VA awards $10.75M construction contract for Beaufort Cemetery to Maverick Constructors, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,751,159 ($10.8M)

Contractor: Maverick Constructors, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-10-04

End Date: 2026-08-05

Contract Duration: 670 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCTION BEAUFORT CEMETERY

Place of Performance

Location: BEAUFORT, BEAUFORT County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29901

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $10.8 million to MAVERICK CONSTRUCTORS, LLC for work described as: CONSTRUCTION BEAUFORT CEMETERY Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The definitive contract type indicates a flexible agreement for services over a period. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 4. The contract duration of 670 days suggests a significant scope of work. 5. The award to Maverick Constructors, LLC, a single entity, warrants review of their capacity and past performance. 6. The project is located in South Carolina, potentially impacting local employment and businesses.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $10.75 million for cemetery construction appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of this nature, though specific benchmarks are unavailable without more detailed project specifications. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests an effort to control costs. However, without comparable projects or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The award to a single contractor, Maverick Constructors, LLC, necessitates a review of their pricing against industry standards and their demonstrated ability to deliver within budget.

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 is a standard competitive procedure. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, this designation implies that proposals were solicited from all eligible sources. The presence of multiple bidders, if confirmed, would typically lead to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government. The exclusion of sources clause might indicate specific requirements that narrowed the field, but the overall intent is competitive.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process generally benefits taxpayers by fostering price reductions and encouraging efficient service delivery. It ensures that the government is not locked into a single provider, promoting a market-driven approach to contract value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are veterans and their families who will utilize the expanded or improved facilities at Beaufort Cemetery. The contract will deliver construction services for the Beaufort National Cemetery. The geographic impact is localized to Beaufort, South Carolina. The project is expected to create or sustain jobs in the construction sector within the local South Carolina workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if the scope of work expands beyond initial estimates.
Dependence on a single contractor, Maverick Constructors, LLC, for project completion.
Risk of delays impacting the timely delivery of cemetery services.
Ensuring compliance with all environmental and historical preservation regulations during construction.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration is clearly defined, allowing for project planning and oversight.
The contractor, Maverick Constructors, LLC, has been selected, allowing for focused management.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector is a significant component of federal spending, encompassing a wide range of projects from infrastructure to facility maintenance. This contract falls under commercial and institutional building construction, a sub-sector that includes the development and renovation of public facilities. Federal spending in this area is often driven by the need to maintain and expand government infrastructure, including national cemeteries. Benchmarks for similar cemetery construction projects would be necessary for a more precise comparison, but the $10.75 million value suggests a substantial undertaking.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and does not explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award was made to a larger entity, and opportunities for small business participation may be limited unless Maverick Constructors, LLC voluntarily engages them. Further investigation into the contractor's subcontracting plan would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, which hold the contractor responsible for delivering the specified work within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where award details are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Cemetery Administration Construction Projects
Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Fund
Federal Building and Fire Safety Program
Department of Defense Military Construction

Risk Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to contract duration.
Reliance on a single contractor.
Scope definition clarity for definitive contract.
Environmental and historical compliance risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $10.8 million to MAVERICK CONSTRUCTORS, LLC. CONSTRUCTION BEAUFORT CEMETERY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MAVERICK CONSTRUCTORS, 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 $10.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-04. End: 2026-08-05.

What is the track record of Maverick Constructors, LLC with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

A review of Maverick Constructors, LLC's federal contract history is crucial for assessing their reliability and performance. Information from federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would reveal past awards, contract values, and performance ratings. Specifically, examining their history with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would highlight their experience with similar projects and their adherence to VA requirements. A strong track record with the VA, especially on construction projects of comparable size and complexity, would indicate a lower risk for this Beaufort Cemetery contract. Conversely, a history of performance issues, contract disputes, or significant cost overruns on previous federal projects would raise concerns about their capacity to successfully execute this new award.

How does the awarded price of $10.75 million compare to similar cemetery construction projects undertaken by the federal government?

Benchmarking the $10.75 million award against similar federal cemetery construction projects is essential for evaluating value for money. This comparison should consider project scope, size (e.g., acreage, number of gravesites, types of facilities), location, and the year of award, as construction costs fluctuate over time. Data from publicly available contract databases can be queried for comparable projects. If similar projects in comparable regions were awarded at significantly lower prices, it might suggest that this contract is overpriced or that the scope is more extensive. Conversely, if the price aligns with or is lower than benchmarks, it indicates a potentially good value. Without specific project details and comparable data, a definitive assessment remains challenging.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with this specific contract award?

Key risk indicators for this contract include the firm-fixed-price (FFP) nature, which places the cost risk on the contractor but can lead to change orders if the scope is not perfectly defined. The definitive contract type, while flexible, requires careful management to prevent scope creep. The duration of 670 days for a construction project introduces risks related to material cost escalation, labor availability, and potential weather delays, especially if not adequately mitigated in the contract terms. Furthermore, the reliance on a single contractor, Maverick Constructors, LLC, presents a performance risk; any issues with their financial stability, management capacity, or workforce could jeopardize project completion. Finally, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and historical preservation requirements at a cemetery site adds another layer of complexity and potential risk.

What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in meeting the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission regarding veteran burial services?

The effectiveness of this contract is directly tied to its successful completion, which will enhance or expand the burial services offered at the Beaufort National Cemetery. By providing necessary construction, the contract supports the VA's mission to honor veterans by providing dignified burial and memorial benefits. Improved or expanded facilities can accommodate more veterans, reduce wait times for services, and offer a more fitting environment for remembrance. The effectiveness will be measured by the timely delivery of quality construction, adherence to budget, and the ultimate usability and impact of the new or renovated facilities on veteran families and the community. A well-executed project contributes significantly to the VA's commitment to serving veterans.

How have historical spending patterns for cemetery construction by the Department of Veterans Affairs influenced this award?

Historical spending patterns by the VA for cemetery construction likely informed the budget allocation and scope definition for this Beaufort Cemetery project. The VA consistently invests in maintaining and expanding its national cemetery system to meet the needs of a growing veteran population. Analyzing past contracts can reveal trends in project types (e.g., new construction, expansion, columbarium installation, infrastructure upgrades), average contract values, and the typical duration of such projects. This historical data helps the VA forecast future needs, establish realistic cost estimates, and identify successful contracting strategies. The current award reflects an ongoing commitment to this investment, likely based on demonstrated needs and past successful project completions within the agency.

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: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 36C78624B0028

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5324 VAN DYKE RD, LUTZ, FL, 33558

Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,751,159

Exercised Options: $10,751,159

Current Obligation: $10,751,159

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline