DHS Awards $1.22 Billion Border Wall Contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel for Big Bend Sector
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,223,124,000 ($1.2B)
Contractor: Fisher Sand & Gravel CO
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2026-02-13
End Date: 2027-09-05
Sector: Construction
Official Description: BORDER WALL CONSTRUCTION - VERTICAL BARRIER, BIG BEND TEXAS SECTOR (BBT-2)
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $1.22 billion to FISHER SAND & GRAVEL CO for work described as: BORDER WALL CONSTRUCTION - VERTICAL BARRIER, BIG BEND TEXAS SECTOR (BBT-2) Key points: 1. Significant investment of over $1.2 billion for border infrastructure. 2. Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. is the sole contractor for this project. 3. Potential risks include cost overruns, construction delays, and environmental impact. 4. Spending is concentrated in the Construction sector, specifically border security.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value is substantial at $1.22 billion. Without comparable contracts for similar vertical barrier construction in the Big Bend sector, it is difficult to assess pricing effectiveness. The lack of competition further complicates this assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded as a sole-source procurement, meaning there was no open competition. This significantly limits price discovery and may lead to less favorable pricing for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award raises concerns about whether taxpayers are receiving the best possible value for over $1.2 billion in spending.
Public Impact
Direct impact on border security infrastructure in the Big Bend region. Potential environmental consequences for the unique ecosystem of Big Bend National Park. Economic impact on local communities through job creation and resource utilization. Ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness and necessity of border wall construction.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price scrutiny.
- Large contract value increases risk of cost overruns.
- Potential for environmental impact in a sensitive region.
- Contract duration extends over multiple fiscal years.
Positive Signals
- Addresses stated national security objective of border barrier.
- Potential for job creation in the construction sector.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Construction sector, specifically related to government infrastructure projects for national security. Benchmark spending for similar large-scale border infrastructure projects is difficult to establish due to unique project scopes and procurement methods.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication in the provided data that small businesses are involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. The award appears to be to a single, large entity.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical given the sole-source nature and significant value of this contract. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection will need robust mechanisms to monitor progress, costs, and environmental compliance.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source procurement limits competitive pressure on pricing.
- High contract value increases financial risk and potential for cost overruns.
- Environmental impact in a sensitive ecological zone requires careful management.
- Effectiveness of vertical barriers as a security measure is subject to debate.
- Long contract duration spanning multiple years introduces execution risks.
Tags
department-of-homeland-security, delivery-order, billion-dollar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $1.22 billion to FISHER SAND & GRAVEL CO. BORDER WALL CONSTRUCTION - VERTICAL BARRIER, BIG BEND TEXAS SECTOR (BBT-2)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FISHER SAND & GRAVEL CO.
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 $1.22 billion.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-02-13. End: 2027-09-05.
What specific criteria justified the sole-source award for this border wall project, and how was the price determined to be fair and reasonable without competitive bidding?
Sole-source awards are typically justified when only one responsible source is available or when the public interest would be compromised by a lengthy competitive process. For this contract, the justification would need to detail why Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. was the only viable option and how their proposed price was evaluated against cost principles and market research to ensure fairness and reasonableness, despite the absence of competing bids.
What are the projected environmental impacts of constructing a vertical barrier in the Big Bend sector, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
The Big Bend sector is known for its unique and sensitive ecosystem, including wildlife habitats and water resources. Construction activities could lead to habitat fragmentation, soil erosion, and disruption of wildlife corridors. Mitigation strategies should include thorough environmental impact assessments, adherence to environmental regulations, and potentially the use of construction methods designed to minimize disturbance, such as wildlife-friendly fencing designs where appropriate.
How will the effectiveness of this vertical barrier in enhancing border security be measured and evaluated over the contract's duration and beyond?
Effectiveness measurement should go beyond simply tracking construction completion. Key performance indicators could include changes in illegal border crossings, smuggling activity, and operational efficiency in the targeted area. Post-construction analysis should compare these metrics against pre-construction baselines and potentially against similar sectors with different border security measures to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the barrier's impact.
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