VA awards $6.76M construction contract for cemetery expansion at Bay Pines National Cemetery

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,761,362 ($6.8M)

Contractor: Abrams Group Construction LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-07-30

End Date: 2026-10-07

Contract Duration: 434 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.6K/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 SERVICES TO EXPAND GRAVE SITE SPACE AT BAY PINES NATIONAL CEMETERY

Place of Performance

Location: REDINGTON SHORES, PINELLAS County, FLORIDA, 33708

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $6.8 million to ABRAMS GROUP CONSTRUCTION LLC for work described as: CONSTRUCTION SERVICES TO EXPAND GRAVE SITE SPACE AT BAY PINES NATIONAL CEMETERY Key points: 1. Contract awarded for expansion of grave site space, addressing capacity needs. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating broad market engagement. 3. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty for the government. 4. Performance period spans over a year, suggesting a project of moderate complexity. 5. The contract is a definitive contract, often used for ongoing or repetitive needs. 6. Geographic focus is Florida, serving veterans in that region.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.76 million for cemetery expansion appears reasonable given the scope of work. Benchmarking against similar construction projects for national cemeteries would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overruns, which is a positive indicator for value.

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,' suggesting that while the competition was broad, specific sources may have been initially excluded for defined reasons. The presence of 8 bidders indicates a healthy level of competition, which typically drives competitive pricing and better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process with multiple bidders generally leads to more favorable pricing for taxpayers, ensuring that the government secures services at a market-competitive rate.

Public Impact

Veterans and their families will benefit from expanded burial capacity at Bay Pines National Cemetery. The project will deliver essential construction services to enhance cemetery infrastructure. The geographic impact is concentrated in Florida, serving the state's veteran population. The contract is expected to create temporary employment opportunities for construction workers in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen site conditions arise during construction.
Dependence on timely material procurement and labor availability could impact schedule.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations during construction activities.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty and limits financial risk.
Multiple bidders suggest a competitive market and potential for quality services.
Clear performance period aids in project management and oversight.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Construction Services sector, specifically related to heavy and civil engineering construction. The market for cemetery expansion and maintenance services is driven by the needs of national and state veterans affairs departments. Spending in this area is consistent with the ongoing requirement to provide dignified burial services for veterans.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this contract and its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for construction projects, including site inspections, progress reporting, and quality control, are expected to be in place. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting.

Related Government Programs

National Cemetery Administration Construction Projects
Veterans Affairs Cemetery Maintenance and Operations
Federal Construction Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions
Weather-related delays
Labor and material availability
Compliance with environmental regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $6.8 million to ABRAMS GROUP CONSTRUCTION LLC. CONSTRUCTION SERVICES TO EXPAND GRAVE SITE SPACE AT BAY PINES NATIONAL CEMETERY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ABRAMS GROUP CONSTRUCTION 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 $6.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-30. End: 2026-10-07.

What is the track record of Abrams Group Construction LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

A review of Abrams Group Construction LLC's past performance with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is crucial for assessing their reliability on this project. While the provided data indicates they were awarded this contract, it does not detail their history with the VA. Analyzing previous VA contracts awarded to this company, including their performance ratings, any past disputes or challenges, and on-time completion rates, would offer insight into their capabilities and likelihood of successful project execution. Understanding their experience with similar-sized or type of construction projects for the VA would further inform this assessment.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar cemetery expansion projects?

To benchmark the value of this $6.76 million contract, a comparison with similar cemetery expansion projects undertaken by the National Cemetery Administration or other federal agencies is necessary. Factors such as the scope of work (e.g., acres expanded, number of plots added), geographic location (which influences labor and material costs), and the specific construction challenges encountered would need to be considered. Without direct comparable data, it's difficult to definitively state if this amount represents excellent or fair value. However, the firm fixed-price nature and the competitive bidding process suggest an effort to secure cost-effective services.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific construction project?

The primary risks associated with this cemetery expansion project include potential unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., soil stability, underground utilities, archaeological findings) that could lead to delays and cost increases, despite the firm fixed-price contract. Weather-related delays, particularly in Florida, are also a significant risk factor that could impact the project schedule. Furthermore, ensuring adequate skilled labor availability and managing the logistics of construction within an active cemetery environment present operational risks. Compliance with environmental regulations and historical preservation requirements adds another layer of complexity and potential risk.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' in ensuring competitive pricing?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' aims to balance broad market engagement with specific procurement needs. While 'full and open' suggests an intention to solicit from all responsible sources, the 'exclusion of sources' clause implies that certain potential bidders were intentionally not solicited, perhaps due to prior performance issues or specific technical requirements. The effectiveness in ensuring competitive pricing depends on the justification for the exclusion and the number of bidders that ultimately participated. With 8 bidders, the competition appears robust, which generally supports competitive pricing. However, if the excluded sources were significant potential competitors, the pricing might be less competitive than true 'full and open' competition without exclusions.

What is the historical spending trend for cemetery expansion services by the VA?

Analyzing the historical spending trend for cemetery expansion services by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would provide context for the current $6.76 million award. Understanding whether this represents an increase or decrease in spending, and the frequency of such contracts, can indicate the VA's investment priorities and the market's capacity. If historical data shows a consistent need for expansion and a stable or increasing budget allocation for these services, it suggests a predictable demand. Conversely, significant fluctuations might point to evolving needs or budget constraints. This information helps assess the long-term strategic importance of such projects.

What are the potential long-term implications of this expansion for veteran burial services?

The long-term implication of this expansion is the enhanced ability of the Bay Pines National Cemetery to serve veterans and their families in Florida for years to come. By increasing grave site capacity, the VA addresses the growing demand for burial spaces, ensuring that more veterans can receive the honor and recognition they deserve. This proactive measure helps alleviate potential future shortages and reduces the burden on families seeking interment options. The expansion contributes to the overall mission of the National Cemetery Administration to provide dignified burial and memorial services.

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: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 36C78625B0019

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3645 HIGHWAY 90, MILTON, FL, 32571

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, 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: $6,761,362

Exercised Options: $6,761,362

Current Obligation: $6,761,362

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline