US wants Mexico border wall designs

World Today

The US Government is looking for designs for its border wall with Mexico. On Wednesday, the solicitations went out – and interest in the project is mounting.

The US Department of Homeland Security, has launched a competition to find the right design for its southern border wall.

The request for bids says it will be a concrete structure of about 10 meters tall.

Companies must also provide designs which are visually appealing and prevent climbing, tampering and damage.

According to a CGTN review, more than 500 companies and individuals have already expressed interest in the process. Two of them are from outside the United States: a South African fence company and an Irish data company.

CGTN White House Correspondent Jessica Stone asked the White House about the border bidding process and whether international vendors will be welcome.

“I don’t think it’ll be any surprise to know that the president is going to favorite American workers and American companies when it comes to an American project,” said White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer.

The first round of bids are due on March 20th with prices due in May. The White House says it will cost $12 billion dollars to build the wall, but the Massachusetts Institute of Technology estimates it could cost as much as $40 billion. It’s still unclear how the US plans to pay for it, but according to Reuters, the Department of Homeland Security has located $20 billion which can be redirected to pay for the wall.