Forest Service awards $7.17M contract for Carbondale Ranger District office reconstruction to DARE-CASE CONTRACTING SERVICES LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,171,139 ($7.2M)

Contractor: Dare-Case Contracting Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-10-01

End Date: 2025-12-01

Contract Duration: 792 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: GAOA ASPEN/SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE RECONSTRUCTION, CARBONDALE, COLORADO ALL WORK IS TO BE PERFORMED IAW THE SOLICITATION: 1240LT23R0076 INCLUDING THE STATEMENT OF WORK, AND ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTATION WITHIN THE GUIDELINES AND COST OF YOUR QU

Place of Performance

Location: GLENWOOD SPRINGS, GARFIELD County, COLORADO, 81601

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $7.2 million to DARE-CASE CONTRACTING SERVICES LLC for work described as: GAOA ASPEN/SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE RECONSTRUCTION, CARBONDALE, COLORADO ALL WORK IS TO BE PERFORMED IAW THE SOLICITATION: 1240LT23R0076 INCLUDING THE STATEMENT OF WORK, AND ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTATION WITHIN THE GUIDELINES AND COST OF YOUR QU Key points: 1. The contract aims to reconstruct the GAOA ASPEN/SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE in Carbondale, Colorado. 2. This is a definitive contract with a firm-fixed-price structure, indicating a clear scope and payment terms. 3. The project duration is 792 days, spanning from October 1, 2023, to December 1, 2025. 4. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 236220 points to commercial and institutional building construction. 6. The awardee, DARE-CASE CONTRACTING SERVICES LLC, will perform work according to the solicitation and statement of work.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $7.17 million for a significant reconstruction project appears within a reasonable range for commercial and institutional building construction. However, without specific details on the scope of work, materials, and labor involved, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar federal building reconstruction projects of comparable size and complexity would provide a clearer picture of whether the pricing is competitive and reflects good value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The solicitation attracted 8 bidders, suggesting a healthy level of interest and competition for this project. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and potentially leads to more cost-effective outcomes for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for this reconstruction project likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition award.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Forest Service personnel who will utilize the reconstructed office facilities. The project delivers essential infrastructure improvements for the Forest Service's operations in the Carbondale area. The geographic impact is localized to Carbondale, Colorado, and surrounding areas served by the Ranger District. The contract supports the construction workforce, including skilled trades and labor, within the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen construction challenges arise.
Dependence on the contractor's ability to meet the project timeline and quality standards.
Risk of supply chain disruptions affecting material availability and project completion.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Clear statement of work and applicable documentation guide project execution.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector, particularly commercial and institutional building construction (NAICS 236220), is a significant area of federal spending. This contract fits within the broader category of infrastructure development and facility modernization. Federal spending in this sector often involves reconstruction, new construction, and renovation of government buildings, ranging from offices and laboratories to visitor centers and operational facilities. Benchmarks for similar projects would typically consider square footage, complexity of systems (e.g., HVAC, electrical), and regional labor costs.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. The award went to DARE-CASE CONTRACTING SERVICES LLC, which may or may not be a small business itself. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation is mandated or encouraged through subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Forest Service contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver the specified reconstruction within the agreed-upon cost and schedule. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed project progress reports may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Forest Service Facility Modernization Programs
GAO Facility Assessment and Improvement Projects
Federal Building Construction and Renovation Contracts
USDA Infrastructure Investment Initiatives

Risk Flags

Project Duration Risk
Potential for Scope Creep
Contractor Performance Risk
Supply Chain Volatility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $7.2 million to DARE-CASE CONTRACTING SERVICES LLC. GAOA ASPEN/SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE RECONSTRUCTION, CARBONDALE, COLORADO ALL WORK IS TO BE PERFORMED IAW THE SOLICITATION: 1240LT23R0076 INCLUDING THE STATEMENT OF WORK, AND ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTATION WITHIN THE GUIDELINES AND COST OF YOUR QU

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DARE-CASE CONTRACTING SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-10-01. End: 2025-12-01.

What is the track record of DARE-CASE CONTRACTING SERVICES LLC with federal contracts, particularly in construction and reconstruction?

A review of federal contract databases would be necessary to assess DARE-CASE CONTRACTING SERVICES LLC's past performance. This would involve examining their award history, including the types of contracts awarded, their value, performance ratings, and any past issues or disputes. Understanding their experience with similar reconstruction projects, especially for government facilities, would provide insight into their capability to successfully execute this contract. A lack of significant federal contracting history might indicate a higher risk, while a strong record would suggest a lower risk profile.

How does the awarded amount of $7.17 million compare to similar federal building reconstruction projects in Colorado or the Mountain West region?

To benchmark the $7.17 million award, one would compare it against recently awarded federal contracts for similar-sized commercial or institutional building reconstructions in the Mountain West region. Key comparison points include the square footage of the facility being reconstructed, the scope of work (e.g., structural repairs, interior renovations, system upgrades), and the specific year of award to account for inflation. If comparable projects in the region have similar scopes but were awarded for significantly less, it might suggest this contract's price is on the higher side. Conversely, if it aligns with or is lower than similar projects, it indicates competitive pricing.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with this specific contract, beyond general construction risks?

Specific risk indicators for this contract include the project's duration (792 days), which is substantial and increases the potential for unforeseen issues, cost escalation due to inflation over time, or contractor performance degradation. The location in Carbondale, Colorado, might also present regional challenges related to labor availability, material sourcing, or weather impacts on construction schedules. Furthermore, the complexity of the reconstruction, as detailed in the statement of work, is a critical factor; intricate designs or specialized system requirements could elevate risks if the contractor lacks specific expertise.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' process in ensuring optimal value for this type of reconstruction project?

The 'full and open competition' process is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring optimal value in federal contracting, including for reconstruction projects. By allowing all responsible sources to compete, it fosters price discovery and encourages contractors to offer their best terms. The fact that 8 bidders participated suggests robust competition. However, the ultimate effectiveness depends on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria used, and the government's ability to accurately assess proposals beyond just price. If the evaluation heavily favors the lowest price without sufficient consideration for technical capability and past performance, value could be compromised.

What is the historical spending pattern for the Forest Service on facility reconstruction and office modernization?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for the Forest Service on facility reconstruction and office modernization would reveal trends in budget allocation, project types, and average contract values. This data could show if spending in this area has been increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable. It would also highlight common challenges or successes in past projects, informing future planning and risk assessment. Understanding the typical scale and frequency of such projects helps contextualize the $7.17 million award for the Carbondale office reconstruction within the agency's broader capital investment strategy.

Are there any specific performance metrics or milestones outlined in the contract that will be used to measure success?

The provided data does not detail specific performance metrics or milestones. However, a firm-fixed-price contract for construction typically includes requirements for adherence to the schedule, quality of workmanship, compliance with building codes and specifications, and completion of defined project phases. Success would be measured by the contractor's ability to deliver the reconstructed office within the agreed-upon budget ($7.17 million) and by the specified completion date (December 1, 2025), meeting all technical requirements outlined in the statement of work. Formal inspections and acceptance testing would also serve as key performance indicators.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 711 S 15TH ST, GRAND JUNCTION, CO, 81501

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,171,139

Exercised Options: $7,171,139

Current Obligation: $7,171,139

Actual Outlays: $7,171,139

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline