DoD Awards $208M for Ellsworth AFB B21 Facility Construction to BL Harbert International
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $208,062,251 ($208.1M)
Contractor: BL Harbert International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-02-12
End Date: 2027-03-07
Contract Duration: 1,119 days
Daily Burn Rate: $185.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: CONSTRUCTION OF THE B21 WEAPONS GENERATION FACILITY - SITE F (WGF-F) ELLSWORTH AFB, SD
Place of Performance
Location: ELLSWORTH AFB, MEADE County, SOUTH DAKOTA, 57706
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $208.1 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: CONSTRUCTION OF THE B21 WEAPONS GENERATION FACILITY - SITE F (WGF-F) ELLSWORTH AFB, SD Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical defense infrastructure. 2. BL Harbert International, a large contractor, secured the award. 3. Risk of cost overruns in large-scale construction projects. 4. Construction sector faces material and labor cost volatility.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $208M appears reasonable for a large-scale military construction project of this nature. Benchmarking against similar Department of Defense construction projects would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. The use of a firm-fixed-price contract aims to control costs, but potential for change orders exists in complex construction.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential national defense infrastructure. Competitive bidding should ensure value for money, but vigilance against scope creep is necessary.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. strategic bomber capabilities. Supports economic activity in South Dakota through construction jobs. Potential for long-term operational cost savings due to modern facility.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Construction project delays
- Material cost fluctuations
- Labor shortages
Positive Signals
- Strategic national defense investment
- Firm-fixed-price contract
- Full and open competition
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the construction sector, specifically commercial and institutional building. Large federal construction projects often involve significant budgets and are subject to stringent oversight due to their scale and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. While large prime contractors are necessary for projects of this magnitude, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses should be explored and encouraged.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to monitor progress, manage potential risks, and ensure compliance with contract terms. The Department of the Army's contracting activity suggests established oversight mechanisms are in place.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule delays
- Unforeseen site conditions
- Supply chain disruptions
- Inflationary pressures on materials and labor
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-defense, sd, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $208.1 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC. CONSTRUCTION OF THE B21 WEAPONS GENERATION FACILITY - SITE F (WGF-F) ELLSWORTH AFB, SD
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 $208.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-02-12. End: 2027-03-07.
What is the projected return on investment for this facility in terms of operational efficiency and lifespan?
The return on investment is primarily measured by the facility's contribution to the operational readiness and longevity of the B-21 bomber program. A modern, purpose-built facility is expected to reduce maintenance costs, improve operational turnaround times, and extend the service life of the aircraft compared to utilizing older, less suitable infrastructure.
What specific risk mitigation strategies are in place to address potential cost overruns in this firm-fixed-price contract?
While a firm-fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor, mitigation strategies likely include detailed initial scope definition, robust contractor pre-qualification, and a clear change order process. The government will likely employ rigorous project management and inspection to ensure work aligns with the contract and to identify potential issues early, minimizing costly deviations.
How will the effectiveness of this new facility be measured post-construction?
Effectiveness will be measured against key performance indicators related to operational availability of the B-21, maintenance turnaround times, energy efficiency, and overall facility lifecycle costs. User feedback from Air Force personnel operating and maintaining the facility will also be critical in assessing its functional success and contribution to mission objectives.
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: W9128F23R0017
Offers Received: 2
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: $208,062,251
Exercised Options: $208,062,251
Current Obligation: $208,062,251
Actual Outlays: $19,168,408
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 37
Total Subaward Amount: $120,992,259
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-02-12
Current End Date: 2027-03-07
Potential End Date: 2027-03-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-05
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