DoD awards $36M construction contract for Tyndall AFB Fighter Wing HQ, with BL Harbert International LLC selected
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,951,787 ($36.0M)
Contractor: BL Harbert International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-07-28
End Date: 2024-06-17
Contract Duration: 1,055 days
Daily Burn Rate: $34.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 15
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: CONSTRUCTION OF THE 325TH FIGHTER WING HEADQUARTERS, TYNDALL AFB, FL
Place of Performance
Location: PANAMA CITY, BAY County, FLORIDA, 32403
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $36.0 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: CONSTRUCTION OF THE 325TH FIGHTER WING HEADQUARTERS, TYNDALL AFB, FL Key points: 1. Contract awarded to BL Harbert International LLC for construction services. 2. Project aims to build the 325th Fighter Wing Headquarters at Tyndall AFB, Florida. 3. The contract type is a Firm Fixed Price Definitive Contract. 4. Competition was full and open, indicating a broad bidding process. 5. The contract duration is 1055 days, spanning over three years. 6. The award value is approximately $35.95 million. 7. This project falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $35.95 million for the construction of a fighter wing headquarters appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale government construction projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract shifts risk to the contractor, which can be beneficial for the government if managed effectively. However, without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to private sector construction of similar facilities, a definitive value assessment is challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified contractors had the opportunity to bid. This process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives competitive pricing. The presence of 15 bids indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this significant construction project. A robust competitive environment typically leads to more favorable pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition for this substantial construction project is a positive indicator for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a more cost-effective outcome compared to a sole-source or limited competition award.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force and the personnel of the 325th Fighter Wing, who will gain a new, modern headquarters facility. The services delivered include the construction of a significant institutional building. The geographic impact is concentrated at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. The project will likely have implications for the local construction workforce in the Florida Panhandle region, creating jobs during the construction phase.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen construction challenges arise, despite the firm fixed-price structure.
- Delays in construction completion could impact the operational readiness of the 325th Fighter Wing.
- Ensuring compliance with all environmental and safety regulations during construction is critical.
Positive Signals
- The firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
- Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, likely leading to better pricing.
- The selection of an experienced contractor like BL Harbert International LLC is a positive signal.
- The project's clear objective and defined scope contribute to manageability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically focusing on institutional and commercial building construction. The U.S. government is a significant client in this sector, awarding numerous contracts for infrastructure and facility development on military bases and other federal properties. The market for large-scale government construction is competitive, with established firms like BL Harbert International LLC often vying for these projects. The value of this contract is substantial within the context of a single facility construction project.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. While BL Harbert International LLC may engage small businesses as subcontractors, the primary awardee is a large business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in the subcontracting plan, if any.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) from the Department of Defense, likely within the Air Force or Army Corps of Engineers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, with penalties for non-performance or delays. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed project progress reports may not always be publicly accessible.
Related Government Programs
- Military Construction Projects
- Department of Defense Facilities
- Air Force Base Infrastructure
- Government Building Construction
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule delays
- Risk of cost overruns (contractor risk)
- Contractor performance issues
- Site condition surprises
Tags
construction, department-of-defense, air-force, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, institutional-building, tyndall-afb, florida, large-contract, military-construction
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $36.0 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC. CONSTRUCTION OF THE 325TH FIGHTER WING HEADQUARTERS, TYNDALL AFB, FL
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $36.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-07-28. End: 2024-06-17.
What is the track record of BL Harbert International LLC with the Department of Defense?
BL Harbert International LLC has a significant history of contracting with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. They specialize in large-scale construction projects, including military facilities, government buildings, and infrastructure. Their past performance with the DoD likely includes numerous projects similar in scope and complexity to the 325th Fighter Wing Headquarters. Reviewing their award history and past performance evaluations would provide further insight into their reliability and capability in executing complex federal construction contracts. This specific contract's success will depend on their execution, but their general experience suggests a strong foundation.
How does the $35.95 million award compare to similar military headquarters construction projects?
Comparing the $35.95 million award for the 325th Fighter Wing Headquarters requires benchmarking against similar-sized institutional or command facility construction projects within the Department of Defense or other federal agencies. Factors such as square footage, complexity of systems (e.g., IT, security), and specific design requirements heavily influence cost. While $35.95 million is a substantial sum, it may fall within the typical range for constructing a modern, specialized facility of this nature. A detailed comparison would involve analyzing the scope of work, construction duration, and location-specific cost factors of comparable projects awarded over the past few years.
What are the primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price construction contract?
The primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price construction contract, despite its benefits for cost certainty, include potential for contractor claims due to unforeseen site conditions, design ambiguities, or scope creep if not managed tightly. If the contractor underestimated costs or encountered unexpected challenges, they might seek equitable adjustments, potentially leading to disputes. Furthermore, the contractor's financial stability and management capacity are critical; a struggling contractor could lead to delays or quality issues. The government's risk is mitigated by thorough pre-award reviews and robust contract administration, but the contractor bears the direct financial risk of cost overruns.
How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for this type of construction contract?
Full and open competition is generally considered a highly effective mechanism for ensuring value in large-scale construction contracts like this one. By allowing any responsible contractor to bid, the government maximizes the pool of potential offerors, thereby increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and innovative solutions. The presence of 15 bids suggests a robust competition that likely drove down the price. This process allows the government to select not only the lowest price but also the best value, considering technical factors and past performance, thereby optimizing the use of taxpayer funds for critical infrastructure.
What is the historical spending trend for construction at Tyndall Air Force Base?
Historical spending trends for construction at Tyndall Air Force Base would reveal patterns of investment in infrastructure and facilities. Tyndall AFB has undergone significant rebuilding and modernization efforts, particularly following Hurricane Michael in 2018. Therefore, recent years likely show elevated construction spending compared to periods before the hurricane. Analyzing past contracts for base infrastructure, housing, and operational facilities would provide context for the current $35.95 million award, indicating whether this project aligns with broader investment strategies or represents a unique, large-scale initiative.
What are the implications of the 1055-day duration for project completion and readiness?
A duration of 1055 days (approximately 2.9 years) for the construction of the 325th Fighter Wing Headquarters indicates a significant, multi-year undertaking. This extended timeline allows for complex construction processes, potential phased development, and accommodates for factors like weather delays, especially in Florida. For the Air Force, this means the new headquarters will not be operational for some time, potentially requiring continued use of temporary facilities or existing structures. Effective project management and scheduling are crucial to adhere to this timeline and minimize disruptions to the wing's operations and readiness.
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: TWO STEP
Solicitation ID: W9127820R0047
Offers Received: 15
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 820 SHADES CREEK PKWY STE 3000, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35209
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $35,951,787
Exercised Options: $35,951,787
Current Obligation: $35,951,787
Actual Outlays: $228,957
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-07-28
Current End Date: 2024-06-17
Potential End Date: 2024-06-17 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-17
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