DoD's $49.7M construction contract for Roberdeau & Erskine Halls awarded to Whiting-Turner

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,681,138 ($49.7M)

Contractor: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-09-28

End Date: 2017-06-27

Contract Duration: 1,368 days

Daily Burn Rate: $36.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: REPLACE FACADES: ROBERDEAU&ERSKINE HALLS

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20817

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $49.7 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE for work described as: REPLACE FACADES: ROBERDEAU&ERSKINE HALLS Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against comparable construction projects. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a robust bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, typical for large-scale construction. 4. Performance context is within the expected range for federal building projects. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader defense construction market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $49.7 million for the construction of Roberdeau & Erskine Halls appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar large-scale institutional building projects. While specific per-unit cost data is not provided, the overall price reflects the scope and complexity of constructing significant facilities for the Department of Defense. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract helps to control costs and provides predictability for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 5 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this significant construction project. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition with multiple bidders helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its personnel who will utilize the new Roberdeau & Erskine Halls. The services delivered include the construction of major institutional buildings, likely for administrative, training, or operational purposes. The geographic impact is localized to the specific military installation in Maryland where the halls are being constructed. Workforce implications include job creation for construction workers, engineers, architects, and related trades during the project's duration.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in large construction projects if not meticulously managed.
Delays in construction schedules can impact operational readiness and incur additional costs.
Ensuring compliance with all environmental and safety regulations throughout the construction process.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty.
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
The contractor, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, has a significant track record in large-scale construction.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the commercial and institutional building construction sector, a significant segment of the broader construction industry. Federal spending in this area, particularly for defense installations, is substantial. Comparable benchmarks would include other large-scale barracks, administrative facilities, or training centers built for military branches or other government agencies. The market is characterized by large, experienced contractors capable of handling complex projects.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses explicitly stated in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a large prime contractor, and any small business participation would likely be through subcontracting opportunities managed by Whiting-Turner. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) and the relevant Army contracting command. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver the project within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific oversight reports are not detailed here.

Related Government Programs

Military Construction, Army
Department of Defense Facilities Construction
General Building Construction, Repair, and Maintenance

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays
Risk of cost overruns
Contractor performance management
Site condition variability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $49.7 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE. REPLACE FACADES: ROBERDEAU&ERSKINE HALLS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $49.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-09-28. End: 2017-06-27.

What is Whiting-Turner Contracting Company's track record with federal construction contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense?

Whiting-Turner Contracting Company is a well-established and large construction firm with extensive experience in federal projects, including those for the Department of Defense. They have a history of successfully completing large-scale, complex construction endeavors across various sectors. Their portfolio often includes military barracks, research facilities, and administrative buildings. While specific details on past performance metrics for this exact contract are not provided, their general reputation and the volume of federal work they undertake suggest a capable contractor. A deeper dive into their past performance ratings, any documented disputes, or award fees on similar DoD projects would provide a more granular assessment of their track record.

How does the awarded price of $49.7 million compare to similar institutional building construction projects awarded by the DoD in the same period?

Benchmarking the $49.7 million price requires comparing it to similar projects in terms of size (square footage), complexity, location, and construction type (e.g., barracks, administrative, research). Without specific project details for Roberdeau & Erskine Halls, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for large institutional buildings on military bases, a price in the tens of millions is not uncommon. Factors like prevailing wage rates in Maryland, material costs at the time of award (2013), and specific site preparation needs would influence the final cost. A comprehensive analysis would involve identifying comparable DoD construction contracts awarded between 2013 and 2017 and analyzing their cost per square foot or per building component.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with this type of large-scale federal construction contract?

Large-scale federal construction contracts, like the one for Roberdeau & Erskine Halls, carry several inherent risks. These include potential schedule delays due to unforeseen site conditions, weather, or supply chain disruptions. Cost overruns are another significant risk, even with firm-fixed-price contracts, if scope creep occurs or if initial estimates did not fully account for all eventualities. Contractor performance issues, labor availability and disputes, and ensuring compliance with stringent federal regulations (safety, environmental, security) are also key risk areas. The complexity of coordinating multiple trades and subcontractors adds another layer of risk management.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' strategy in ensuring value for money for taxpayers on large construction projects?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective strategy for ensuring value for money on large construction projects. By allowing all responsible sources to bid, it maximizes the pool of potential contractors, thereby increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing. The requirement for multiple bidders, as seen with the 5 bids received in this case, fosters price discovery and encourages contractors to offer their best terms. This process helps prevent monopolies or limited bidding scenarios that could lead to inflated prices. While the initial bid price is crucial, ongoing oversight and contract management are also vital to ensure the contractor delivers the project as specified and within budget, maintaining value throughout the contract lifecycle.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar construction projects within the Department of the Army or Department of Defense over the last decade?

Historical spending on similar construction projects within the Department of the Army and DoD has been substantial, driven by the need to maintain and modernize military infrastructure. Annual budgets for military construction (MILCON) typically run into the billions of dollars, encompassing a wide range of projects from barracks and training facilities to major command centers and research labs. Spending fluctuates based on geopolitical needs, infrastructure condition assessments, and congressional appropriations. The period from 2013-2017 saw consistent investment in facilities, with a focus on readiness and troop support. Analyzing specific categories like 'Commercial and Institutional Building Construction' within the Army's budget over the past decade would reveal trends in project scale, types, and average contract values.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: W912DR12R0012

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 E JOPPA RD, BALTIMORE, MD, 21286

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,681,138

Exercised Options: $49,681,138

Current Obligation: $49,681,138

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912DR12D0021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline