WHAT IS THIS?

This is a construction contract awarded to Brasfield and Gorrie LLC, a company based in Alabama, to design and build two technology buildings and parking garages for the Department of Justice (DOJ). The company will receive up to $409.4 million to complete this construction project between late 2022 and September 2026.

WHY WAS THIS FUNDED?

The DOJ has authority to build and maintain federal facilities needed to carry out its law enforcement and justice functions. Additional program information is not available about the specific legal authority or program that funded this particular award.

WHAT PUBLIC PROBLEM IS IT TRYING TO SOLVE?

The federal government periodically needs new or expanded facilities to house employees, technology systems, and operations that support law enforcement and justice programs. These buildings appear intended to provide modern workspace and infrastructure for DOJ technology operations.

WHO BENEFITS?

Construction workers and subcontractors employed on the project benefit directly, as do DOJ employees and technology staff who will eventually work in the new buildings. The broader Alabama community may also benefit from local jobs and economic activity generated by the project.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

A contract of this size carries risks of cost overruns, construction delays, or changes in project scope that could increase the final price to taxpayers. Because the contract type is listed as unknown, it is not clear what cost controls or performance incentives are built into the agreement.

WHAT HAPPENS IF FUNDING IS REMOVED?

Cancelling this contract would likely halt construction, potentially leaving partially built facilities unusable and resulting in financial penalties owed to the contractor. DOJ operations that were planned for these buildings would need to find alternative space or delay expansion.

ARGUMENTS FOR

• •Modern technology buildings can improve the efficiency and security of DOJ operations, helping law enforcement and justice programs serve the public more effectively.
• •Construction projects of this scale create significant local employment and economic activity in Alabama.
• •Investing in purpose-built federal facilities can be more cost-effective over time than leasing commercial office space for decades.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST

• •At over $409 million, this is a very large expenditure, and the public has limited information about what specific DOJ functions or technology needs justify that cost.
• •The unknown contract type raises questions about whether taxpayers are protected against cost overruns or whether the price could rise further before 2026.
• •Some argue the federal government should reduce its physical footprint and real estate costs, especially as remote and hybrid work have become more common.