State Department Awards $226.7M for New Embassy in Mauritius to BL Harbert International
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $226,713,759 ($226.7M)
Contractor: BL Harbert International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2022-11-01
End Date: 2026-11-27
Contract Duration: 1,487 days
Daily Burn Rate: $152.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR NEW EMBASSY COMPOUND IN PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS.
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $226.7 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR NEW EMBASSY COMPOUND IN PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS. Key points: 1. The contract value of $226.7 million is substantial for a single embassy construction project. 2. BL Harbert International, a large private company, secured this significant award. 3. The project carries inherent risks associated with large-scale international construction, including geopolitical and logistical challenges. 4. The sector is Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, a critical area for government infrastructure.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract is a firm-fixed-price definitive contract, indicating a clear pricing structure. Benchmarking against similar embassy construction projects would be necessary for a precise value assessment, but the amount appears within the expected range for a project of this scale and complexity.
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 as multiple qualified bidders vie for the contract.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing the best value through a competitive bidding process.
Public Impact
Enhances diplomatic presence and security for U.S. personnel and operations in Mauritius. Supports local employment and economic activity in Mauritius during the construction phase. Represents a long-term investment in U.S. foreign relations infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in complex international construction.
- Logistical challenges in a remote location.
- Geopolitical risks impacting project timeline or execution.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty.
- Full and open competition likely secured competitive pricing.
- Project duration aligns with typical large-scale construction timelines.
Sector Analysis
This project falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector for government facilities, especially overseas, is driven by infrastructure modernization, security upgrades, and diplomatic needs. Benchmarks for similar international construction projects vary widely based on location, size, and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to BL Harbert International LLC, a large business. There is no indication of specific small business subcontracting goals or participation in the provided data, which could be an area for further review.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of State, as the contracting agency, is responsible for oversight. The use of a definitive contract and firm-fixed-price structure implies a degree of upfront planning and accountability, but ongoing monitoring will be crucial for successful project completion.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Large contract value increases financial exposure.
- International construction projects face unique logistical and geopolitical risks.
- Dependence on a single large contractor.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-state, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $226.7 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR NEW EMBASSY COMPOUND IN PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $226.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-11-01. End: 2026-11-27.
What is the projected return on investment for this new embassy compound in terms of enhanced diplomatic effectiveness and security?
The return on investment is primarily measured by improved operational efficiency, enhanced security for personnel and classified information, and a stronger platform for diplomatic engagement. While difficult to quantify financially, the strategic value of a modern, secure embassy facility in fostering bilateral relations and projecting U.S. interests is significant and long-term.
What specific risk mitigation strategies are in place to address potential construction delays or cost escalations in Mauritius?
While the data doesn't detail specific strategies, typical mitigation for such projects includes robust contract management, contingency planning for unforeseen site conditions or material shortages, clear communication protocols with the contractor, and potentially performance bonds. The firm-fixed-price nature shifts some cost risk to the contractor, but close monitoring of progress and adherence to schedule is essential.
How does the cost per square foot of this project compare to similar U.S. embassy constructions or large institutional buildings globally?
Without detailed cost breakdowns and specific square footage, a precise comparison is challenging. However, the total award of $226.7 million for a new embassy compound suggests a significant investment. Factors like location, security requirements, material sourcing, and labor costs in Mauritius will heavily influence the per-square-foot cost, making direct comparisons difficult without further data.
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: 19AQMM22R0040
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 820 SHADES CREEK PKWY STE 3000, 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: $226,713,759
Exercised Options: $226,713,759
Current Obligation: $226,713,759
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 61
Total Subaward Amount: $10,452,269
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-11-01
Current End Date: 2026-11-27
Potential End Date: 2026-11-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-12
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