Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded an $8 million contract Sept. 1 to WEB, LLC, a small business out of Springfield, Virginia, for construction of a Visitor's Quarters Navy Gateway Inns and Suites facility at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, in Belle Chasse, Louisiana.

"We welcome the addition of a Navy Lodge aboard the installation," Capt. Scott R. Gootee, NAS JRB New Orleans commanding officer, said. "Having a modern visitor's quarters for service members, retirees, and their families enhances the viability of the base."

The work to be performed provides for construction of a new two-story structure, steel frame with brick veneer and a standing seam metal roof. The facility will have 50 standard guest rooms.

Facility systems will include; heating, ventilation and air conditioning, electrical, cable television, internet access, connected to the base central fire alarm system, include an automatic fire sprinkler and a mass notification system.

Work is expected to be completed by March of 2017.

Small business play a vital role in the American economy - employing half of our country's workforce, creating nearly two out of every three new American jobs, and often being the source of the next great American innovation. NAVFAC Southeast strives to meet its goals building on its success by providing contract opportunities to small businesses.

"For NAVFAC, small business is always the first option," said NAVFAC Southeast Small Business Deputy Nelson Smith. "NAVFAC Southeast has continuously shown a strong commitment to small businesses in fulfilling our mission requirements."

Each year NAVFAC establishes target goals for Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Historically Underutilized Business Zone Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, and Women-Owned Small Business categories. Smith explained that the maximum practicable utilization of small business concerns is a matter of national interest with both social and economic benefits.

For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/.