DHS Awards $269M LRT-3 Waterborne Barrier Project to Spencer Construction LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $269,200,000 ($269.2M)
Contractor: Spencer Construction LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2026-03-05
End Date: 2027-02-25
Sector: Construction
Official Description: LRT-3 WATERBORNE BARRIER CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $269.2 million to SPENCER CONSTRUCTION LLC for work described as: LRT-3 WATERBORNE BARRIER CONSTRUCTION PROJECT Key points: 1. Significant investment in border infrastructure security. 2. Project duration of approximately 21 months. 3. Potential for cost overruns in large construction projects. 4. Focus on border security technology and physical barriers.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $269.2 million for a waterborne barrier construction project is substantial. Without specific details on the scope and complexity, it's difficult to benchmark against similar projects, but large-scale infrastructure contracts often present cost management challenges.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The competition method is not specified, which impacts price discovery. If the contract was awarded through a limited or sole-source process, it may not have achieved the most competitive pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated for a critical border security infrastructure project. The ultimate impact depends on the project's effectiveness in achieving its security objectives and the efficiency of its execution.
Public Impact
Enhances border security capabilities by addressing waterborne threats. Supports national security objectives related to immigration and interdiction. Potential impact on local environment and communities near the construction site.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of transparency in award process.
- Potential for scope creep and cost escalation.
- Environmental impact assessment needed.
- Long-term maintenance costs not specified.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical national security need.
- Clear project timeline provided.
- Awarded to a specific construction company.
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the construction and defense/security sectors, focusing on critical infrastructure for border protection. Spending in this area is often driven by national security priorities and can be substantial, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scale and location.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Spencer Construction LLC, and it is not indicated whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the project stays within budget, adheres to the timeline, and meets the specified security requirements. The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be responsible for monitoring progress and performance.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of specified competition method.
- Potential for cost overruns in large infrastructure projects.
- Environmental impact not detailed.
- Long-term maintenance and operational costs unknown.
- Effectiveness metrics not provided.
Tags
department-of-homeland-security, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $269.2 million to SPENCER CONSTRUCTION LLC. LRT-3 WATERBORNE BARRIER CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SPENCER CONSTRUCTION LLC.
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 $269.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-03-05. End: 2027-02-25.
What specific technological or material innovations are incorporated into this waterborne barrier to ensure its effectiveness and durability against various threats?
The provided data does not detail the specific technological or material innovations within the LRT-3 waterborne barrier. Further investigation into the contract's technical specifications and performance requirements would be necessary to assess the advanced features and their expected efficacy in deterring or interdicting threats.
How does the $269.2 million cost compare to similar waterborne barrier projects implemented by other federal agencies or international partners, considering scale and complexity?
Benchmarking this $269.2 million project requires detailed comparison data on similar waterborne barrier constructions, which is not readily available. Factors like geographic location, environmental conditions, threat levels, and technological sophistication significantly influence costs, making direct comparisons challenging without granular project details.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this barrier project, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure the $269.2 million investment yields effective border security outcomes?
The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the LRT-3 waterborne barrier project. Effective measurement of outcomes would typically involve metrics related to interdiction rates, breach prevention, durability under various conditions, and operational readiness, all of which require detailed contractual stipulations and monitoring protocols.
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