Fort Rucker AIT Complex Awarded for $61.3M to BL Harbert International LLC Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $61,255,189 ($61.3M)
Contractor: BL Harbert International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-08-18
End Date: 2026-04-18
Contract Duration: 974 days
Daily Burn Rate: $62.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: TWO-PHASE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL TRAINING (AIT) COMPLEX, FORT RUCKER, ALABAMA
Place of Performance
Location: FORT NOVOSEL, DALE County, ALABAMA, 36362
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $61.3 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: TWO-PHASE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL TRAINING (AIT) COMPLEX, FORT RUCKER, ALABAMA Key points: 1. The contract is for a significant construction project at Fort Rucker, Alabama. 2. BL Harbert International LLC secured the award through a full and open competition. 3. The project aims to enhance advanced individual training facilities. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract indicates a focus on cost certainty for the government. 5. The duration of the contract is substantial, spanning nearly 1000 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $61.3 million for a large-scale training complex appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large military construction projects would provide further context, but the firm-fixed-price structure suggests a well-defined cost expectation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for achieving competitive pricing. This method allows all eligible contractors to bid, fostering a robust price discovery process and potentially leading to better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process is expected to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for this critical infrastructure development.
Public Impact
Enhances training capabilities for soldiers at Fort Rucker. Supports the local economy in Alabama through construction jobs and related services. Represents a significant investment in military infrastructure modernization. The project's success will impact the readiness and effectiveness of future military personnel.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 63 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for construction cost overruns despite fixed-price contract.
- Schedule delays impacting training timelines.
- Long-term maintenance costs not explicitly detailed.
Positive Signals
- Clear scope defined through design and construction phases.
- Competitive award process likely secured favorable pricing.
- Experienced contractor selected for a complex project.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically for military training facilities. The value is substantial for a single project, reflecting the scale of military infrastructure development.
Small Business Impact
While the prime contractor is BL Harbert International LLC, the contract does not explicitly state small business participation goals. Further review would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army's oversight will be crucial to ensure the project adheres to specifications, budget, and schedule. Regular progress reports and site inspections are standard oversight mechanisms for such large construction contracts.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule slippage due to project complexity and duration.
- Risk of unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
- Dependence on contractor's ability to manage supply chain and labor.
- Long-term operational and maintenance costs post-construction.
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-defense, al, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $61.3 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC. TWO-PHASE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL TRAINING (AIT) COMPLEX, FORT RUCKER, ALABAMA
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 $61.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-18. End: 2026-04-18.
What are the specific performance metrics for the AIT complex, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure effectiveness?
Performance metrics likely include the timely completion of construction phases, adherence to quality standards for materials and workmanship, and the final functionality of the training facilities. Measurement will involve rigorous inspections by government representatives, third-party quality assurance, and post-occupancy evaluations to confirm the complex meets all operational requirements for advanced individual training.
What are the primary risks associated with the long construction duration, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Key risks include potential material cost escalation, labor shortages, unforeseen site conditions, and weather-related delays, all exacerbated by the nearly 1000-day duration. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract clauses for managing changes, contingency planning for material procurement, proactive labor relations, and detailed site investigations prior to construction commencement.
How does the cost of this AIT complex compare to similar recent military construction projects of comparable size and complexity?
Without specific benchmark data for identical projects, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the $61.3 million value for a large-scale, multi-year training facility suggests a competitive price point, especially given the firm-fixed-price nature. Further analysis would require access to cost data from similar DoD construction contracts awarded within the last 1-2 years.
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: W9127822R0055
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 820 SHADES CREEK PKWY, 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: $91,784,095
Exercised Options: $61,255,189
Current Obligation: $61,255,189
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 27
Total Subaward Amount: $39,105,995
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-18
Current End Date: 2026-04-18
Potential End Date: 2026-04-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-29
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