Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $6 million contract April 20 to Phoenix Construction, a small business out of Lynn Haven, Florida, for additional helicopter parking for the MH-60 aircraft at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

The new contract will provide ten additional parking spots for the MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter. The current configuration of the parking apron provides 15 parking spots for the three MH-60R squadrons currently there. Nine spots will be created through reconfiguration of the existing apron and this project will construct the remaining 10 spots required to support the squadrons.

The work to be performed provides site clearing, excavation, demolition of a sewage lift station and preparation for construction. Building demolition, paving and site improvements include grading, roadways, roadway extension, landscaping, retaining wall, underground storm water management system, fencing and signs.

A hot refueling spot is also part of the scope of the project. A hot spot is where a helicopter can stay running while refueling.

NAVFAC Southeast strives to meet its goals building on its success by providing contract opportunities to small businesses.

"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," said NAVFAC Southeast Small Business Deputy Nelson Smith. "The maximum practicable utilization of small business concerns is a matter of national interest with both social and economic benefits."

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