By Sue Brink, NAVFAC Southeast Public Affairs Office

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- NAVFAC Southeast awarded a $7.3 million task order under a multiple award construction contract Sept. 30 to Asset Group, Inc., a small business based in Oklahoma City.

Rennovations are planned for Building 600, the Navy Gateway Inn and Suites, at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla.

"Building 600 is on the State Historical Register and will be a challenging project incorporating elevators, new windows and doors throughout with all the upgrades of a mid-grade hotel with old style charm," stated Theresa Withee, Director of Lodging in the Pensacola area.

The work will include renovation of the main entry drawing room, kitchen areas, bedrooms and some bathrooms in each suite. It will also include front desk work areas, break rooms and offices.

"Our primary customers are those students and travelers that are on temporary travel orders for school or some business event. We have a wide variety of civilian and military folks staying with us. We want to provide a fine value for our guests," said Withee.

"Visitors staying at the NGIS will notice the improvements as soon as they walk in," said NAS Pensacola Public Works Officer Cmdr. Jeff Deviney. "The reception area and staff offices will be updated and a new door and ramp will be installed for ADA compliance."

The facility serves military members, civil servants, and military retirees visiting NAS Pensacola.

Many guests stay on extended temporary duty orders will use up-to-date kitchen facilities, while the new reception area will be conducive to efficient customer service.

The NGIS project is another project that was awarded through NAVFAC's Small Business Program.

"Working to continuously build our Small Business program is important," said Nelson Smith, NAVFAC Southeast small business deputy. "Every contract awarded to a small business helps to keep our nation's economy rolling."

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.

Work is expected to be completed by January 2015.