DoD Awards $61.4M Flight Training Center to BL Harbert International in Arkansas
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $61,350,000 ($61.4M)
Contractor: BL Harbert International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2026-01-06
End Date: 2028-04-28
Contract Duration: 843 days
Daily Burn Rate: $72.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: PROJECT INCLUDES A MULTI-STORY STEEL FRAMED, REINFORCED CONCRETE FLIGHT TRAINING CENTER WITH BRICK VENEER, VERTICAL PILE FOUNDATION AND A STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF.
Place of Performance
Location: FORT SMITH, SEBASTIAN County, ARKANSAS, 72903
State: Arkansas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $61.4 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: PROJECT INCLUDES A MULTI-STORY STEEL FRAMED, REINFORCED CONCRETE FLIGHT TRAINING CENTER WITH BRICK VENEER, VERTICAL PILE FOUNDATION AND A STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF. Key points: 1. Construction project for a multi-story steel-framed, reinforced concrete flight training center. 2. Awarded by the Department of the Army, part of the Department of Defense. 3. Significant investment in military infrastructure, potentially impacting regional construction sector. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract suggests cost certainty for the government.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $61.4 million for a large-scale institutional building appears within a reasonable range for similar government construction projects. Benchmarking against comparable military or large commercial construction contracts would provide further validation.
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. This competitive process is expected to drive a fair market price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for a critical defense training facility, with the competitive award aiming to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Enhances military training capabilities, potentially improving pilot readiness. Supports local economy through construction jobs and related services in Arkansas. Long-term asset for the Department of Defense, contributing to national security infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for construction cost overruns despite fixed price.
- Schedule delays impacting training readiness.
- Limited direct small business participation noted (ss: false, sb: false).
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes best value.
- Firm Fixed Price contract offers cost predictability.
- Modern training facility addresses critical defense needs.
Sector Analysis
The construction sector, particularly for large institutional and government projects, is characterized by significant capital investment and specialized expertise. Benchmarks for similar military construction projects vary widely based on size, complexity, and location.
Small Business Impact
The contract indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While BL Harbert International may utilize small business subcontractors, direct award to a large business suggests limited direct small business participation in the prime contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army's oversight will be crucial to ensure adherence to contract specifications, timelines, and budget. Regular progress reviews and quality control measures are standard for projects of this magnitude.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for construction cost overruns.
- Risk of schedule delays impacting operational readiness.
- Limited direct small business participation.
- Dependence on specialized construction materials and labor.
- Long-term maintenance and operational costs not detailed.
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-defense, ar, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $61.4 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC. PROJECT INCLUDES A MULTI-STORY STEEL FRAMED, REINFORCED CONCRETE FLIGHT TRAINING CENTER WITH BRICK VENEER, VERTICAL PILE FOUNDATION AND A STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF.
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 $61.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-01-06. End: 2028-04-28.
What is the projected impact of this facility on pilot training capacity and efficiency?
The new flight training center is expected to significantly enhance pilot training capacity by providing a modern, dedicated facility. This could lead to more efficient training pipelines, improved simulation capabilities, and better overall pilot readiness. The specific impact will depend on the technology integrated and the operational tempo planned for the center.
Are there any identified risks associated with the construction timeline or potential material shortages?
While a firm fixed price contract is in place, risks related to construction timelines and material availability persist in the current economic climate. Potential delays could arise from supply chain disruptions for specialized materials like steel or concrete, or unforeseen site conditions. Robust project management and contingency planning by BL Harbert International are essential to mitigate these risks.
How does the cost of this facility compare to similar training centers built in the last five years?
Benchmarking the $61.4 million cost requires detailed comparison with facilities of similar size, scope, and technological integration. Factors like regional labor costs, specific architectural requirements, and the inclusion of advanced simulation technology heavily influence pricing. A preliminary assessment suggests the cost is within a typical range for large-scale government construction, but a detailed comparative analysis is needed for definitive evaluation.
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
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: $62,425,000
Exercised Options: $61,350,000
Current Obligation: $61,350,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-01-06
Current End Date: 2028-04-28
Potential End Date: 2028-04-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-02
More Contracts from BL Harbert International LLC
- TAS::19 0535 000::TAS NEW Embassey Compound and Housing, Islamabad, Pakistan — $871.5M (Department of State)
- Base Award for Construction Manager AS Constructor Clin-001 for Design-Phase Services for Hanoi NEC — $815.9M (Department of State)
- Beirut, Lebanon NEW Embassy Constructionigf::cl::igf — $731.6M (Department of State)
- Construction Services for the NEW Embassy Compound in NEW Delhi, India — $685.1M (Department of State)
- Construction Services for NEW Emabssy Compound in London, England. Igf::ot::igf — $636.0M (Department of State)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)