SAN DIEGO — The last two of eight prototypes for President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall took shape last week at a construction site in San Diego.
Companies have until Oct. 26 to finish the models. Each model costs the government up to $500,000. Bidding guidelines call for the prototypes to stand between 18 and 30 feet high and be able to withstand at least an hour of punishment from a sledgehammer, pickax, torch, chisel or battery-operated tools.
Features also should prevent the use of climbing aids such as grappling hooks, and the segments must be “aesthetically pleasing” when viewed from the U.S. side.
Here’s a rundown of companies building prototypes, their headquarters and value of their contract:
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Crews work on a border wall prototype near the border with Tijuana, Mexico, on Oct. 19, 2017, in San Diego. Companies are nearing an Oct. 26 deadline to finish building eight prototypes of President Donald Trump's proposed border wall with Mexico. (Gregory Bull/AP)
W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Company, based in Philadelphia, Miss., offered a wall that was darker brown than other prototypes and topped with a round beam. Its concrete panel has a plain face. Its contract is valued at $453,548. (Gregory Bull/AP)
Cadell Construction Company, based in Montgomery, Ala., offered a tan concrete wall at a contract value of $344,000. It's thick at the bottom and narrows considerably toward the pointed top. (Gregory Bull/AP)
Cadell Construction Company, based in Montgomery, Ala., also offered a tan wall with metal poles on the bottom, a metal plate in the middle and a concrete block on top. This version's contract is valued at $320,000. (Gregory Bull/AP)
The wall by Texas Sterling Construction Company, based in Houston, Texas, has a contract value of $470,000. The gray surface of the U.S. side is stamped with patterns of different-sized bricks, like a driveway or sidewalk at an upscale home. There is a steel plate on top with prongs that feature at three metal spikes, resembling an agave plant. (Gregory Bull/AP)
Elta North America Inc., based in Annapolis Junction, Md., build a prototype of solid metal. With a contract valued at $406,319, it features six light blue squares with white trim on the bottom third, topped by dark blue beams and metal plates. Elta is a large Israeli defense contractor owned by state-run Israel Aerospace Industries. The company, which makes radar and other gear, opened its new U.S. headquarters in Maryland in May. (Gregory Bull/AP)
Fisher Sand & Gravel Company, based in Tempe, Ariz., is the only company that built its prototype entirely on site. With a contract valued at $365,000, its tan surface gradually narrows toward the top, like a long triangle. (Gregory Bull/AP)
W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Company, based in Philadelphia, Miss., offered a wall that was darker brown than other prototypes and topped with a round beam. This metal one has a corrugated surface. It's contract is valued at $458,103. (Gregory Bull/AP)
KWR Construction Inc., located in Sierra Vista, Ariz., is offering a wall with a contract value of $486,411. Its gray metal columns are topped with a large metal plate. The small, Hispanic-owned company counts the Homeland Security, Defense and Interior departments among its largest customers. (Gregory Bull/AP)
