State Department's $146.6M Embassy Compound Project Awarded to BL Harbert International
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $146,612,763 ($146.6M)
Contractor: BL Harbert International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2011-09-15
End Date: 2015-01-01
Contract Duration: 1,204 days
Daily Burn Rate: $121.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: DESIGN BUILD PROJECT FOR NEW EMBASSY COMPOUND
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $146.6 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: DESIGN BUILD PROJECT FOR NEW EMBASSY COMPOUND Key points: 1. The project involved the construction of a new embassy compound, a significant undertaking for the Department of State. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust process for selecting the contractor. 3. The contract was a firm fixed price, which typically provides cost certainty for the government. 4. The project duration was 1204 days, indicating a substantial construction timeline.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $146.6 million for a new embassy compound appears reasonable given the scope and complexity of such projects. Benchmarking against similar large-scale government construction projects would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition suggests that multiple qualified contractors had the opportunity to bid, fostering a competitive environment that should lead to a fair price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process likely ensured taxpayer funds were used efficiently for this significant infrastructure investment.
Public Impact
Enhances diplomatic presence and security through a new, modern embassy facility. Supports local economies through job creation during the construction phase. Represents a long-term investment in U.S. foreign relations infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise.
- Delays in construction could impact diplomatic operations.
- Ensuring compliance with all environmental and safety regulations.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed price contract provides budget certainty.
- Full and open competition likely secured competitive pricing.
- Experienced contractor selected for a complex project.
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Large-scale government construction projects like embassy compounds are often complex, requiring specialized expertise and adherence to stringent security and quality standards.
Small Business Impact
While the primary contract was awarded to a large firm, opportunities for small businesses may have existed as subcontractors for specialized services or material supply, though this data does not explicitly detail their involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of State, as the contracting agency, is responsible for overseeing the project's execution, ensuring adherence to contract terms, and managing any potential risks or disputes.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for scope creep leading to cost increases.
- Risk of construction delays impacting project timeline.
- Ensuring quality and adherence to specifications.
- Geopolitical factors could impact security requirements.
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-state, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $146.6 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC. DESIGN BUILD PROJECT FOR NEW EMBASSY COMPOUND
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $146.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-09-15. End: 2015-01-01.
What was the final cost compared to the initial bid, and were there any significant change orders?
The provided data shows the awarded amount but not the final cost or details on change orders. A review of contract modifications and final payment records would be necessary to determine if the project stayed within budget or if significant adjustments were made due to unforeseen circumstances or scope changes.
Were there any performance issues or disputes during the construction period?
The data does not indicate any performance issues or disputes. Further investigation into contract performance reports, inspection records, and any formal complaints or litigation would be required to assess contractor performance and identify any potential problems encountered during the project's lifecycle.
How does the cost per square foot of this embassy compound compare to similar international construction projects?
Without specific details on the square footage and finishes of the embassy compound, a direct cost-per-square-foot comparison is difficult. However, embassy construction often includes high security features and specialized infrastructure, which can significantly increase costs compared to standard commercial buildings.
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: TWO STEP
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: B.L. Harbert Holdings, L.L.C. (UEI: 147371236)
Address: 820 SHADES CREEK, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35209
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $146,612,763
Exercised Options: $146,612,763
Current Obligation: $146,612,763
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-09-15
Current End Date: 2015-01-01
Potential End Date: 2015-01-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-09-08
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