BiolabsDHS S&T awards $834 million contract for construction of Manhattan, Kansas biolab

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) yesterday announced the award of a contract for the final phase of construction of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) being constructed in Manhattan, Kansas. The $834 million award by S&T’s procurement support partner, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), modifies the existing contract for McCarthy Mortensen NBAF Joint Venture, which was selected in 2009.

“The NBAF will be a key component in our joint effort with the U.S. 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.”

The State of Kansas is providing $307 million, and the City of Manhattan is providing $5 million toward the total acquisition cost inclusive of planning, design, construction and commissioning of the $1.25 billion facility.

The award is the beginning of the third and final phase of construction of the NBAF. 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.