DHS Awards $960M Border Barrier Contract to Barnard Construction for BBT-3 Project
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $960,423,540 ($960.4M)
Contractor: Barnard Construction Company, Incorporated
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2026-03-05
End Date: 2027-05-26
Sector: Construction
Official Description: BBT-3 BORDER BARRIER CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $960.4 million to BARNARD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED for work described as: BBT-3 BORDER BARRIER CONSTRUCTION PROJECT Key points: 1. Significant investment in border infrastructure, totaling nearly $1 billion. 2. Barnard Construction Company, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The project spans over two years, indicating a substantial and long-term undertaking. 4. Focus on border security infrastructure highlights a key government priority.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
Pricing is not directly assessed without a benchmark. The large contract value suggests significant resource allocation, but without comparative data on similar barrier construction projects, its value proposition is difficult to ascertain.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded sole-source, meaning no other vendors were considered. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers as competition is absent.
Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this large contract raises concerns about whether taxpayers are receiving the best possible price for this essential infrastructure.
Public Impact
Impacts border communities and ecosystems through construction. Addresses national security and immigration policy objectives. Potential for job creation in construction and related industries. Raises environmental and land use considerations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
- Large contract value requires robust oversight to ensure efficient spending.
- Long project duration increases risk of cost overruns and delays.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical national security needs.
- Potential for economic stimulus through construction jobs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically related to government infrastructure projects. Benchmarks for large-scale construction projects of this nature are highly variable, but the scale suggests a significant portion of the agency's construction budget.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this sole-source award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Given the sole-source nature and substantial value, rigorous oversight by the Department of Homeland Security is crucial. This includes monitoring progress, costs, and adherence to contract terms to ensure accountability and prevent waste.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition due to sole-source award.
- Potential for cost overruns on a large, long-term project.
- Limited transparency on pricing justification.
- Environmental and land use impacts require careful management.
- Effectiveness of the barrier in achieving stated security goals.
Tags
department-of-homeland-security, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $960.4 million to BARNARD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED. BBT-3 BORDER BARRIER CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
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 $960.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-03-05. End: 2027-05-26.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and how was the price determined to be fair and reasonable without competition?
Sole-source awards are typically justified when only one responsible source is available or when a compelling urgency exists. The contracting agency must still conduct a price analysis to ensure the awarded price is fair and reasonable, often by comparing it to historical data, other agency contracts, or independent cost estimates. Without this justification, the lack of competition is a significant concern for value.
What are the specific performance metrics and risk mitigation strategies in place for this large, multi-year construction project?
Effective oversight requires clearly defined performance metrics tied to project milestones, quality standards, and timelines. Risk mitigation strategies should address potential issues like material shortages, labor disputes, unforeseen site conditions, and environmental impacts. Regular progress reviews and contingency planning are essential to manage these risks and ensure successful project completion within budget.
How does the cost of this border barrier construction compare to similar projects, and what is the long-term cost-benefit analysis?
A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis would evaluate the project's expenses against its intended outcomes, such as improved border security and reduced illegal crossings. Benchmarking against similar construction projects, both government and private, is vital to assess cost-effectiveness. Long-term costs, including maintenance and potential environmental remediation, should also be factored into the overall assessment of value.
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