Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $33 million contract, June 30, to IMC-Landsouth, LLC, a small business out of Middleburg, Florida, to replace base housing at Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

"We are looking forward to working with IMC-Landsouth, LLC for the construction of the new homes on board Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. It is nice to partner with a small business for this vital project," said NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer Capt. David Culpepper. "We are looking forward to the completion of this project for a variety of reasons but mainly because it will so significantly improve the quality of life for our service members and civilians living and working on the installation."

The work to be performed provides construction to replace antiquated family housing units with 51 new single family residences at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Family housing units will be replaced at Mobile Point, Iguana Terrace, Caravella Point, Evans Point, Marina Point and Marine Site neighborhoods to support civilian and military personnel.

The project will include metal frame or masonry with stucco or vinyl siding, screened-in covered patios, driveway with visitor parking, vinyl fencing, exterior storage and community recreational facilities. Units will include a two-car garage.

Special construction criteria will include provision to withstand hurricane wind speed of 105 mph.

Work will be performed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and is expected to be completed by June 2018.

Small businesses 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.

"NAVFAC Southeast consistently seeks to provide the maximum practicable opportunity for small businesses to fulfill our mission requirements," said NAVFAC Southeast Small Business Assistant Deputy Director Dawn Brown. "Every small business award is a win for the taxpayers, 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. 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/.