DoD Awards $171.5M for Ground Test Facility Infrastructure to BL Harbert International LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $171,506,091 ($171.5M)
Contractor: BL Harbert International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2026-01-01
End Date: 2028-04-21
Contract Duration: 841 days
Daily Burn Rate: $203.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: MDA VBIV GROUND TEST FACILITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $171.5 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: MDA VBIV GROUND TEST FACILITY INFRASTRUCTURE Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical infrastructure for the Department of Defense. 2. BL Harbert International LLC, a large business, secured the contract. 3. The contract is a firm-fixed-price definitive contract. 4. Project duration is 841 days, concluding in April 2028. 5. Construction sector spending benchmark is relevant for this award.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $171.5 million for a ground test facility infrastructure project appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction projects for government facilities would provide further context on pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing compared to limited or sole-source procurements.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment among qualified contractors.
Public Impact
Enhances critical testing capabilities for the Department of Defense. Supports regional economic development through construction jobs in Alabama. Long-term asset for military readiness and technological advancement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in large construction projects.
- Dependence on a single large business contractor.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty.
- Addresses critical infrastructure needs.
Sector Analysis
This award falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector for defense infrastructure can vary significantly based on modernization needs and geopolitical factors. Benchmarks for similar DoD construction projects are essential for evaluating cost-effectiveness.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a large business (BL Harbert International LLC) and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting goals in the provided data. Further review of the contract details would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Standard oversight mechanisms for large construction contracts are expected, including regular progress reviews, quality control inspections, and financial audits. The Department of the Army's contracting office will likely monitor performance closely.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Large contract value increases financial risk.
- Construction projects are susceptible to delays.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Limited visibility into small business participation.
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-defense, al, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $171.5 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC. MDA VBIV GROUND TEST FACILITY INFRASTRUCTURE
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 $171.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2028-04-21.
What is the projected return on investment for this ground test facility infrastructure in terms of enhanced military capabilities or cost savings?
The return on investment is primarily measured by the enhanced operational capabilities and readiness the new ground test facility will provide. This could translate into more efficient testing of advanced military systems, reduced reliance on external or less secure testing sites, and potentially lower long-term maintenance costs compared to aging facilities. Quantifying this ROI requires detailed analysis of the facility's specific functions and their impact on defense programs.
What are the key risks associated with the construction timeline and potential delays for this project?
Key risks include unforeseen site conditions, weather disruptions, supply chain issues for specialized materials, and labor availability. Delays could impact the DoD's testing schedules and potentially increase project costs due to extended overhead and resource allocation. Mitigation strategies involve robust project management, contingency planning, and proactive communication with subcontractors and suppliers.
How effectively will this infrastructure support future technological advancements and evolving defense requirements?
The effectiveness hinges on the facility's design flexibility and adaptability. If designed with modularity and future expansion in mind, it can readily accommodate new technologies and evolving testing protocols. Conversely, a rigid design might quickly become obsolete, limiting its long-term value. The initial design specifications and the contractor's approach to future-proofing are critical indicators.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: W9127825RA019
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: $194,861,091
Exercised Options: $171,506,091
Current Obligation: $171,506,091
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-01-01
Current End Date: 2028-04-21
Potential End Date: 2028-04-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-02
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