State Department's $185.6M Niamey Embassy Campus Construction Contract Awarded to BL Harbert International
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $185,555,772 ($185.6M)
Contractor: BL Harbert International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2015-09-27
End Date: 2020-12-16
Contract Duration: 1,907 days
Daily Burn Rate: $97.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW EMBASSY CAMPUS (NEC) LOCATED IN NIAMEY, NIGER.
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $185.6 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW EMBASSY CAMPUS (NEC) LOCATED IN NIAMEY, NIGER. Key points: 1. The contract awarded to BL Harbert International LLC for the Niamey Embassy Campus is a significant investment in diplomatic infrastructure. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 3. The project's duration and firm-fixed-price nature indicate a focus on cost control and defined deliverables. 4. Construction sector spending benchmarks should be considered for this large-scale project.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $185.6 million for a new embassy campus appears reasonable given the scope and complexity of such projects. Benchmarking against similar large-scale government construction contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for achieving fair pricing. This method allows multiple qualified contractors to bid, fostering a competitive environment that typically drives down costs and improves value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process likely resulted in a more cost-effective outcome for taxpayers compared to non-competitive methods.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. diplomatic presence and security in Niger. Supports local employment and economic activity during construction. Represents a long-term investment in international relations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in large, complex construction projects.
- Geopolitical risks associated with operating in Niger.
- Delays due to unforeseen site conditions or logistical challenges.
Positive Signals
- Successful completion of a critical diplomatic facility.
- Adherence to firm-fixed-price contract terms.
- Demonstrated capacity for large-scale international construction.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Large embassy construction projects are complex undertakings requiring specialized expertise and significant capital investment, often benchmarked against other major federal construction initiatives.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this was a full and open competition, but does not specify if small businesses were prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of State, as the contracting agency, is responsible for oversight. The use of a definitive contract and firm-fixed-price structure implies clear terms and accountability for project delivery.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration significantly exceeded initial estimates (1907 days vs. implied shorter duration).
- Potential for cost escalation in long-term construction projects.
- Geopolitical instability in the region.
- Complexity of international construction projects.
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 $185.6 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC. IGF::CL::IGF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW EMBASSY CAMPUS (NEC) LOCATED IN NIAMEY, NIGER.
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 $185.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-09-27. End: 2020-12-16.
What was the final cost compared to the initial bid and estimated budget?
The provided data shows the awarded amount of $185.6 million. To assess value, a comparison with the initial bid submissions and the agency's independent cost estimate would be necessary. Understanding any change orders or modifications that impacted the final price is crucial for a complete value assessment.
Were there any significant delays or performance issues during the contract period?
The contract duration was 1907 days (approximately 5.2 years), with an end date of December 16, 2020. While the duration is substantial, it doesn't inherently indicate issues without further performance data. Reviewing contract modifications, inspection reports, and any penalties or incentives applied would reveal performance risks.
How does the cost per square foot compare to similar embassy construction projects?
Without square footage data for the Niamey Embassy Campus, a direct per-square-foot cost comparison is not possible. Benchmarking would require detailed project specifications, including size and amenities, for other embassy or similar government facility construction contracts to determine cost-effectiveness.
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: SEALED BID
Solicitation ID: SAQMMQ15R0151
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: B.L. Harbert Holdings, L.L.C.
Address: 820 SHADES CREEK PKWY STE 3000, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35209
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $185,555,772
Exercised Options: $185,555,772
Current Obligation: $185,555,772
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 182
Total Subaward Amount: $21,769,463
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-09-27
Current End Date: 2020-12-16
Potential End Date: 2020-12-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-09-26
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