DHS Awards $617M for 23 Miles of Border Wall System in Texas

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $617,466,457 ($617.5M)

Contractor: Barnard Spencer Joint Venture

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-09-19

End Date: 2028-04-07

Contract Duration: 931 days

Daily Burn Rate: $663.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCT 23 MILES OF BORDER WALL SYSTEM AND 81 MILES OF SYSTEM ATTRIBUTES.

Place of Performance

Location: WESLACO, HIDALGO County, TEXAS, 78596

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $617.5 million to BARNARD SPENCER JOINT VENTURE for work described as: CONSTRUCT 23 MILES OF BORDER WALL SYSTEM AND 81 MILES OF SYSTEM ATTRIBUTES. Key points: 1. Significant investment in border infrastructure with a focus on physical barriers. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value is substantial, raising questions about cost-effectiveness and necessity. 4. Construction is concentrated in Texas, a key border state.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $617.5 million for 23 miles of wall system is a significant expenditure. Benchmarking against similar border infrastructure projects is difficult due to unique specifications and security requirements, but the per-mile cost appears high.

Cost Per Unit: $26.85M per mile

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. However, the specific nature of border wall construction and the number of bids received (5) would be crucial to fully assess price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being allocated to a major infrastructure project with long-term implications for border security and management.

Public Impact

Impacts border communities and ecosystems in Texas. Addresses national security and immigration policy objectives. Potential for long-term maintenance and operational costs. Contributes to the construction sector and employment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 60 / 10

Warning Flags

High cost per mile
Environmental impact concerns
Long-term effectiveness debate

Positive Signals

Full and open competition
Clear project scope
Defined end date

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, a broad sector. Border wall construction is a specialized niche within this sector, often involving significant government funding and unique logistical challenges. Benchmarks are scarce due to the project's specific nature.

Small Business Impact

While the prime contractor is Barnard Spencer Joint Venture, it is unclear if this entity includes small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement in subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Homeland Security, through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is responsible for this contract. Oversight will be critical to ensure project completion, adherence to specifications, and responsible use of taxpayer funds.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs

Risk Flags

High cost per mile of wall
Potential environmental impacts
Debate over effectiveness of physical barriers
Long-term maintenance and operational costs
Security and humanitarian concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $617.5 million to BARNARD SPENCER JOINT VENTURE. CONSTRUCT 23 MILES OF BORDER WALL SYSTEM AND 81 MILES OF SYSTEM ATTRIBUTES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BARNARD SPENCER JOINT VENTURE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $617.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-19. End: 2028-04-07.

What is the projected long-term cost of maintaining the 23 miles of border wall system, and how does this compare to alternative border security measures?

The long-term maintenance costs for the border wall system are not detailed in this award notice. However, historical data suggests that significant ongoing expenditures are required for repairs, technological upkeep, and operational personnel. A comprehensive analysis comparing these costs to alternative security strategies, such as increased surveillance technology or personnel, is essential for a complete understanding of the overall value proposition.

What specific environmental mitigation strategies are incorporated into the construction plan to address potential impacts on Texas ecosystems and water resources?

The provided data does not specify the environmental mitigation strategies employed for this border wall construction. Given the sensitive ecosystems along the Texas border, detailed environmental impact assessments and mitigation plans are crucial. These should address potential effects on wildlife, water flow, soil erosion, and protected habitats. Further investigation into the contract's environmental clauses and associated studies is warranted.

How will the effectiveness of the 23-mile border wall system in achieving its stated security objectives be measured and evaluated post-construction?

The effectiveness metrics for this border wall system are not explicitly stated in the award notice. Measuring success will likely involve tracking border crossing incidents, interdictions, and operational efficiency in the designated area. A robust evaluation framework should be established by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to objectively assess the system's impact on security goals and inform future infrastructure investments.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 701 GOLD AVE, BOZEMAN, MT, 59715

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $617,466,457

Exercised Options: $617,466,457

Current Obligation: $617,466,457

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B01C23D00000008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline