State Department awards $14.5M for Jeddah compound security upgrade to Trison Construction Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,457,059 ($14.5M)

Contractor: Trison Construction Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2020-02-11

End Date: 2026-03-09

Contract Duration: 2,218 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA COMPOUND SECURITY/TOWERS UPGRADE.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $14.5 million to TRISON CONSTRUCTION INC for work described as: JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA COMPOUND SECURITY/TOWERS UPGRADE. Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in diplomatic facility security. 2. The project scope includes security towers and compound upgrades, indicating a focus on physical security enhancements. 3. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 4. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability. 5. The duration of the contract extends over several years, implying a phased or complex execution. 6. The contractor, Trison Construction Inc., is responsible for delivering this critical infrastructure project.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.5 million for a compound security and towers upgrade appears reasonable given the scope of work, which involves significant construction and security enhancements for a diplomatic facility. Benchmarking against similar projects for embassy or consulate upgrades would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests an effort to manage costs effectively. The duration of the contract (over 2200 days) indicates a substantial project, and the total cost should be evaluated in that context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' which implies that while the competition was broad, there might have been initial considerations or exclusions that were later resolved to allow for open bidding. The fact that it was ultimately competed openly suggests that multiple qualified contractors had the opportunity to bid, which is generally conducive to competitive pricing. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open nature of the competition is a positive indicator for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and better value for the services rendered.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the personnel and operations at the U.S. Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, through enhanced security. The services delivered include the construction and upgrade of security towers and compound infrastructure. The geographic impact is localized to the U.S. Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The project will likely involve a construction workforce, potentially including local labor, depending on Trison Construction Inc.'s subcontracting strategy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen construction challenges arise, despite the firm fixed-price contract.
Security risks associated with large-scale construction projects in a foreign diplomatic environment.
Dependency on the contractor's ability to manage complex logistics and supply chains in Saudi Arabia.
Potential for delays impacting the operational security timeline if project milestones are not met.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarding to a single contractor streamlines management and accountability for the project.
The extended contract duration allows for phased implementation and thorough execution of security upgrades.
The use of full and open competition suggests a commitment to achieving best value.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a broad category encompassing the building of non-residential structures. This specific project focuses on security infrastructure for a diplomatic facility. Spending in this sector can fluctuate based on government infrastructure needs, geopolitical stability, and security requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other diplomatic facility upgrades or high-security construction projects, which often command premium pricing due to specialized requirements and location.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications specifically mandated for small businesses through a set-aside program. However, the prime contractor, Trison Construction Inc., may still choose to subcontract portions of the work to small businesses as part of their overall business strategy, which could indirectly benefit the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily be managed by the Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security and relevant contracting officers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, with performance milestones and quality standards to be met. Transparency is facilitated through contract award data made public. Inspector General jurisdiction would typically apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Embassy Security Upgrades
Consulate Construction Projects
Department of State Facilities Management
Overseas Building Operations
Diplomatic Security Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to unforeseen site conditions or material price fluctuations.
Security risks associated with construction activities at a diplomatic facility.
Logistical challenges in sourcing materials and labor in a foreign country.
Dependency on contractor's ability to meet stringent security and construction standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $14.5 million to TRISON CONSTRUCTION INC. JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA COMPOUND SECURITY/TOWERS UPGRADE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRISON CONSTRUCTION INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-02-11. End: 2026-03-09.

What is the track record of Trison Construction Inc. on similar government contracts, particularly those involving security infrastructure or international projects?

Assessing the track record of Trison Construction Inc. requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts. Specifically, looking for experience with projects of similar scale, complexity, and geographic location would be crucial. Evidence of successful completion of security-related construction, adherence to budgets and timelines, and positive past performance reviews from agencies like the Department of State or Department of Defense would indicate a lower risk. Conversely, a history of cost overruns, delays, or contract disputes would raise concerns about their capacity to deliver this $14.5 million project effectively. Without specific past performance data readily available in this summary, further investigation into their contract history is warranted.

How does the awarded amount of $14.5 million compare to the estimated cost or budget for similar security tower and compound upgrades at diplomatic facilities?

The awarded amount of $14.5 million for the Jeddah compound security and towers upgrade needs to be benchmarked against similar projects to assess value for money. Factors such as the size of the compound, the specific security technologies required, the complexity of the construction, and the geopolitical location significantly influence costs. Projects involving hardened structures, advanced surveillance systems, and secure access points for diplomatic missions are typically high-cost endeavors. A comparison with recent awards for similar upgrades at other U.S. embassies or consulates, adjusted for inflation and regional cost differences, would provide a clearer picture of whether this contract represents a competitive price or a potential outlier. The firm fixed-price nature suggests the government aimed for cost certainty.

What are the primary risks associated with executing a construction project of this magnitude in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and how are they mitigated?

Executing a $14.5 million construction project in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, presents several risks. These include geopolitical instability, local labor regulations and availability, supply chain disruptions, cultural differences impacting project management, and security concerns inherent to diplomatic facilities. Additionally, navigating local building codes and obtaining necessary permits can be complex. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust security protocols for the construction site, careful selection and vetting of local subcontractors, contingency planning for supply chain issues, and strong communication channels between the contractor, the Department of State, and local authorities. The extended contract duration may also allow for phased risk management.

What is the expected impact of these security upgrades on the operational effectiveness and safety of the U.S. Consulate in Jeddah?

The security upgrades, including the construction of new towers and compound enhancements, are expected to significantly bolster the operational effectiveness and safety of the U.S. Consulate in Jeddah. Improved physical security measures, such as enhanced perimeter defenses and elevated observation points (towers), can deter threats, provide better situational awareness, and facilitate a more rapid response to security incidents. This allows diplomatic staff to conduct their mission with a greater sense of security. The upgrades aim to meet evolving security standards and protect personnel, sensitive information, and U.S. government assets against potential threats in the region.

How has spending on diplomatic facility security and construction evolved over the past five years, and does this contract align with those trends?

Spending on diplomatic facility security and construction has generally trended upwards over the past five years, driven by a heightened global security environment and the need to modernize aging infrastructure. The Department of State's Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) consistently allocates significant funds to new construction, major renovations, and security enhancements for U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide. This $14.5 million contract for the Jeddah compound security upgrade aligns with this trend, reflecting a continued investment in ensuring the safety and functionality of U.S. diplomatic missions abroad. The specific allocation reflects a targeted investment in a critical facility.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5111 BERWYN RD STE 200, COLLEGE PARK, MD, 20740

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,457,059

Exercised Options: $14,457,059

Current Obligation: $14,457,059

Actual Outlays: $258,813

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA14D0052

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline