wall

Texas Border Wall Construction Status


June 16, 2021 - Governor Abbott Announces Border Wall Construction Strategy -
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-border-wall-construction-strategy

 

Office of the Governor - Texas Border Wall (website) - https://www.borderwall.texas.gov/

 

TFC Statement

June 16, 2021 – As of today, the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) has limited information on the details of this initiative.  We are awaiting receipt of the official Directive from the Governor to study and analyze the scope of our involvement. However, TFC stands ready to provide professional and technical services in selecting and contracting a Program Manager Firm to construct the Texas border wall.


June 17, 2021 - The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) is aware of the Directive from the Governor to study and analyze the scope of our involvement.  We are immediately and diligently defining the technical scope of the anticipated Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Program Manager Firm to satisfy all legal requirements, remaining transparent and compliant with State competitive bidding standards.  We will continue to update this website as the RFP process proceeds.


June 24, 2021 - The RFP and its timeline are in development. We must adhere to all State of Texas purchasing and legal requirements and secure the best value for the State. TFC will post a tentative date for this solicitation on the procurement forecast webpage (link below) when we have an anticipated date for the RFP.
https://www.tfc.texas.gov/divisions/commissionadmin/prog/internal-procurement-1/index.html#forecast

July 1, 2021 - TFC executive staff is accessing the resource requirements to fulfill this mandate and gathering information from our partners across several state agencies to develop the scope of the RFP.


July 6, 2021 - TFC is in the process of performing extensive research and due diligence to define the scope of the anticipated RFP for a program manager. A technical consultant is assisting with the development of the RFP to further expedite the process. (Contract for $160,000 to Broaddus and Associates, Inc. was executed on August 31, 2021.)


July 15, 2021 - To learn more about the State procurement process visit: https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/docs/96-1809.pdf


July 22, 2021 - Estimated Procurement Time for Border Wall Program Manager Firm RFP


July 30, 2021 - The RFP for the "Program Manager" firm to lead the construction of the Border Wall was published today. You can view the solicitation at the TFC Major Solicitation Forecast link from our procurement page. Procurement (texas.gov) We encourage everyone to review that site periodically for any additional updates on procurement opportunities.


August 20, 2021 - The deadline for submitting the RFP for the "Program Manager" firm to lead the Border Wall construction closed today at 3:00 p.m. CST. The submission list is attached (PDF). The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) follows State Procurement Guidelines and has no other information to release.


September 3, 2021 - The Texas Facilities Commission completed the evaluation phase for the Program Manager for the Border Wall. Based on the review, we have selected a single respondent, Michael Baker International, Inc. and Huitt-Zollars, Joint Venture as the top respondent.
As noted in the Generic Procurement Timeline posted to the website on July 30, 2021, we will present a recommendation to the Texas Facilities Commissioners for a contract award approval in mid-September 2021.


September 16, 2021 - Today, Texas Facilities Commissioners, in a formal meeting, gave final approval on a contract for the Program Management (Firm) to Michael Baker and Huitt-Zollars Joint Venture (MBHZ JV) for the Texas Border Infrastructure and Wall. This project will focus on various locations in Texas in proximity to the United States-Mexico border. The amount of the contract is not to exceed $11,000,000.00.


September 27, 2021 - A solicitation for Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for Design-Build (D-B) services to execute and complete the Texas Border Infrastructure construction program or portions of it, including new barrier structure, and associated infrastructures, has been posted. TFC anticipates awarding to multiple qualified D-B contractors in Step 1 of this procurement. For more project details, pre-bid conferences, and deadlines, visit this Request for Qualification (RFQ) on the Electronic State Business Daily located on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts web page: http://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbddetails/view/303-2-00365 This website will have the most current information during the solicitation.


October 19, 2021 - The deadline for submitting the Design-Build RFQ for the Texas Border Infrastructure closed on Friday, October 15, 2021. The list of respondents is attached (PDF). The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) follows State Procurement Guidelines and has no other information to release at this time.


October 27, 2021 - We have identified a shortlist for the Design-Build Contractors for the Texas Border Infrastructure at this stage of the procurement process. Those entities invited to move on to the interview phase include BFBC of Texas, LLC; Fisher Sand and Gravel Co.; Posillico Civil, Inc.; SLSCO; and Southwest Valley Constructors Co. In keeping with State Procurement Guidelines, no other information is available until we complete this process.


November 3, 2021 - TFC has identified a top-ranked respondent from the interviews for RFQ 303-2-00365 for the Design-Build Contractors for the Texas Border Infrastructure project. Posillico Civil, Inc is tentatively selected for the RFP phase for the first Task Order at this stage of the procurement process. If TFC cannot make an award or Posillico Civil, Inc is for some other reason ineligible, TFC will move on to the next ranked Respondent. In keeping with State Procurement Guidelines, no additional information is available until we complete this process. (PDF)

TFC's Program Manager Michael Baker Huitt-Zollars Joint Venture is currently working on other Task Orders for additional segments of the wall that TFC may assign to the other short-listed Respondents early next year.


November 18, 2021 - The Texas Facilities Commissioners (TFC) on Thursday, November 18, 2021, voted to approve a Design-Build Contract NOT-TO-EXCEED $162M to Posillico Civil, Inc. for a segment of the Texas Border Infrastructure on State-Owned Land (General Land Office) along the Texas-Mexico Border.

TFC will now issue a notice to proceed (NTP) on this contract, with the potential mobilization and erection of wall panels before year-end. (PDF)


December 18, 2021 - Governor Abbott Debuts Texas Border Wall in Rio Grande City
Border Wall Photos


February 1, 2022 - Texas Facilities Commission Executive Director Mike Novak reported on Friday, January 28, 2022 Posillico's progress for Project One's initial 1.7 mile Border Wall in Starr County is at 4,087 linear feet, approximately .77 miles. Despite a few weather delays, the target time frame for the initial completion of this project remains Spring 2022.


February 10, 2022 - Texas Facility Commission's Federal Surplus Program acquired prefabricated Federal border panels through the General Service Administration (GSA) in late November 2021. As of Monday, February 7, 2022, we have the panels in our possession for use in the near term. Posillico Civil, Inc. provided logistical support transporting the panels.


February 11, 2022 - - Texas Facilities Commission Executive Director Mike Novak reported that as of Friday, February 11, 2022, Posillico's progress for Task Order One's initial 1.7-mile Border Wall in Starr County is at approximately 5,304 linear feet, about 1 mile. The target time frame for the initial completion of this portion of Task Order One remains Spring 2022.


February 16, 2022 - February 16, 2022 - Progress Report: Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) Executive Director Mike Novak reported that as of Monday, February 14, 2022, 5,708 linear feet, just over one mile of the border wall, has been completed on the first 1.7-mile section of this portion of the Task Order. This segment is on target for completion in Spring 2022.

Wall panels on trucks
Photo credit TFC

TFC on Monday, February 7, 2022, received the final shipment of approximately 1,700 metal surplus panels, acquired through the General Service Administration (GSA), Federal Surplus Program (FSP). TFC applied and qualified through the FSP to receive the donated panels. TFC was responsible for the costs of transporting the panels to Texas. Posillico Civil, Inc. provided logistical support transporting the panels from California to Texas for approximately $2 million for the 246 truckloads of panels.

The panels are secured temporarily in Maverick County, Texas, for logistical efficiency and are under the control of the Texas National Guard and for use in the near term.

TFC continues its progress in acquiring the right of way of property through easement agreements. TFC continues to accomplish our mission directed by Governor Greg Abbott to construct the Border Wall.



March 28, 2022 - Progress Report: Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) Executive Director Mike Novak reported that as of Monday, March 28, 2022, 8.393 linear feet (1.59 miles) of the border wall is in place. This wall section is part of the project's initial 1.7-mile section of the border wall. This segment remains on target for completion in Spring 2022.
Wall construction

Wall construction from air


April 21, 2022 - Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) Executive Director Mike Novak reported in today's Commission meeting that Project 1 of the 1.7-mile border wall is substantially complete. The project is still undergoing the installation of gates and other ongoing work as part of the full completion of this project. TFC continues to monitor the running total of Project 1, which is set not to exceed $162M.



June 20, 2022 - Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) Executive Director Mike Novak reported during the Commission meeting on Thursday, June 16, 2022, that the initial 1.7-mile stretch in Starr County is still undergoing the final installation of gates, road work, and lighting. The Texas Facilities Commission is working with the Texas Department of Public Safety on new alignments for Wall Construction along the border.


July 13, 2022 – Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) Executive Director, Mike Novak, testified Tuesday, July 12, 2022, before the Senate Finance Committee. He noted that in less than one year from Governor Abbott’s directive to construct a permanent border wall, TFC has hired a program manager and one design-build (DB) contractor and has completed the first segment of the program’s permanent infrastructure. We have also selected four other DB’s for future projects.

TFC, a state agency with fewer than 400 people, has assumed the role previously played by the Army Corp of Engineers (with approximately 37,000 personnel) to solicit, contract, engineer, and construct a permanent wall along the Texas- Mexico border.

The security mission of this program is led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which has identified about 40 miles of the highest priority to secure the border. The first segment within the program has been completed. It is approximately 1.7 miles long and built on State-owned land managed by the General Land Office (GLO). 

The next segments of the border wall will be on private land, requiring the State to contract for the right of way easements. Securing easements is a detailed legal process with over 10 steps before the final agreement is executed. Currently, the program manager’s Land Agents are contacting and working with about 150 landowners to secure land-use permission agreements that align with the project’s goals.

It must be noted that while building the first segment of the wall, Land Agent have been on the ground working diligently to gain easements on land that aligns with the security parameters established by DPS.

TFC must meet all transparent procurement procedures, respect every landowner’s right, and seek formal and legal approval for securing right-of-way easements. As part of this procedure, TFC is monitoring this process daily, and working diligently to close the arduous legal agreements.

To facilitate a cost-effective construction approach, a minimum of two plus miles of easements must be lined up that meet pre-approved security requirements. Then, the program manager can execute the construction plan, confirm budgets, and schedule the work crews. This method is critical for TFC to build cost-effectively within the budget earmarked for the project.

  • TFC reported on February 10, 2022: Texas Facility Commission's Federal Surplus Program acquired prefabricated Federal border panels through the General Service Administration (GSA) in late November 2021. As of Monday, February 7, 2022, we have the panels in our possession for use in the near term. Posillico Civil, Inc. provided logistical support transporting the panels.
  • Those panels represent approximately 1.3 miles of permanent wall and will be used in one of the next segments of wall construction.



July 22, 2022 – The Texas Facilities Commissioners approved purchasing bollard panels from Texas company Gibraltar Fabrications, LLC for approximately $43.4M for almost 12.8 miles of wall. TFC determined that the prefabricated panels comply with Tactical Infrastructure Design Standards and negotiated the inclusion of the storage and delivery of the materials. This purchase will save taxpayers an estimated minimum of 35 million dollars based on the rising cost of steel and the substantial saving for the storage and delivery.

In January 2021, the federal government halted the southern U.S. border wall construction. The federal government then offered to sell the surplus stock of prefabricated border wall panels to the manufacturers. Gibraltar Fabrication, LLC opted to repurchase the panels from the federal government. In response to an RFP, this central Texas company sold the panels to the State of Texas at a substantial discount and agreed to store and haul the panels to the project site as part of the sale.




August 23, 2022 – Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) Executive Director Mike Novak reported Thursday, August 18, 2022, in the monthly Commission Meeting that the agency is continuing down the critical fourteen-step Easement Process in securing alignment for the construction of the Texas Border Infrastructure project. Securing easements is a detailed legal process before a final agreement can be executed. TFC remains resolute in the security mission of this program led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).




September 29, 2022 – Today, Texas Facilities Commissioners, in a regular meeting, gave approval to award a design-build contract to Southwest Valley Constructors Company in an amount not to exceed $167,000,000.00 for the Border Infrastructure Project in various locations in proximity to the Texas section of the US-Mexico border. The commission also approved an award of a design-build contract to BFBC of Texas, LLC in an amount not to exceed $140,000,000.00 for the Border Infrastructure Project in various locations in proximity to the Texas section of the US-Mexico border.



December 22, 2022 - Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) Executive Director Mike Novak reported Thursday, December 22, 2022, that Posillico Civil, Inc. had re-positioned work crews to Cameron County. The team began the installation of another segment of the wall. Posillico is installing the prefabricated wall panels purchased from a Texas company by TFC in July at a discount.
Wall construction

Wall construction from air

Wall construction from air


January 4, 2023 – Today, the commission approved a design-build contract to Fisher Sand and Gravel in an amount not to exceed $224,000,000 for the Texas Border Infrastructure Project in various locations in proximity to the US Mexico border. Also, approved was an amendment to a consultant contract with Broaddus and Associates, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,265,252.00 for the Texas Border Infrastructure Project, and a program management contract amendment for the Michael Baker & Huitt-Zollars Joint Venture in an amount not to exceed $2,596,083.00 for the Texas Border Infrastructure Project.




January 19, 2023 – Today, the commission approved a design-build contract to SLSCO in an amount not to exceed $137,300,000 for the Texas Border Infrastructure Project in various locations in proximity to the US Mexico border.


Border Wall

April 20, 2023 - Texas Facilities Commission Executive Director Mike Novak presented an update on the Texas Border Infrastructure Program during the Texas Facilities Commission meeting on Thursday, April 20, 2023.  He noted the following:

  • “We have resumed the physical construction of the wall. The structure, a 30' wall, not a temporary fence."
  • “We are continuing a trajectory of significant progress and momentum. It is a program and not a project.”
  • “Major construction activities are underway simultaneously at six separate locations along the border.”
  • “1.6 miles of panels have been erected in the past 30 days.”*

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY PLAN as of April 20, 2023:
Project 1 – Three additional segments in Cameron County (up to five miles).
Project 2 - Val Verde County (almost seven miles) utilizing the 1.3 miles of excess Federal border wall panels obtained last year by TFC will be used on this project.
Project 3 – Webb County (up to five miles)
Project 4 – Two sites in Starr County (up to seven miles)

*Total construction activity completed at the time of the April 20, 2023 TFC commission meeting was 1.6 miles.



August 30, 2023 – Progress Report: Total wall panel miles installed passed another significant threshold as of Friday, August 25, 2023, with 10.08 miles of “Border Wall.” The Texas Border Infrastructure Program* continues to build the “Border Wall” in Starr, Cameron, Val Verde, and Webb Counties.
Webb county wall section
Webb County, Texas


September 21, 2023 - The Texas Facilities Commissioners approved five contracting items today (9/21/23) for the Texas Border Infrastructure (TBI) Program.

Four items are amendments to four Design-Build firms (DB’s) erecting Barrier Structures, Roads, and Utility Infrastructure meeting strict criteria.

These amendments are “NOT TO EXCEED CONTRACTS” and were approved for the following contractors working in various locations in Proximity to the Texas Section of the U.S.-Mexico Border.

  • Posillico Civil, Inc. – NOT TO EXCEED $85M.
  • Southwest Valley Contractors Company - NOT TO EXCEED $82M.
  • Fisher Sand and Gravel Company - NOT TO EXCEED $69M.
  • BFBC of Texas, LLC – NOT TO EXCEED $150M.

The Texas Facilities Commissioners also approved the Multiple Award Task Order Contracts (MATOCs) for the Texas Border Infrastructure Program in various locations in Texas in Proximity to the Texas Section of the U.S.-Mexico Border individual assignments NOT TO EXCEED $300M.


border wall section along Rio Grande

The Texas Border Infrastructure Program* continues to build the “Border Wall” in Starr, Cameron, Val Verde and Webb Counties.



February 15, 2024 - Executive Director Mike Novak reported Monday, February 15, 2024, that 23 miles of the border wall had been completed as of 2/9/24. He mentioned barring any unforeseen circumstances, approximately half a mile to 1 mile of wall will be erected weekly through the foreseeable future. Active construction is underway at 11 separate locations -some in complex terrain, comprising an additional 21 miles of the permanent 30-foot-high steel border wall infrastructure. TFC has secured 70 easements of various lengths to complete the next 50 miles of border wall. There are an additional 94 miles of easements in different stages of negotiation. The program objective is to deliver “substantial completion of approximately 100+ miles of wall by the end of calendar year 2026. Funding for this program was appropriate by the 87th, 88th, and 88-4 legislative sessions, and donated funds.

Texas Border Infrastructure - Cameron County, Texas

Texas Border Infrastructure - Cameron County, Texas



*The security mission of this program is led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which has identified the highest priority to secure the border. For security purposes, specific project work locations are not being released now.

 


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