DOI Awards $9.3M Contract for Grand Junction Air Center Tanker Base Repair to DARE-CASE Contracting

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,355,552 ($9.4M)

Contractor: Dare-Case Contracting Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-02-23

End Date: 2026-07-22

Contract Duration: 880 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: GAOA GRAND JUNCTION AIR CENTER TANKER BASE REPAIR

Place of Performance

Location: GRAND JUNCTION, MESA County, COLORADO, 81506

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $9.4 million to DARE-CASE CONTRACTING SERVICES LLC for work described as: GAOA GRAND JUNCTION AIR CENTER TANKER BASE REPAIR Key points: 1. The contract focuses on construction services for a critical air tanker base. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate sourcing strategy. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 4. The project duration is 880 days, indicating a significant scope of work.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $9.3 million for construction services appears reasonable given the project's scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale facility repair projects would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. This method aims to ensure the best value is obtained by allowing all eligible contractors to bid, while specific exclusions might be based on technical requirements or past performance.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to lower prices and higher quality services.

Public Impact

Ensures operational readiness of critical firefighting infrastructure. Supports regional wildfire suppression capabilities. Invests in federal facility maintenance and modernization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen construction issues arise.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical facility.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract limits cost uncertainty.
Competition after exclusion of sources may yield specialized expertise.
Project supports essential government functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector is often driven by infrastructure needs, facility upgrades, and maintenance across various government agencies. Benchmarks for similar projects would depend on the specific type and scale of construction.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a stated factor in this award (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities were missed for small businesses in this significant construction contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Bureau of Land Management, under the Department of the Interior, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for construction projects, including site inspections and progress reviews, should be in place to ensure quality and adherence to schedule.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of the Interior Contracting
Bureau of Land Management Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays impacting critical infrastructure.
Risk of unforeseen site conditions increasing costs.
Contractor performance and quality assurance.
Limited small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $9.4 million to DARE-CASE CONTRACTING SERVICES LLC. GAOA GRAND JUNCTION AIR CENTER TANKER BASE REPAIR

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 the Interior (Bureau of Land Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $9.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-02-23. End: 2026-07-22.

What specific criteria led to the exclusion of certain sources in the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method, and how did this impact the final price?

The exclusion of sources typically occurs when specific technical capabilities, security clearances, or past performance records are mandatory for a project's success. While intended to ensure the best fit, such exclusions can sometimes limit the pool of bidders, potentially affecting the level of price competition. A detailed review of the solicitation documents would clarify the exact reasons for exclusion and their potential price implications.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will the government ensure the contractor meets the project's objectives and quality standards within the fixed-price agreemen

Key performance indicators likely include adherence to the project schedule, quality of construction materials and workmanship, and compliance with all safety regulations. The government will likely use contract clauses, regular progress meetings, site inspections, and potentially third-party quality assurance to monitor performance. The firm-fixed-price structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively while meeting the defined scope and quality.

Given the critical nature of an air tanker base, what contingency plans are in place should the contractor face significant delays or default, and how would this impact wildfire response capabilities?

Contingency plans for critical infrastructure projects often include provisions for contract termination and re-solicitation, or the government stepping in to complete the work using other means. The contract may also include liquidated damages for delays. The impact on wildfire response would depend on the project's phase and the availability of alternative facilities or temporary repairs. Proactive government oversight is crucial to mitigate such risks.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140L0623R0012

Offers Received: 4

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: $9,355,552

Exercised Options: $9,355,552

Current Obligation: $9,355,552

Actual Outlays: $4,477,659

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline