A final $834 million contract for the final phase of construction of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) being constructed in Manhattan, Kansas, has been awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) procurement support partner, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers.
The contract modifies the existing contract for McCarthy Mortensen NBAF Joint Venture, which was selected in 2009, DHS announced Tuesday.
“The NBAF will be a key component in our joint effort with the Department of Agriculture to advance research critical to the security of our nation’s food supply and agricultural economy,” said S&T Under Secretary Dr. Reginald Brothers. “This critical facility will further develop the strategic partnerships between the department, the state of Kansas and the City of Manhattan, along with private entities and better leverage the research capabilities of the NBAF once it is operational.”
Kansas is providing $307 million and the City of Manhattan is providing $5 million towards the total acquisition cost, inclusive of planning, design, construction and commissioning of the $1.25 billion facility, DHS said.
“The award is the beginning of the third and final phase of construction of the NBAF,” DHS stated, noting that, “Site preparation was completed in 2012 with funding provided by the state of Kansas. The central utility plant (CUP) is expected to be completed in October of this year. The $80 million CUP, which houses the boilers, chillers, emergency diesel generators and other support elements for the main laboratory facility, was funded with $40 million in federal appropriations and $40 million in gift funding from the state of Kansas.”
Construction is expected to be completed in 2020, with full operational capability achieved by 2022.
