Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $15.5 million contract, Sept. 28, to CRP Contracting, a small business out of Columbus, Ohio, for airfield repairs at Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas, and Navy Outlying Landing Field (NOLF) Cabaniss, Texas, which lies approximately eight miles west of NAS Corpus Christi.

"These much-needed repairs will enhance our airfield's capability enabling us to continue supporting naval air training," said NAS Corpus Christi Commanding Officer Capt. Phil Brock.

NAS Corpus Christi has been home to Naval pilot training since 1941. Today, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and foreign student pilots earn their wings training in the squadrons of Training Air Wing Four, using NAS' Truax Field and other outlying airfields.

The contract calls for major electrical repairs, electrical infrastructure work, grade correction, pavement mill and overlay, airfield lighting, signage and marking. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised will increase the cumulative value of the contract to more than $17 million. That option would facilitate additional repairs to taxiways, pavement and lighting at NALF Cabaniss.

Small business (which includes 8(a) firms) 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. The maximum practicable utilization of small business concerns is a matter of national interest with both social and economic benefits.

"I am excited we had a small business win this award," said Mark Brock, NAVFAC Southeast small business deputy. "I would like to prepare more small businesses to win large awards through mentor-protege relationships. I see a larger vision of using mentor proteges to give a voice to small businesses in the global market; not only to meet the needs of the NAVFAC enterprise, but to posture small businesses for the global economy."

NAVFAC Southeast strives to meet its goals building on its success by providing contract opportunities to these businesses. Each year NAVFAC establishes target goals for small business including small disadvantaged businesses, historically underutilized business zone small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and women-owned small businesses.

"Last fiscal year (FY16) NAVFAC Southeast awarded more than $500 million in contracts to small businesses," said Brock.

Repairs at Corpus Christi are expected to be completed by December 2019.

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