Groton, Conn. - A food commissary will be built at the Navy’s Groton submarine base under a $14.5 million contract awarded Thursday, state and federal leaders said Friday.

Farmington-based KBE Building Corp. was selected from among nine bidders by the U.S. Department of Defense. Construction is expected to begin next month and be completed 477 days later, according to a press release summary of the contract.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy expects the project to create jobs for Connecticut residents, although no estimates were given as to how many. KBE employs more than 150 construction professionals, its website says.

The project makes it more likely that the Groton facility will avoid elimination in any future round of base closings, Malloy said.

“This is excellent news for the sub base and for Connecticut,” Malloy said in a press release. “(This) reflects the ongoing efforts of the state’s Office of Military Affairs and our congressional delegation to transform the base into one of the most efficient and effective bases in the Navy.”

Bob Ross, a former Salem first selectman, is director of the military affairs office.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, also was pleased with the contract news.

“This latest investment ... will further improve the base’s infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for men and women stationed there,” the congressman said in a press release. “The fact that a Connecticut company and Connecticut workers won this competitive bidding process is good news for our workforce, and will provide an additional boost to our economy.”