Advancing agricultural research infrastructure, supporting sustainable livestock production systems, and modernizing federal scientific laboratories, Messer Construction Co. has been awarded an $82,471,000 firm-fixed-price contract. Executed on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the major construction project finances the building of the new Forage Animal Product Research Unit facility in Lexington, Kentucky.
Contract Details: At A Glance
| Contractor: | Messer Construction Co. |
| Award Date: | September 17, 2026 |
| Contract Value: | $82,471,000 |
| Project: | USDA Forage Animal Product Research Unit Facility Construction |
| Location: | Lexington, Kentucky |
| Contract Number: | W912QR-26-C-A035 |
| Awarding District: | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District |
District Context & Mission Impact
This interagency scientific facility project is administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District. Beyond military construction, the Louisville District manages complex civil works and provides specialized interagency facility support to non-defense federal agencies like the USDA. The Forage Animal Product Research Unit (FAPRU) focuses on optimizing forage-based livestock production, enhancing pasture ecosystem health, and improving meat and forage quality across the transition zone. Constructing a state-of-the-art research complex delivers modern agricultural research laboratories, greenhouse facilities, specialized analytical equipment suites, and administrative support spaces. Replacing legacy research facilities ensures federal scientists can conduct cutting-edge agricultural research through late 2028.
Contractor Spotlight & Industry Context
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Messer Construction Co. is an employee-owned regional leader in commercial construction, specialized research facilities, healthcare centers, and higher education campus builds across the Midwest and Southeast. Bids were solicited via the internet with four competitive proposals received. Constructing advanced agricultural and biological research facilities requires complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, specialized laboratory containment controls, precise environmental growth chambers, acoustic isolation, and adherence to federal research facility standards. Partnering experienced commercial builders with USACE project managers ensures critical agricultural research assets are delivered efficiently.
