DoD's $162M Ft. Jackson construction contract awarded to BL Harbert International LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $162,213,277 ($162.2M)
Contractor: BL Harbert International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-10-15
End Date: 2030-03-14
Contract Duration: 1,976 days
Daily Burn Rate: $82.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: CONSTRUCT RECEPTION COMPLEX PHASE 2 AT FT. JACKSON, SC
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBIA, RICHLAND County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29207
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $162.2 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: CONSTRUCT RECEPTION COMPLEX PHASE 2 AT FT. JACKSON, SC Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a large-scale construction project of this nature. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for this type of construction service. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts cost risk to the contractor, a positive indicator. 4. Project duration of nearly 2000 days indicates a significant, long-term undertaking. 5. The contract is for a definitive contract type, suggesting a well-defined scope. 6. Awarded by the Department of the Army, indicating a focus on military infrastructure.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $162.2 million for the construction of a reception complex at Ft. Jackson, SC, seems aligned with the scale and complexity of such projects. Benchmarking against similar large-scale military construction projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price contract type is generally favorable for the government as it caps the contractor's potential earnings and transfers cost overrun risks.
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 contractors had the opportunity to bid. With four bidders, the competition level appears adequate, suggesting that the government likely received competitive pricing. This approach is designed to ensure the best value is obtained through market forces.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through a wider pool of potential bidders, leading to more cost-effective use of public funds.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Army personnel who will utilize the new reception complex at Fort Jackson. The contract delivers essential infrastructure development for military training and readiness. The geographic impact is concentrated at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, a major Army training center. The project will likely create numerous jobs in the construction sector within South Carolina and potentially surrounding areas.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for construction delays impacting military readiness timelines.
- Risk of cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite fixed-price contract.
- Dependence on the contractor's ability to manage a large, multi-year project effectively.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract mitigates financial risk for the government.
- Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process and potential for competitive pricing.
- Long-term contract duration allows for sustained focus and development of specialized infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the broader construction industry. The U.S. federal government is a major client for construction services, particularly for military installations and infrastructure. Spending in this sector is influenced by defense budgets, infrastructure needs, and economic conditions. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large military construction projects awarded by the Department of Defense.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside. While BL Harbert International LLC is a large business, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business subcontracting planned for this project 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 project management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver the specified complex within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific project oversight details may not be fully public.
Related Government Programs
- Military Construction, Army
- Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization
- Defense Infrastructure Projects
- General Building Construction
Risk Flags
- Long project duration increases risk of cost escalation or delays.
- Contractor's financial stability over a multi-year project requires monitoring.
- Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting fixed-price budget.
Tags
construction, department-of-defense, army, south-carolina, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, large-business, infrastructure, military-base, commercial-and-institutional-building-construction
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $162.2 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC. CONSTRUCT RECEPTION COMPLEX PHASE 2 AT FT. JACKSON, SC
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 $162.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-10-15. End: 2030-03-14.
What is the track record of BL Harbert International LLC with the Department of Defense?
BL Harbert International LLC has a significant history of working with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies on large-scale construction projects. A review of federal procurement data reveals numerous past awards to the company for military construction, infrastructure development, and facility upgrades across various installations. Their experience typically includes projects of similar complexity and value, suggesting a strong capability to execute this contract. Analyzing their past performance ratings, any past disputes, or contract modifications on similar DoD projects would provide further insight into their reliability and effectiveness as a contractor for this specific award.
How does the awarded price compare to similar construction projects at military installations?
The awarded price of $162.2 million for the construction of a reception complex at Ft. Jackson, SC, needs to be benchmarked against similar projects to assess value for money. Factors such as project scope (size, complexity, specific features), location (regional construction costs), and the time of award (inflationary pressures) are critical for comparison. While specific comparable projects are not detailed here, large-scale military barracks, training facilities, or administrative complexes can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. The firm-fixed-price nature of this contract suggests a defined scope, which aids in comparison. A detailed analysis would involve identifying projects with similar square footage, functionalities, and construction timelines within the DoD portfolio.
What are the primary risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for a project of this duration?
While firm-fixed-price (FFP) contracts are generally favored for shifting cost risk to the contractor, long-duration projects like this (nearly 2000 days) introduce specific risks. The primary risk is that unforeseen site conditions or significant material price escalations over the extended period could strain the contractor's ability to absorb costs, potentially leading to claims for equitable adjustments or, in extreme cases, contractor default. Scope creep, if not rigorously managed through change order processes, can also erode the FFP advantage. Furthermore, the contractor's financial stability and project management capacity over such a long timeframe are critical risk factors. The government's risk is primarily related to ensuring the contractor has the capability and incentives to perform efficiently throughout the project lifecycle.
What is the expected effectiveness of the new reception complex in supporting Army operations?
The effectiveness of the new reception complex is directly tied to its design and functionality in streamlining the processing and initial integration of personnel at Fort Jackson, a major training installation. A well-designed complex should improve efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and provide necessary facilities for arriving soldiers, potentially enhancing their initial experience and readiness. The effectiveness will be measured by its ability to meet the throughput requirements, provide adequate amenities, and support the logistical needs of the Army's training mission. Post-construction evaluations and user feedback will be key indicators of its operational success and contribution to the overall mission effectiveness at Fort Jackson.
How has federal spending on similar construction projects evolved over the past five years?
Federal spending on similar large-scale construction projects, particularly within the Department of Defense, has generally remained robust, driven by modernization efforts, infrastructure upkeep, and evolving operational requirements. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget allocations and project pipelines, the overall trend indicates consistent investment in military facilities. Factors such as geopolitical stability, national security priorities, and congressional appropriations significantly influence this spending. Analyzing historical data for 'Military Construction, Army' or similar categories would reveal trends in contract awards, average project values, and the types of facilities being prioritized, showing a sustained commitment to infrastructure development.
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: W912HP24R2000
Offers Received: 4
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: $162,245,766
Exercised Options: $162,213,277
Current Obligation: $162,213,277
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $3,168,002
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-10-15
Current End Date: 2030-03-14
Potential End Date: 2030-03-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-10
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