DHS Awards $602M Border Wall Contract to Barnard Construction for Del Rio Sector

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $601,914,474 ($601.9M)

Contractor: Barnard Construction Company, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-03-05

End Date: 2028-08-31

Sector: Construction

Official Description: BORDER WALL CONSTRUCTION - VERTICAL BARRIER, DEL RIO TEXAS SECTOR (DRT-4)

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $601.9 million to BARNARD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED for work described as: BORDER WALL CONSTRUCTION - VERTICAL BARRIER, DEL RIO TEXAS SECTOR (DRT-4) Key points: 1. Significant investment in border infrastructure with a substantial contract value. 2. Competition details are limited, raising questions about price discovery. 3. Potential risks include project delays, cost overruns, and environmental impact. 4. Spending is concentrated within the construction sector, specifically for border security.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $602 million for vertical barrier construction is substantial. Without comparable contract data for similar projects, assessing its value relative to market rates is difficult. The lack of detailed pricing information makes a precise benchmark challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was awarded as a delivery order, but the specific procurement method (e.g., full and open competition, sole-source) is not detailed. This lack of transparency hinders an assessment of how competition influenced pricing and ensured the best value for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The significant expenditure of $602 million directly impacts taxpayer funds allocated for border security. The effectiveness and efficiency of this spending will determine the ultimate return on investment for the public.

Public Impact

Direct impact on border security operations and infrastructure in the Del Rio sector. Potential environmental and community impacts associated with large-scale construction. Job creation and economic activity in the region due to the construction project.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of competition transparency
  • Potential for cost overruns
  • Environmental concerns
  • Long-term maintenance costs

Positive Signals

  • Addresses critical border security needs
  • Investment in infrastructure
  • Potential for improved operational efficiency

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically focusing on large-scale infrastructure projects for government security. Benchmarks for similar border barrier projects are scarce due to their unique nature and political context.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Large infrastructure projects often involve prime contractors who may subcontract, but the direct impact on small businesses is not specified.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure the project adheres to timelines, budget, and quality standards. The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are responsible for monitoring contract performance and accountability.

Related Government Programs

  • Department of Homeland Security Contracting
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of detailed competition information
  • Potential for scope creep and cost escalation
  • Environmental impact concerns
  • Long-term maintenance and operational costs
  • Effectiveness in deterring illegal crossings is debated

Tags

department-of-homeland-security, delivery-order, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $601.9 million to BARNARD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED. BORDER WALL CONSTRUCTION - VERTICAL BARRIER, DEL RIO TEXAS SECTOR (DRT-4)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BARNARD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED.

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 $601.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-05. End: 2028-08-31.

What is the projected cost per mile or per linear foot of the vertical barrier, and how does this compare to similar projects?

The provided data does not include specific cost breakdowns for the barrier itself, only the total contract value. To determine cost per mile or linear foot, further details on the total length and type of barrier are required. Without this, a comparison to similar projects is not feasible, making it difficult to assess cost-effectiveness.

What are the identified environmental risks associated with this construction, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Large-scale border wall construction can pose significant environmental risks, including habitat fragmentation, disruption of wildlife corridors, and potential impacts on water resources. Specific mitigation strategies for this project are not detailed in the provided data. A thorough environmental impact assessment and clear mitigation plans are essential for responsible project execution.

How will the effectiveness of the vertical barrier in enhancing border security be measured and evaluated post-construction?

The effectiveness of the barrier will likely be measured through metrics such as changes in illegal border crossings, interdiction rates, and operational efficiency in the Del Rio sector. Establishing clear baseline data before construction and setting specific, measurable goals will be crucial for a meaningful post-construction evaluation.

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