US Agency for Global Media awards $10.75M contract for Kuwait transmitting station antenna expansion to Brice Builders, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,750,533 ($10.8M)

Contractor: Brice Builders, LLC

Awarding Agency: U.S. Agency for Global Media

Start Date: 2020-09-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 2,067 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: KUWAIT TRANSMITTING STATION SHORT WAVE (SW) ANTENNA EXPANSION

Place of Performance

Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99503

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

U.S. Agency for Global Media obligated $10.8 million to BRICE BUILDERS, LLC for work described as: KUWAIT TRANSMITTING STATION SHORT WAVE (SW) ANTENNA EXPANSION Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single bidder, raising questions about competition and potential price optimization. 2. The contract duration of nearly 7 years suggests a long-term need for the antenna expansion. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs, but the lack of competition may limit savings. 4. The project is located in Alaska, but serves a transmitting station in Kuwait, indicating a complex logistical and operational scope. 5. The specific nature of the 'antenna expansion' suggests a specialized technical requirement within broadcasting infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $10.75 million for an antenna expansion project is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on the scope of work and the technology involved. Given the sole-source nature of the award, it's challenging to assess if the pricing is competitive. However, the long duration (nearly 7 years) and the firm-fixed-price type suggest an attempt to lock in costs for a significant infrastructure project.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not open to competitive bidding. This approach is typically used when only one vendor possesses the necessary specialized skills, technology, or when urgent circumstances prevent a full and open competition. The lack of multiple bidders means there was no direct price comparison or negotiation driven by market forces.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award means there is a higher risk of paying a premium compared to a competitively bid contract, as the government did not benefit from multiple offers to drive down costs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and its broadcasting operations, which will see enhanced transmitting capabilities. The services delivered include the expansion of shortwave (SW) antenna infrastructure, crucial for global broadcasting reach. The geographic impact is twofold: the physical work is in Alaska, while the operational impact is on the Kuwait transmitting station, affecting international audiences. Workforce implications may include specialized construction and engineering roles in Alaska, and potentially ongoing technical support related to the new antenna system.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price discovery and potential taxpayer savings.
Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
Lack of competition raises concerns about the best value being obtained for the investment.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Specialized nature of the work may necessitate a sole-source approach to ensure technical expertise.
The project aims to improve critical broadcasting infrastructure for global outreach.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector. This sector involves the production and distribution of communication equipment and services. The contract specifically addresses the expansion of broadcasting antenna infrastructure, a critical component for ensuring signal reach and quality. Comparable spending in this area can vary widely depending on the scale and technological sophistication of the required upgrades.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract involved small business set-asides or subcontracting opportunities. The award to Brice Builders, LLC, a single entity, does not provide information on its size or its utilization of small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting plans were in place or if small businesses were excluded from bidding.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Agency for Global Media's internal contracting and program management offices. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award. While a firm-fixed-price contract offers some cost control, ongoing monitoring of performance and adherence to specifications would be crucial. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Global Broadcasting Infrastructure
International Communications Networks
Antenna and Transmission Systems
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Regulated Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns due to long duration
Limited public information on contractor's relevant experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

U.S. Agency for Global Media awarded $10.8 million to BRICE BUILDERS, LLC. KUWAIT TRANSMITTING STATION SHORT WAVE (SW) ANTENNA EXPANSION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRICE BUILDERS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: U.S. Agency for Global Media (U.S. Agency for Global Media).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the specific technical scope of the 'antenna expansion' and why was it deemed a sole-source requirement?

The specific technical scope of the 'antenna expansion' for the Kuwait Short Wave (SW) transmitting station likely involves upgrading or adding new antenna elements to enhance signal strength, coverage area, or frequency range for international broadcasts. The sole-source justification would typically stem from unique proprietary technology, highly specialized engineering expertise possessed by only one firm, or an urgent need that precluded a competitive solicitation process. Without the government's detailed justification (often found in a Justification and Approval document), the precise reasons remain speculative. However, such projects often involve complex integration with existing systems and specific performance requirements that might limit the pool of qualified contractors.

How does the $10.75 million cost compare to similar antenna expansion projects for international broadcasters?

Benchmarking the $10.75 million cost for this antenna expansion is challenging without detailed specifications of the project's scope, the type of antennas, the complexity of installation, and the specific technological requirements. International broadcasting antenna projects can range significantly in cost. Factors such as the height of towers, the number and type of antenna arrays, the need for specialized foundations, environmental considerations at the site (Kuwait), and integration with existing transmission equipment all influence the final price. A project of this magnitude over nearly seven years suggests a substantial undertaking. Without comparable data from other agencies or international bodies undertaking similar infrastructure upgrades, it's difficult to definitively state whether this price represents good value for money.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for this type of infrastructure project?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for this infrastructure project is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive pressure. The government may not achieve the best possible price or value. Other risks include potential quality compromises if the sole provider faces no market-driven incentive to excel, and a reduced incentive for innovation. Furthermore, if the sole-source contractor experiences performance issues or financial instability, the government has limited alternative options for project completion, potentially leading to delays and increased costs. The long duration of the contract amplifies these risks, as issues could arise over an extended period.

What is the track record of Brice Builders, LLC in performing large-scale federal infrastructure or broadcasting projects?

Information regarding Brice Builders, LLC's track record specifically in large-scale federal infrastructure or broadcasting projects is not readily available within the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance on federal contracts, including project types, contract values, performance ratings, and any history of disputes or contract terminations. Without this information, it is difficult to evaluate their capability and reliability for a project of this nature and value. Further due diligence would be necessary to ascertain their experience and suitability.

How does the firm-fixed-price contract type mitigate risks for the U.S. Agency for Global Media in this project?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is designed to provide the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) with cost certainty. Under an FFP contract, the contractor, Brice Builders, LLC, assumes the primary risk for cost overruns. This means that the agreed-upon price is generally fixed, regardless of the contractor's actual costs incurred during performance, unless changes are formally negotiated. This structure helps the agency budget more accurately and protects against unexpected increases in labor, material, or other direct costs. However, the initial price negotiated in an FFP contract is critical, and the sole-source nature of this award means that the baseline price might not reflect the most competitive market rate.

What are the implications of the project being physically located in Alaska while serving a transmitting station in Kuwait?

The geographical disconnect between the project's physical location (Alaska) and its operational purpose (Kuwait transmitting station) introduces significant logistical and management complexities. It implies that the construction or installation work is being performed in Alaska, possibly for manufacturing, pre-assembly, or specialized fabrication of antenna components, which are then to be shipped and installed in Kuwait. This raises questions about transportation costs, customs, international regulations, and the coordination between the Alaskan workforce/facility and the deployment team in Kuwait. It also suggests a potential need for specialized expertise in managing international logistics and construction in a foreign environment, which could impact project timelines and costs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 951700-20-R-0004

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3800 CENTERPOINT DR STE 432, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,750,533

Exercised Options: $10,750,533

Current Obligation: $10,750,533

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline