U.S. General Services Administration
GSA Awards $6.8 Million for Grand Portage LPOE CMa
Contact: tanya.schusler@gsa.gov
GSA Awards $6.8 Million for Construction Manager as Advisor for Grand Portage, Minnesota, Land Port of Entry Modernization and Expansion
Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the announcement is part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
CHICAGO - As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded a contract for construction management and commissioning services in support of the Land Port of Entry (LPOE) modernization project in Grand Portage, Minnesota.
GSA awarded the $6,812,971 contract to OES Pond JV II, LLC, a tribally owned 8(a) small disadvantaged business, for construction management and commissioning services. OES Pond JV II will assist GSA in requirements development, acquisition, design reviews, and construction management in support of the project at Grand Portage. In addition, OES Pond JV II will serve as the local point of contact for the tribal community, Minnesota State Park personnel, and the local utility company.
The overall project will assist the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to carry out its mission at the border crossing that connects Grand Portage, Minnesota, with Neebing, Ontario. The Grand Portage port of entry processes personal vehicles, buses, pedestrians, and commercial traffic. The expansion project will have five lanes and officer booths for each lane, enhancing officer safety and security and enabling CBP to process border traffic more efficiently. The new, modern, and energy-efficient facility will meet the federal government’s mission requirements, enhance safety and security, and improve customer service to travelers.
GSA’s goals for the Grand Portage port of entry include providing a long-lasting and durable facility, which is sustainable and climate resilient, with low maintenance and operating costs. This project will help strengthen the supply chain, create good-paying jobs, and serve as a model of sustainability. GSA anticipates issuing the design-build solicitation in fall 2023 and awarding this contract in fall 2025.
“In the first year of this project, we have made a great deal of progress,” said GSA’s Great Lakes Region Public Buildings Service Commissioner Angel Dizon. “We are proudly building strong relationships and working closely with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. We are in the process of learning and understanding the unique aspects of this project while establishing fruitful government-to-government engagement.”
As a result of the consultation process, the Grand Portage GSA team and tribal leadership developed a stronger relationship built on trust and consensus building. As a result:
- The site footprint was reduced to better reflect the needs and wants of the local tribal community.
- The National Environmental Policy Act statement of work was revised to reflect environmental evaluation standards of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
- The tribe became a cooperating agency, elevating tribal authority and engagement at the appropriate level.
- Tribal needs and opportunities were identified.
- GSA’s understanding of the tribe’s community and culture were enhanced.
- Appropriate leaders and decision makers were brought to the discussion.
The overall project will replace the existing obsolete facility with the construction of a new land port of entry between the United States and Canada. By expanding the facility, GSA will allow for enhanced traffic flow and management. Construction is slated to be completed in 2029.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a total of $3.4 billion for GSA to build and modernize land ports of entry on the country’s northern and southern borders. The investments will improve commerce and trade, create good-paying construction jobs, and incorporate new and innovative sustainability features.
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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing about $87 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.