Interior's National Park Service Awards $28.2M Contract for Virgin Islands Office and Housing Replacement

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,210,583 ($28.2M)

Contractor: J. Benton Construction, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2021-10-01

End Date: 2024-03-29

Contract Duration: 910 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: VIIS 251144B-LIND POINT PROJECT-REPLACE OFFICE AND HOUSING SPACE

Place of Performance

Location: ST JOHN, SAINT JOHN County, VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE U.S., 00830

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $28.2 million to J. BENTON CONSTRUCTION, LLC for work described as: VIIS 251144B-LIND POINT PROJECT-REPLACE OFFICE AND HOUSING SPACE Key points: 1. The contract aims to replace office and housing space in the Virgin Islands. 2. J. Benton Construction, LLC secured the award. 3. The project falls under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. 4. The award was made under full and open competition.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $28.2 million for replacing office and housing space appears within a reasonable range for a project of this scope, though specific benchmarks for similar construction in the Virgin Islands are not readily available. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple bidders vie for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential infrastructure replacement, with competition likely ensuring a fair price.

Public Impact

Enhances critical infrastructure for National Park Service operations in the Virgin Islands. Supports local economic activity through construction employment and material sourcing. Addresses long-term facility needs, potentially improving employee housing and work environments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise.
Logistical challenges of construction in remote island locations.
Dependency on a single contractor for project completion.

Positive Signals

Clear project scope for office and housing replacement.
Firm fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty.
Awarded via full and open competition.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project size, location, and specific requirements. Federal construction projects often involve complex logistics and regulatory compliance.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the award went to J. Benton Construction, LLC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were included or met.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of the Interior's National Park Service. Oversight would involve monitoring project progress, adherence to contract terms, and quality of construction to ensure taxpayer value.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of the Interior Contracting
National Park Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to unforeseen site conditions.
Logistical complexities of island construction.
Vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Ensuring adequate local labor availability and skill.
Long-term maintenance and operational costs of new facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $28.2 million to J. BENTON CONSTRUCTION, LLC. VIIS 251144B-LIND POINT PROJECT-REPLACE OFFICE AND HOUSING SPACE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is J. BENTON CONSTRUCTION, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-10-01. End: 2024-03-29.

What is the estimated cost per square foot for this construction project compared to similar federal or private sector projects in the region?

Without detailed project specifications (e.g., square footage, materials, specific amenities), a precise cost per square foot benchmark is difficult to establish. However, given the $28.2 million award for office and housing space, a preliminary estimate could be derived if the total square footage is known. This would then need to be compared against regional construction cost data for commercial and residential buildings, factoring in the unique challenges of island construction.

What are the primary risks associated with constructing new facilities in the Virgin Islands, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include logistical challenges in material transport, potential for hurricane damage during construction, availability of skilled local labor, and environmental compliance. Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed logistical planning, robust building codes designed for hurricane resilience, proactive labor recruitment, and thorough environmental impact assessments prior to and during construction.

How effectively will the new office and housing space serve the long-term operational needs of the National Park Service in the Virgin Islands?

The effectiveness hinges on the design meeting current and future operational requirements, including adequate workspace, secure housing, and resilience to environmental factors. Successful completion on time and within budget, coupled with positive feedback from NPS staff utilizing the facilities, will be key indicators of effectiveness. The firm fixed-price nature suggests a commitment to delivering the defined scope.

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

Solicitation ID: 140P2021R0109

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3000 ESTATE ORANGE GROVE, CHRISTIANSTED, VI, 00820

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,210,583

Exercised Options: $28,210,583

Current Obligation: $28,210,583

Actual Outlays: $28,210,583

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline