DoD's $28.8M Classroom Renovation Contract Awarded to BL Harbert International LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,826,937 ($28.8M)
Contractor: BL Harbert International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-09-24
End Date: 2013-06-22
Contract Duration: 1,002 days
Daily Burn Rate: $28.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 43
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: BNHQ CLASSROOM RENOVATION
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBIA, RICHLAND County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29207
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $28.8 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: BNHQ CLASSROOM RENOVATION Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in military education infrastructure. 2. The project was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract (1002 days) indicates a substantial scope of work. 4. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. The contract falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction NAICS code. 6. Awarded by the Department of the Army, highlighting a specific branch's infrastructure needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific details on the scope of renovation and the facilities involved. However, the total award amount of $28.8 million for a classroom renovation project over approximately three years suggests a considerable investment per square foot or per classroom. Comparing this to similar large-scale educational facility construction or renovation projects within the Department of Defense or other federal agencies would be necessary to determine if the pricing is competitive. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that the contractor assumed the risk for cost overruns, which can sometimes lead to higher initial bids.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 43 bids suggests a robust level of interest and a competitive marketplace for this type of construction service. A high number of bidders generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors, benefiting the government in terms of value for money and access to specialized expertise.
Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers, as contractors vied to win the award. It also suggests that taxpayer funds were used efficiently by selecting a contractor from a pool of qualified and competitive offers.
Public Impact
Military personnel and their families benefit from improved educational facilities. The project delivers essential renovations to classroom spaces, enhancing the learning environment. The geographic impact is concentrated in South Carolina, where the project is located. The construction and renovation activities likely supported local and regional employment in the building trades.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise during renovation, despite fixed-price contract.
- Ensuring the quality of renovations meets long-term educational and safety standards.
- Managing the project timeline effectively to minimize disruption to ongoing educational activities.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition with a significant number of bidders, indicating strong market interest.
- Firm-fixed-price contract structure transfers cost risk to the contractor.
- Contract awarded to a known entity (BL Harbert International LLC) which may have a track record with similar projects.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broad construction sector, specifically Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. The market for federal construction projects is substantial, with agencies like the Department of Defense consistently investing in infrastructure. The size of this contract ($28.8 million) positions it as a significant project within its category. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale renovation or construction contracts for educational or institutional facilities awarded by federal agencies.
Small Business Impact
The contract indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside consideration, as the 'sb' field is false. However, the large number of bidders (43) suggests that smaller firms may have participated in the bidding process or could potentially be involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business subcontracting opportunities and their actual utilization on this project.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant project management office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, which holds the contractor responsible for delivering the specified scope of work within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific oversight details are not provided in the summary data.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Military Construction
- Army Education Facilities
- Federal Building and Renovation Projects
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule delays
- Risk of unforeseen site conditions
- Ensuring compliance with modern building codes and accessibility standards
Tags
construction, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, south-carolina, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, commercial-and-institutional-building-construction, classroom-renovation, large-contract, infrastructure-project
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $28.8 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC. BNHQ CLASSROOM RENOVATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $28.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-09-24. End: 2013-06-22.
What is the track record of BL Harbert International LLC with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?
BL Harbert International LLC has a history of securing federal contracts, including significant work with the Department of Defense. Their portfolio often includes large-scale construction and renovation projects, aligning with the nature of this classroom renovation contract. Analyzing their past performance on similar projects, including adherence to schedules, budget management, and quality of work, would provide further insight into their capabilities and reliability. Federal procurement data often details past awards, contract modifications, and performance evaluations, which are crucial for assessing a contractor's track record.
How does the per-square-foot cost of this renovation compare to similar projects in South Carolina or other military installations?
To assess the value for money, a detailed comparison of the per-square-foot cost of this $28.8 million renovation against similar projects is essential. This would involve obtaining the total square footage of the renovated area and comparing it to benchmarks for commercial and institutional building construction in South Carolina and for Department of Defense facilities nationwide. Factors such as the extent of renovation (e.g., structural, cosmetic, systems upgrades), local labor costs, and material prices would influence this comparison. Without the specific square footage and detailed scope, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the overall award suggests a significant investment that warrants such a comparative analysis.
What are the primary risks associated with a large-scale classroom renovation project of this duration?
Large-scale renovation projects, especially those spanning over 1000 days, carry inherent risks. These include potential for unforeseen structural issues discovered during demolition, which can lead to scope changes and cost increases, even under a fixed-price contract. Delays in material procurement or labor shortages can impact the schedule. Furthermore, ensuring the renovated facilities meet current and future educational technology needs and accessibility standards adds complexity. The firm-fixed-price nature shifts direct cost overrun risk to the contractor, but scope creep or significant unforeseen conditions can still lead to disputes or claims.
What is the expected impact of these renovations on the quality of education and military readiness?
The renovation of classrooms is directly intended to improve the learning environment for military personnel and their dependents, potentially leading to enhanced educational outcomes. Modernized facilities can better support current teaching methodologies and technological integration, contributing to a more effective educational experience. For military readiness, well-maintained and functional educational facilities are part of the overall support infrastructure that contributes to personnel morale and development, indirectly supporting readiness by ensuring that training and educational programs can be delivered effectively.
How has federal spending on similar building construction and renovation projects evolved over the past decade?
Federal spending on building construction and renovation projects, particularly within agencies like the Department of Defense, has generally remained substantial, driven by the need to maintain and modernize aging infrastructure. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget appropriations and national priorities, there's a consistent demand for construction services to support military bases, government facilities, and educational institutions. Trends may include increased focus on energy efficiency, sustainable building practices, and resilience against environmental factors. Analyzing historical spending patterns for NAICS code 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction) across federal agencies would reveal overall market size and growth.
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
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 43
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: B.L. Harbert Holdings, L.L.C. (UEI: 147371236)
Address: 820 SHADES CREEK PKWY, STE-3000, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $33,326,937
Exercised Options: $28,826,937
Current Obligation: $28,826,937
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W9127807D0042
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-09-24
Current End Date: 2013-06-22
Potential End Date: 2013-06-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-05-23
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