VA awards $40.4M contract to C & C Contractors LLC for cemetery expansion, ensuring 10 more years of interment capacity

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,389,916 ($40.4M)

Contractor: C & C Contractors LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2019-09-30

End Date: 2023-11-10

Contract Duration: 1,502 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.9K/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: EXPAND ABRAHAM LINCOLN NATIONAL CEMETERY TO PROVIDE APPROXIMATELY 10 MORE YEARS OF INTERMENT CAPACITY.

Place of Performance

Location: ELWOOD, WILL County, ILLINOIS, 60421

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $40.4 million to C & C CONTRACTORS LLC for work described as: EXPAND ABRAHAM LINCOLN NATIONAL CEMETERY TO PROVIDE APPROXIMATELY 10 MORE YEARS OF INTERMENT CAPACITY. Key points: 1. Contract value of $40.4M appears reasonable for a multi-year infrastructure project of this scale. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The definitive contract type indicates a flexible agreement for services over time. 4. Project duration of approximately 1502 days (over 4 years) aligns with the scope of cemetery expansion. 5. The contract is for a critical national cemetery, serving veterans and their families. 6. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $40.4 million for expanding interment capacity at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery seems aligned with the scope of work. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific project details, similar large-scale civil engineering and construction projects for national cemeteries can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars depending on size and complexity. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the pricing was established upfront, offering predictability. Benchmarking against other VA cemetery expansion projects would provide a more precise value 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,' which typically means that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This suggests a robust competitive process was intended. The number of bids received (4) indicates a moderate level of competition for this specialized construction project. A higher number of bidders might have been expected for a project of this magnitude, but the specialized nature of cemetery construction could limit the pool of qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers, as it encourages multiple contractors to bid, potentially driving down prices and ensuring the best value is obtained.

Public Impact

Benefits veterans and their families by ensuring continued availability of burial plots at a national cemetery. Provides essential interment services, honoring military service and sacrifice. Supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to provide dignified final resting places. The project is geographically located in Illinois, serving the region's veteran population. Likely creates construction and related jobs during the project's execution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise during construction.
Risk of schedule delays due to weather or material availability, impacting interment capacity timelines.
Ensuring long-term durability and quality of construction to meet cemetery standards.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process.
Project addresses a critical need for interment capacity, ensuring future availability.
Contract awarded to a single entity (C & C Contractors LLC) for streamlined execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically related to infrastructure development for national cemeteries. The market for such specialized construction is often characterized by a limited number of experienced firms capable of handling large-scale, sensitive projects. Spending on national cemetery infrastructure is driven by the need to maintain and expand burial capacity to meet the ongoing demands of a veteran population. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large civil works projects undertaken by government agencies, particularly those involving land development and specialized construction.

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 requirements for small businesses mandated by this specific award. The primary contractor, C & C Contractors LLC, will manage the project. While not a set-aside, the prime contractor may still engage small businesses for specific services or materials as part of their overall project execution, but this is not a contractual obligation based on the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracting officers and project managers. The VA has established procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms to ensure contract compliance and performance. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like SAM.gov, which provide public access to contract details.

Related Government Programs

National Cemetery Administration Construction Projects
Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Investments
Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction Contracts
Federal Infrastructure Development

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions
Risk of schedule delays
Environmental compliance challenges
Availability of specialized labor and materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $40.4 million to C & C CONTRACTORS LLC. EXPAND ABRAHAM LINCOLN NATIONAL CEMETERY TO PROVIDE APPROXIMATELY 10 MORE YEARS OF INTERMENT CAPACITY.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is C & C CONTRACTORS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $40.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-30. End: 2023-11-10.

What is the track record of C & C Contractors LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs and similar government contracts?

A review of C & C Contractors LLC's contract history with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal agencies is crucial for assessing their reliability and performance. While the provided data indicates they were awarded this $40.4 million contract, further investigation into their past performance on similar civil engineering and construction projects is warranted. This includes examining past project completion times, adherence to budget, quality of work, and any history of disputes or contract modifications. A strong track record with the VA or other agencies on comparable projects would increase confidence in their ability to successfully execute the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery expansion.

How does the per-square-foot cost of this cemetery expansion compare to similar projects nationwide?

To benchmark the value-for-money of this $40.4 million contract, a detailed cost-per-square-foot analysis would be beneficial, comparing it to similar national cemetery expansion projects. This requires obtaining the total square footage of the expanded area and the total contract cost. Without this specific area data, a precise per-square-foot comparison is not possible. However, the overall contract value suggests a significant undertaking. Factors influencing cost per square foot in cemetery construction include land acquisition/preparation, infrastructure (roads, utilities), landscaping, and the number of interment sites created. Variations in these elements across different projects make direct comparisons challenging but essential for a thorough value assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' category for this project?

The primary risks associated with 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' for a cemetery expansion project include unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., rock, groundwater, soil instability) that can increase excavation and foundation costs. Environmental concerns, such as historical artifacts or protected species, could lead to delays and additional mitigation expenses. Weather-related delays are also a significant risk, particularly in regions with harsh winters or heavy rainfall, impacting the construction schedule and potentially extending the project duration beyond the planned 1502 days. Furthermore, the availability and cost of specialized construction materials and skilled labor can fluctuate, posing economic risks.

What is the historical spending pattern for Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery expansion or similar projects by the VA?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery or comparable VA cemetery expansion projects provides context for the current $40.4 million award. If the VA has previously undertaken similar expansions at this cemetery or others, examining the costs, timelines, and outcomes of those projects can reveal trends. For instance, were previous expansions completed on time and within budget? Have costs escalated significantly over time due to inflation or increased demand? Understanding these historical patterns helps assess whether the current contract represents a reasonable investment and whether the VA has a consistent approach to managing such infrastructure needs.

What specific performance metrics or deliverables are outlined in the contract to ensure successful completion?

The provided data does not detail the specific performance metrics or deliverables for this contract. However, for a project of this nature, typical performance expectations would include adherence to approved construction plans and specifications, timely completion of project milestones (e.g., site preparation, infrastructure installation, final landscaping), quality control measures ensuring durability and compliance with cemetery standards, and effective project management. The VA contracting officer and project managers would be responsible for monitoring progress against these metrics and ensuring the contractor meets all contractual obligations, ultimately delivering the required interment capacity.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' classification impact the bidding landscape and potential pricing?

The classification 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' suggests that while the competition was intended to be broad, there might have been specific reasons for excluding certain types of sources or technologies, or perhaps a pre-qualification process was used. This can sometimes narrow the field of potential bidders compared to a completely unrestricted 'full and open' competition. With 4 bidders, the competition level appears moderate. A more limited pool of bidders, even under an 'open' framework, could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing compared to scenarios with numerous competing firms, although the specialized nature of cemetery construction might inherently limit the number of qualified participants.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering 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: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: 36C10F18R0452

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 209 LYON ST, NOTASULGA, AL, 36866

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $40,389,916

Exercised Options: $40,389,916

Current Obligation: $40,389,916

Actual Outlays: $7,119,617

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline