DoD's $31.4M construction contract awarded to CLARK DESIGN/BUILD, LLC for commercial building needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,443,552 ($31.4M)

Contractor: Clark Design/Build, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2003-09-12

End Date: 2006-02-23

Contract Duration: 895 days

Daily Burn Rate: $35.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BENNING, MUSCOGEE County, GEORGIA, 31995

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.4 million to CLARK DESIGN/BUILD, LLC for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded for commercial and institutional building construction, indicating a need for facility development. 2. The contract duration of 895 days suggests a significant construction project. 3. Awarded by the Department of the Army, highlighting defense infrastructure investment. 4. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 5. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $31.4 million for commercial and institutional building construction appears within a reasonable range for a project of this scope and duration. Without specific details on the project's deliverables, it's challenging to benchmark against highly similar contracts. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests an effort to establish a clear cost ceiling. Further analysis would require understanding the specific construction requirements and comparing the cost per square foot or per unit of work to industry standards for similar government projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this construction project. While more than one bidder is positive, a higher number of bids typically leads to more robust price discovery and potentially better value for the government. The competition level here implies that the agency sought multiple proposals but may not have attracted the widest possible pool of interested contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition with multiple bidders is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely resulted in a more competitive price than a sole-source award. It ensures that the government is not overpaying due to a lack of alternatives.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Army and its personnel who will utilize the constructed facilities. The contract delivers essential commercial and institutional building construction services. The geographic impact is focused on Georgia, where the contract was awarded. The project likely supports the local construction workforce and related industries in Georgia.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise during construction, despite the fixed-price nature.
Risk of delays impacting military readiness or operational needs if construction timelines are not met.
Ensuring the quality of construction meets stringent military standards and long-term durability requirements.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract helps manage budget predictability.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Contract duration of nearly three years allows for thorough project execution.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector is a significant area of federal spending, particularly for agencies like the Department of Defense that require extensive infrastructure. This contract falls under commercial and institutional building construction, a broad category encompassing a wide range of facility types. Federal spending in this area often involves large-scale projects, and competition dynamics can vary significantly based on project complexity, location, and the number of qualified contractors available. Benchmarking this contract's value would involve comparing it to similar military or government facility construction projects in the same region.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions, nor does it mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. The award to CLARK DESIGN/BUILD, LLC, a single entity, does not inherently preclude subcontracting opportunities. However, without explicit set-aside requirements or reported subcontracting plans, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear. Further investigation into subcontracting reports would be necessary to assess the extent to which small businesses participated in fulfilling this contract.

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 embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified construction services within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed project progress and specific oversight activities may not be publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Military Construction
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Projects
Department of Defense Facilities Management
General Services Administration (GSA) Construction Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope changes or unforeseen site conditions arise.
Risk of schedule delays impacting operational readiness.
Ensuring compliance with all relevant building codes and military specifications.
Adequate oversight required to ensure quality of construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.4 million to CLARK DESIGN/BUILD, LLC. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CLARK DESIGN/BUILD, 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 $31.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-09-12. End: 2006-02-23.

What specific type of commercial or institutional building was constructed under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 236220, which covers Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. However, it does not specify the exact type of building (e.g., barracks, administrative offices, training facilities, warehouses, or specialized research buildings). The Department of the Army typically procures a wide range of facilities to support its operations. To determine the specific building type, one would need to consult the contract's statement of work (SOW) or related procurement documents. These documents would detail the project's purpose, scope, and the specific requirements for the facility being constructed.

How does the awarded amount of $31.4 million compare to similar construction projects undertaken by the Department of the Army in Georgia during the same period?

Benchmarking the $31.4 million award requires access to a database of comparable Department of the Army construction contracts awarded in Georgia between September 2003 and February 2006. Factors such as project size (square footage), complexity, specific construction type (e.g., new build vs. renovation), and prevailing market conditions would need to be considered. Without such comparative data, it's difficult to definitively state whether this contract represented excellent, fair, or questionable value. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition with three bidders suggests a degree of market validation for the price.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) or quality standards stipulated in the contract for CLARK DESIGN/BUILD, LLC?

The contract data does not explicitly list the key performance indicators (KPIs) or quality standards. However, for a firm fixed-price construction contract awarded by the Department of the Army, it is standard practice to include detailed specifications regarding materials, workmanship, safety protocols, and adherence to building codes (e.g., International Building Code, specific military construction standards). Performance would likely be assessed based on meeting these specifications, completing milestones on time, and final project acceptance. The contracting officer's representative (COR) would typically monitor progress and quality throughout the project lifecycle.

What is the track record of CLARK DESIGN/BUILD, LLC with federal government contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense?

The provided data identifies CLARK DESIGN/BUILD, LLC as the contractor. To assess their track record, one would need to search federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for other contracts awarded to this entity. This would reveal the volume, value, types of services provided, and performance history (e.g., any past performance issues, awards, or terminations). A review of their history with the Department of Defense specifically would be crucial to understand their experience with military construction projects and their reliability as a federal contractor.

Were there any significant challenges or disputes encountered during the execution of this contract?

The provided summary data does not contain information about challenges or disputes related to this contract. Such details are typically found in contract modification histories, performance reviews, or official dispute resolution records. Investigating contract modification logs, correspondence between the contractor and the agency, or agency Inspector General reports would be necessary to uncover any significant issues that may have arisen during the contract's performance period (September 2003 - February 2006).

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

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Clark Enterprises, Inc. (UEI: 064862345)

Address: 7500 OLD GEORGETOWN ROAD, BETHESDA, MD, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,087

Exercised Options: $48,087

Current Obligation: $31,443,552

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline