Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast awarded a nearly $25 million contract March 30, to Head, Inc./Ballew, a joint venture small business out of Columbus, Ohio, for airfield repairs to be completed at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas.

The contract provides for major electrical vault repair, electrical infrastructure work, grade correction, pavement mill and overlay, airfield lighting, signage and marking for up to two taxiways, and reconfiguration of the main airfield apron.

Site clearing and demolition and all other associated work necessary to accomplish the project are to be included in the award.

"This phase of the major Airfield Improvement Project will enhance our ability to provide the best possible environment to support our primary mission of enabling pilot training," said NAS Corpus Christi Commanding Officer Capt. Steve Banta. "The overall project includes renovations to runway, taxiways, aprons, lights, signs, and paint which prepare TRUAX field for decades of continued Naval Aviation support."

Work is expected to be completed by March 2018.

Small businesses, which includes 8(a) firms, play a vital role in the American economy. They employ 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 these businesses.

"Small Business is the backbone to our economy," said Mark Brock, NAVFAC Southeast small business deputy. "NAVFAC Southeast is committed to providing small business opportunities. This is a win for the taxpayer, the nation, and the Navy."

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. The maximum practicable utilization of small business concerns is a matter of national interest with both social and economic benefits.

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