DoD awards $49.7M contract for Florida marina construction, highlighting significant investment in outdoor recreation infrastructure
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $49,669,948 ($49.7M)
Contractor: BL Harbert International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-05-11
End Date: 2025-05-22
Contract Duration: 1,107 days
Daily Burn Rate: $44.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: ZONE 9 CONSTRUCTION OF MARINA AND OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITY
Place of Performance
Location: PANAMA CITY, BAY County, FLORIDA, 32403
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $49.7 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: ZONE 9 CONSTRUCTION OF MARINA AND OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITY Key points: 1. Contract value represents a substantial investment in military family support and community amenities. 2. The project's fixed-price nature aims to control costs, though potential for change orders exists. 3. Competition dynamics suggest a healthy market for large-scale construction firms capable of handling complex projects. 4. Performance will be key, with a multi-year duration and significant dollar value indicating potential risks. 5. This contract positions the Department of the Army as a major client for specialized construction services in the region. 6. The project's success hinges on effective project management and adherence to construction timelines.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $49.7 million for a marina and outdoor recreation facility appears within a reasonable range for a project of this scale and complexity, especially given its location in Florida. Benchmarking against similar large-scale government construction projects, particularly those involving waterfront development and recreational facilities, suggests that the pricing is competitive. The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty, although the duration and scope could lead to adjustments. Without specific cost breakdowns or detailed comparisons to private sector projects of identical scope, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging, but initial indicators are positive.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of four bidders, as suggested by the data, points to a competitive environment. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures that the government receives proposals from a range of capable contractors. The selection of BL Harbert International LLC suggests they offered the best value proposition among the competing firms.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to more competitive pricing, which benefits taxpayers by ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and that the government secures services at a fair market price.
Public Impact
Military families and personnel stationed in the area will benefit from enhanced recreational facilities, improving quality of life. The construction project will deliver a new marina and outdoor recreation area, providing amenities for leisure and community activities. The geographic impact is concentrated in Florida, specifically at the location designated for the facility. The project will likely create numerous jobs in the construction sector, including skilled trades and project management roles, during its development phase. The completed facility will serve as a community hub, fostering social interaction and well-being for service members and their families.
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.
- Schedule delays could impact the availability of the facility and extend the overall project timeline.
- Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations during construction, particularly for a waterfront project, requires diligent oversight.
- Coordination among various stakeholders, including military command, contractors, and regulatory bodies, can be complex.
Positive Signals
- The firm-fixed-price contract provides a degree of cost certainty for the government.
- Awarding to a single, experienced contractor like BL Harbert International LLC can streamline project execution.
- The full and open competition process suggests a robust selection of qualified bidders.
- The project aims to enhance quality of life for military personnel, a key strategic objective.
- The multi-year duration allows for phased development and potential learning curve efficiencies.
Sector Analysis
The construction sector, particularly commercial and institutional building construction (NAICS 236220), is a significant area of federal spending. This contract falls within the broader category of infrastructure development and facility enhancement. The market for large-scale government construction projects is competitive, with a number of established firms capable of undertaking complex projects. Spending on military base improvements and family support facilities is a consistent component of the Department of Defense budget, reflecting ongoing needs for modernization and quality of life enhancements.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor, BL Harbert International LLC, is a large business, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. The extent of small business subcontracting will depend on the prime contractor's procurement strategy and the availability of specialized services required for the marina and recreation facility construction. Further analysis would be needed to determine the specific subcontracting plan and its impact on the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Army's contracting and engineering divisions, potentially involving the Army Corps of Engineers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, with performance milestones and final delivery dictating payment. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, although specific project details and oversight reports may not always be readily accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Military Construction (MILCON)
- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Projects
- Army Corps of Engineers Construction Contracts
- Recreation Facility Development
- Marina Construction Projects
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule delays
- Risk of unforeseen site conditions
- Environmental compliance challenges
- Long-term maintenance cost considerations
- Coordination complexity among stakeholders
Tags
construction, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, florida, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, delivery-order, commercial-and-institutional-building-construction, marina-construction, outdoor-recreation-facility, large-contract, infrastructure-project
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $49.7 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC. ZONE 9 CONSTRUCTION OF MARINA AND OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITY
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 $49.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-05-11. End: 2025-05-22.
What is the track record of BL Harbert International LLC with the Department of Defense and similar construction projects?
BL Harbert International LLC has a significant history of working with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies on large-scale construction projects. Their portfolio includes a variety of facility types, often involving complex engineering and construction requirements. While specific details on past performance metrics for this exact type of project (marina and outdoor recreation) are not provided in the summary data, their experience with similar magnitude projects suggests a capacity to handle the scope and complexity of this contract. A deeper dive into their past performance ratings, any past performance issues, and the types of facilities they have previously built for the DoD would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their suitability and potential risks associated with this award.
How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or budget for this project?
The provided data indicates an awarded amount of $49,669,948. However, the initial estimated cost or the specific budget allocated for this project by the Department of the Army is not included in the summary. Without this information, it is difficult to definitively assess whether the awarded amount represents a significant deviation from the government's expectations or budget. Typically, the awarded amount in a full and open competition is expected to be competitive and reflect market rates. If the awarded value is substantially lower than anticipated, it could indicate strong competition or aggressive bidding; if it's higher, it might suggest unforeseen complexities or a less competitive bidding environment than initially projected.
What are the primary risk indicators associated with a project of this nature and duration?
Key risk indicators for a large-scale construction project like a marina and outdoor recreation facility include potential schedule delays due to weather, unforeseen site conditions (especially in waterfront environments), material cost fluctuations, and labor availability. The duration of 1107 days (approximately 3 years) increases the exposure to these risks. Furthermore, environmental compliance during construction, particularly concerning water quality and marine life, presents a significant regulatory risk. The firm-fixed-price contract structure, while beneficial for cost control, can also incentivize the contractor to cut corners if not properly monitored, or lead to change order requests if scope creep occurs. Effective project management, robust oversight, and clear communication channels are crucial to mitigate these risks.
What is the expected effectiveness of the completed marina and outdoor recreation facility in meeting its objectives?
The effectiveness of the completed facility will be measured by its ability to enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families, provide safe and accessible recreational opportunities, and serve as a valuable community asset. Objectives likely include increased usage of recreational facilities, improved morale among service members, and the creation of a welcoming environment. Success will depend on factors such as the facility's design, amenities offered, maintenance, accessibility, and programming. Positive user feedback, high utilization rates, and contributions to community well-being would indicate effectiveness. The Department of the Army's post-occupancy evaluations and user surveys will be key in assessing this.
How does historical spending on similar DoD construction projects in Florida compare to this award?
Historical spending data for similar Department of Defense construction projects in Florida, particularly those involving waterfront development, recreational facilities, or base infrastructure upgrades, would provide valuable context. Without access to that specific historical data, it's challenging to make a direct comparison. However, Florida's extensive coastline and numerous military installations suggest a consistent need and ongoing investment in such facilities. Large-scale construction projects for the DoD can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on scope. This $49.7 million award appears to be a significant, but not unprecedented, investment for a specialized facility of this type in a state with substantial military presence.
What are the potential long-term maintenance and operational costs associated with this facility?
The long-term maintenance and operational costs for a marina and outdoor recreation facility can be substantial and are often a critical consideration beyond the initial construction budget. These costs typically include routine upkeep of docks, water and electrical systems, landscaping, building maintenance, waste management, and staffing for operations and security. Marina-specific costs can also involve dredging, environmental monitoring, and compliance with maritime regulations. While this contract focuses solely on construction, the Department of the Army will need to budget for these ongoing expenses to ensure the facility remains functional, safe, and attractive for users over its lifespan. These future costs should be factored into the overall value proposition of the project.
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: 4
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: $49,669,948
Exercised Options: $49,669,948
Current Obligation: $49,669,948
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 29
Total Subaward Amount: $33,924,946
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W912HN21D3000
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-05-11
Current End Date: 2025-05-22
Potential End Date: 2025-05-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-24
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