF BIOSAFETY AND BIOSECURITY (BS&S)-RELATED LABORATORY CONSTRUCTION AND UPGRADES AT THE NATIONAL LABORATORY FOR LIVESTOCK AND VETERINARY RESEARCH (LNERV) / INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (ISRA) CAMPUS IN DAKAR, SENEGAL.
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $14.5 million to BLACK & VEATCH SPECIAL PROJECTS CORP. for work described as: COMPLETION OF BIOSAFETY AND BIOSECURITY (BS&S)-RELATED LABORATORY CONSTRUCTION AND UPGRADES AT THE NATIONAL LABORATORY FOR LIVESTOCK AND VETERINARY RESEARCH (LNERV) / INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (ISRA) CAMPUS IN DAKAR, SENEGAL. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical biosafety and biosecurity infrastructure upgrades at a key research facility. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for these specialized services. 3. The contract duration of over four years indicates a complex and lengthy project. 4. The chosen contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) is common for complex construction projects where scope may evolve. 5. This spending supports U.S. national security interests by enhancing global biosecurity capabilities. 6. The project is situated in Dakar, Senegal, highlighting international cooperation in defense and research.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging due to its specialized nature and international location. However, the total award amount of $14.5 million for a multi-year laboratory construction and upgrade project appears reasonable within the context of large-scale defense infrastructure development. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for flexibility but requires careful oversight to manage costs effectively. Further analysis would require comparing it to similar biosafety laboratory construction projects globally, which are often high-cost due to stringent regulatory and technical requirements.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified contractors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of three bidders (as indicated by 'no': 3) suggests a competitive environment for this specialized service. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and a wider range of innovative solutions being considered. This process helps ensure that government funds are used efficiently by driving down costs and improving the quality of services received.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Department of Defense and the Institute of Agricultural Research (ISRA) in Senegal, which will gain enhanced biosafety and biosecurity laboratory capabilities. The services delivered include the completion of laboratory construction and upgrades essential for livestock and veterinary research. The geographic impact is concentrated in Dakar, Senegal, strengthening local research infrastructure and potentially contributing to regional disease surveillance. Workforce implications may include the employment of specialized construction and technical personnel, both locally and potentially from the contractor's home country.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently, as the contractor is reimbursed for actual costs plus a fixed fee.
- The long duration of the contract (over 4 years) increases the risk of scope creep or unforeseen challenges impacting the final cost and timeline.
- International project execution can introduce complexities related to logistics, local regulations, and geopolitical factors.
- Ensuring adherence to stringent biosafety and biosecurity standards throughout construction requires robust oversight.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
- The contractor, Black & Veatch, is a reputable firm with experience in large-scale engineering and construction projects.
- The project directly supports U.S. national security objectives by enhancing biosecurity infrastructure abroad.
- The focus on biosafety and biosecurity is critical for preventing the spread of dangerous pathogens.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to specialized construction and engineering for defense infrastructure. The market for biosafety and biosecurity laboratory construction is niche, characterized by high technical requirements, stringent regulatory compliance, and significant investment. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without specific project details, but such facilities often represent multi-million dollar investments due to the complexity and safety protocols involved. This contract fits within the broader defense spending aimed at enhancing global health security and threat reduction capabilities.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. The nature of the work, involving large-scale specialized laboratory construction, typically requires large prime contractors with extensive resources and expertise. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses, which would be a key area for oversight to ensure opportunities are made available where feasible within the project's scope.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), the awarding agency. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates rigorous financial and performance oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and the project adheres to specifications. Accountability measures would include regular progress reports, site inspections, and audits. Transparency is typically maintained through contract award databases and agency reporting, though specific project details might be limited due to security considerations.
Related Government Programs
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Programs
- Global Health Security Initiatives
- Biosecurity Infrastructure Development
- International Cooperative Threat Reduction Program
- Department of Defense Construction Projects
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
- Risks associated with long-duration international projects.
- Need for stringent oversight of biosafety/biosecurity compliance.
- Logistical and regulatory complexities in Senegal.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, defense-threat-reduction-agency, biosafety, biosecurity, laboratory-construction, international, senegal, dakar, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-fixed-fee, professional-scientific-technical-services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $14.5 million to BLACK & VEATCH SPECIAL PROJECTS CORP.. COMPLETION OF BIOSAFETY AND BIOSECURITY (BS&S)-RELATED LABORATORY CONSTRUCTION AND UPGRADES AT THE NATIONAL LABORATORY FOR LIVESTOCK AND VETERINARY RESEARCH (LNERV) / INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (ISRA) CAMPUS IN DAKAR, SENEGAL.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BLACK & VEATCH SPECIAL PROJECTS CORP..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Threat Reduction Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $14.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-03-01. End: 2026-05-31.
What is the track record of Black & Veatch Special Projects Corp. in executing similar international biosafety laboratory construction projects for the U.S. government?
Black & Veatch Special Projects Corp. has a significant history of undertaking complex engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects globally, including those for defense and critical infrastructure. While specific details on past biosafety laboratory projects for the U.S. government in international locations are not publicly detailed in this data, the company's portfolio includes large-scale projects involving hazardous environments and stringent safety requirements. Their experience in managing international logistics, navigating foreign regulatory landscapes, and adhering to high technical standards suggests a capability to handle such contracts. Further due diligence would involve reviewing past performance evaluations and project close-out reports for similar DTRA or DoD contracts.
How does the $14.5 million award compare to the typical cost of constructing or upgrading biosafety laboratories of similar scale and complexity?
Determining a precise benchmark for this $14.5 million contract is challenging without detailed specifications of the laboratory's biosafety level (BSL), size, and specific upgrade requirements. However, constructing biosafety laboratories, particularly those designed for high-containment levels (BSL-3 or BSL-4), is exceptionally expensive due to the specialized ventilation, containment systems, security measures, and redundant utilities required. Projects can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. For a multi-year upgrade project at an existing campus, $14.5 million could represent a significant investment for specific enhancements, but it is likely on the lower end if it involves constructing entirely new high-containment facilities. It is more plausible for substantial upgrades or construction of lower-level biosafety labs.
What are the primary risks associated with executing a long-term construction project in Senegal, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks for a long-term construction project in Senegal include potential political instability, logistical challenges in importing materials and equipment, currency fluctuations, local labor issues, and adherence to Senegalese building codes and environmental regulations, in addition to U.S. DoD requirements. Mitigation strategies typically involve comprehensive risk assessments during the planning phase, engaging local expertise and partners, establishing robust supply chain management, securing appropriate insurance, and maintaining open communication channels with local authorities and the U.S. Embassy. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure also allows for some flexibility in addressing unforeseen cost impacts, provided they are properly documented and justified. The contractor's experience in international projects is a key mitigating factor.
What is the strategic importance of this biosafety laboratory upgrade in Dakar, Senegal, for U.S. national security and global health?
This contract is strategically important as it enhances biosafety and biosecurity infrastructure at a key research institution in West Africa. Strengthening such facilities contributes to global health security by improving the capacity to research, detect, and respond to infectious diseases, particularly those affecting livestock which can have significant economic and public health implications (zoonotic diseases). For U.S. national security, it aligns with efforts to prevent the proliferation of dangerous pathogens and supports international biosecurity norms. By investing in infrastructure in Senegal, the U.S. fosters partnerships and builds capacity to address biological threats collaboratively, reducing risks that could eventually impact the U.S. homeland.
How does the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code (541990) encompass the specific work being performed under this contract?
The NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' is a broad category used when specific industry codes do not adequately capture the nature of the business. In this case, it likely serves as a catch-all for the specialized engineering, design, project management, and potentially scientific consultation required for constructing and upgrading biosafety and biosecurity laboratories. While construction itself might fall under different codes, the emphasis on the professional, scientific, and technical expertise involved in ensuring the unique safety and operational requirements of such a facility justifies its inclusion. This code is often used for unique government contracts that blend multiple service types.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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: HDTRA116R0027
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6800 W 115TH STREET SUITE 2200, OVERLAND PARK, KS, 66211
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,492,133
Exercised Options: $14,492,133
Current Obligation: $14,492,133
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 9
Total Subaward Amount: $3,249,370
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HDTRA118D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-03-01
Current End Date: 2026-05-31
Potential End Date: 2026-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-28
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