DOT awards $4.5M for OKC ARSR facility upgrades, focusing on building construction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,508,275 ($4.5M)

Contractor: Griffith Contracting, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2023-08-31

End Date: 2026-04-03

Contract Duration: 946 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/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: OKC ARSR FACILITY UPGRADE AND SITE RENOVATIONS AT THE OKC ARSR IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA WITH THE SOW AND DRAWINGS

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73145

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $4.5 million to GRIFFITH CONTRACTING, LLC for work described as: OKC ARSR FACILITY UPGRADE AND SITE RENOVATIONS AT THE OKC ARSR IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA WITH THE SOW AND DRAWINGS Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a facility upgrade of this nature. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, typical for construction projects with defined scopes. 4. Project timeline extends over two years, allowing for phased execution. 5. Positioned within the construction sector, specifically institutional building. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.5 million for facility upgrades and site renovations at the OKC ARSR seems aligned with typical costs for such projects. Benchmarking against similar government construction contracts for air traffic control facilities or institutional buildings of comparable size and complexity would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

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,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and multiple bids were likely considered. The presence of four bidders suggests a healthy level of competition, which typically drives down prices and encourages better quality. The exclusion of sources might refer to specific pre-qualification criteria that limited the pool but still allowed for broad competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by leveraging market forces to secure the best possible price and value for the facility upgrades.

Public Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) benefits from improved infrastructure at the OKC ARSR. Services delivered include facility upgrades and site renovations, enhancing operational capabilities. Geographic impact is localized to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for construction labor and related trades.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for construction delays impacting operational readiness.
Scope creep could lead to cost increases if not managed tightly.
Ensuring compliance with all environmental and safety regulations during renovation.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty for the government.
Defined scope of work and drawings provide clear project parameters.
Competitive bidding process likely secured a fair market price.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. This sector encompasses a wide range of construction activities for non-residential buildings. The market for government facility construction is substantial, with agencies like the FAA consistently investing in infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other FAA or Department of Defense construction contracts for similar facilities.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This means that opportunities for small business participation were not specifically mandated through this procurement vehicle. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral in terms of direct set-aside benefits, but larger prime contractors may engage small businesses for subcontracting work.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Federal Aviation Administration's contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring Griffith Contracting, LLC to deliver the specified work within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

FAA Air Traffic Control Facility Modernization
Federal Building and Infrastructure Construction
Department of Transportation Capital Improvement Projects
Oklahoma City Federal Facilities

Risk Flags

Potential for construction delays
Risk of scope creep
Ensuring regulatory compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $4.5 million to GRIFFITH CONTRACTING, LLC. OKC ARSR FACILITY UPGRADE AND SITE RENOVATIONS AT THE OKC ARSR IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA WITH THE SOW AND DRAWINGS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GRIFFITH CONTRACTING, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-31. End: 2026-04-03.

What is the track record of Griffith Contracting, LLC with the Federal Aviation Administration?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Griffith Contracting, LLC has received multiple federal contracts, including several from the Department of Transportation and its agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration. While specific details on past performance quality for this particular agency are not immediately available in this summary, the award of this contract suggests they met the agency's requirements. Further analysis would involve examining past performance evaluations and any documented issues on previous FAA contracts to assess their reliability and expertise in executing similar projects.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar FAA facility upgrade projects?

The awarded amount of $4,508,275.48 for the OKC ARSR facility upgrade and site renovations is within a typical range for institutional building construction projects of this scope. Benchmarking against other FAA contracts for air traffic control facility upgrades or similar infrastructure projects would provide a more precise comparison. Factors such as geographic location, specific renovation needs (e.g., structural, electrical, HVAC), and the complexity of the site can influence costs. Without direct comparative data on similar FAA projects, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents exceptional value, but it appears reasonable for the described work.

What are the primary risks associated with this construction contract?

The primary risks associated with this construction contract include potential construction delays due to unforeseen site conditions, weather, or supply chain issues, which could impact the project's completion date of April 3, 2026. Scope creep is another risk; if the project requirements expand beyond the initial SOW and drawings without proper change order management, costs could increase. Ensuring adherence to stringent safety and environmental regulations during renovation is also critical. The firm-fixed-price nature shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor, but significant delays or unforeseen major issues could still pose challenges.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in managing costs for this project?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for managing costs in construction projects where the scope of work is well-defined, as it is here with detailed SOW and drawings. Under an FFP contract, the contractor assumes the primary responsibility for cost overruns, providing a predictable ceiling for the government's expenditure. This incentivizes the contractor to control costs efficiently. However, the government must ensure the initial scope is comprehensive to avoid costly change orders later. The FAA's oversight will be crucial in managing the contract and ensuring the contractor meets all obligations within the agreed price.

What is the historical spending trend for facility upgrades at FAA Air Route Surveillance Radar (ARSR) sites?

Historical spending trends for facility upgrades at FAA Air Route Surveillance Radar (ARSR) sites are not detailed in the provided data. However, it is reasonable to assume that such facilities require periodic maintenance and upgrades to ensure operational efficiency and compliance with evolving technological standards. Agencies like the FAA typically allocate funds annually for infrastructure improvements. Analyzing past FAA budget allocations and specific contract awards for ARSR site maintenance and modernization over several fiscal years would be necessary to establish a clear spending trend and identify patterns in investment.

What is the significance of the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' contract type?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' designation signifies that the contract was initially intended for broad competition, but certain potential sources were excluded based on specific, justifiable criteria (e.g., capability, past performance, security clearances). This is distinct from a sole-source or limited competition where the pool of bidders is intentionally restricted from the outset. The fact that four bidders participated suggests that while some sources were excluded, a sufficient number remained to foster a competitive environment, aiming to achieve the best value for the government while ensuring fairness and transparency in the procurement process.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 6973GH-23-Q-00178

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 29400 E 68TH ST, BROKEN ARROW, OK, 74014

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,508,275

Exercised Options: $4,508,275

Current Obligation: $4,508,275

Actual Outlays: $4,458,743

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline