State Department Awards $4.1M Contract for Zambia Dining Facility Construction to Didar Asia General Trading LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,099,753 ($4.1M)
Contractor: Didar Asia General Trading LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2024-09-30
End Date: 2026-07-01
Contract Duration: 639 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: ZAMBIA DINING FACILITY, WAREHOUSE AND SHED CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $4.1 million to DIDAR ASIA GENERAL TRADING LLC for work described as: ZAMBIA DINING FACILITY, WAREHOUSE AND SHED CONSTRUCTION PROJECT Key points: 1. The contract is for the construction of a dining facility, warehouse, and shed in Zambia. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The project duration is 639 days, with an estimated completion date in July 2026. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. The awarded amount is $4,099,752.80.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The awarded price of $4.1M for a dining facility, warehouse, and shed construction project in Zambia appears to be within a reasonable range for international construction projects of this scale. Benchmarking against similar overseas construction contracts 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, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offer.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is expected to result in a fair market price for the construction services, maximizing the value of taxpayer funds.
Public Impact
Enhances diplomatic infrastructure and support services for U.S. personnel in Zambia. Supports local employment and economic activity during the construction phase. Improves living conditions and operational capabilities at the U.S. embassy or facility. Potential for long-term operational cost savings through improved facilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise.
- Risk of delays due to logistical challenges in Zambia.
- Quality control and oversight of construction activities.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract mitigates cost escalation risk for the government.
- Full and open competition likely secured competitive pricing.
- Clear project scope and defined completion date.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector for overseas construction can vary significantly based on location, security requirements, and project complexity. The awarded amount of $4.1M is moderate for an international construction project of this nature.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that the contract was awarded to 'DIDAR ASIA GENERAL TRADING LLC'. There is no specific information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting opportunities within this award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of State is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for overseas construction projects, including site inspections and progress reviews, should be in place to ensure quality and adherence to schedule. Accountability will be tied to contract performance metrics.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Logistical challenges in overseas construction.
- Potential for unforeseen site conditions.
- Reliance on a single contractor for a significant project.
- Geopolitical or security risks in the region.
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-state, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $4.1 million to DIDAR ASIA GENERAL TRADING LLC. ZAMBIA DINING FACILITY, WAREHOUSE AND SHED CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DIDAR ASIA GENERAL TRADING LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $4.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2026-07-01.
What is the estimated cost per square foot for the construction, and how does it compare to similar projects in the region?
The provided data does not include square footage or detailed cost breakdowns, making a per-square-foot cost analysis impossible. To assess value, comparisons would need to be made with similar embassy or facility construction projects in sub-Saharan Africa, considering local labor costs, material availability, and specific security requirements.
What are the primary risks associated with performing construction in Zambia, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Key risks include logistical challenges for material import, potential labor disputes, security concerns, and navigating local regulations. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust project management, contingency planning for supply chain disruptions, strong local partnerships, and adherence to U.S. government security protocols for overseas construction.
How will the effectiveness of the new dining facility and warehouse be measured post-completion?
Effectiveness will likely be measured by its operational readiness, user satisfaction (e.g., dining facility usage and feedback), reduced maintenance costs compared to previous facilities, and its contribution to overall mission support and personnel well-being. Performance metrics should be defined in the contract.
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: 19AQMM24R0139
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: UNIT 402- AL DANA CENTRE AL MURQABAT, DUBAI
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,099,753
Exercised Options: $4,099,753
Current Obligation: $4,099,753
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-30
Current End Date: 2026-07-01
Potential End Date: 2026-07-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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