EPA awards $15.4M construction contract for AWBERC Phase 3 to Langdon Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,403,886 ($15.4M)

Contractor: Langdon Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2009-08-26

End Date: 2012-01-28

Contract Duration: 885 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCTION OF IRP - PHASE 3 AT AWBERC

Place of Performance

Location: CINCINNATI, HAMILTON County, OHIO, 45268, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $15.4 million to LANGDON INC for work described as: CONSTRUCTION OF IRP - PHASE 3 AT AWBERC Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in infrastructure upgrades. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type may offer cost certainty but limits flexibility. 4. Contract duration of 885 days indicates a substantial project scope. 5. Geographic focus on Ohio highlights regional infrastructure development.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $15.4 million for construction services appears within a reasonable range for a project of this scale, though specific benchmarks are unavailable without more detailed project scope. The firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to control costs, but the final value is compared against the initial award amount. Without data on change orders or final reconciliation, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction projects for environmental facilities would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. With 4 bidders identified, this suggests a healthy level of competition for this project. A competitive environment generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government, as contractors vie to win the award.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition likely resulted in a more competitive bid, potentially saving taxpayer dollars compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits from upgraded facilities at AWBERC. Construction services will be delivered at the AWBERC facility. The project has a geographic impact primarily in Ohio. The contract supports the construction and skilled trades workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise in fixed-price contracts.
Project delays could impact the operational readiness of AWBERC.
Scope creep could lead to increased costs if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process.
Award to a single contractor streamlines project management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically focusing on plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors. The project involves significant infrastructure development for a federal agency. Comparable spending benchmarks in this sub-sector would typically be assessed based on the square footage, complexity of systems installed, and the specific environmental remediation or research capabilities being supported by the AWBERC facility.

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 suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem through this specific contract award is likely minimal unless Langdon Inc. engages small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery according to specifications. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific oversight reports or inspector general involvement would depend on project performance and any identified issues.

Related Government Programs

Federal Construction Contracts
Environmental Infrastructure Projects
EPA Facility Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to fixed-price nature.
Risk of project delays impacting facility operations.
Need for robust oversight to ensure quality and compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $15.4 million to LANGDON INC. CONSTRUCTION OF IRP - PHASE 3 AT AWBERC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LANGDON INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-08-26. End: 2012-01-28.

What is the track record of Langdon Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the EPA?

Information on Langdon Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially with the EPA, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive analysis would require reviewing historical contract awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any past disputes or claims filed by or against the contractor. Understanding their past performance on similar-sized and scoped projects would be crucial for assessing their reliability and capability in executing this $15.4 million construction contract.

How does the awarded price of $15.4 million compare to similar construction projects for environmental research facilities?

Without specific details on the scope of work, square footage, and complexity of the 'IRP - PHASE 3' at AWBERC, it is difficult to provide a precise comparison to similar projects. However, $15.4 million for a multi-year construction project involving specialized systems like plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning for an environmental research facility is a substantial investment. Benchmarking would require identifying comparable federal or state-funded construction projects with similar technical requirements and geographic locations. The number of bidders (4) suggests a competitive market, which should theoretically drive pricing towards market rates.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price construction contract?

The primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract include potential cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions or design issues arise that were not adequately accounted for during the bidding process. Contractor performance risk is also present, where delays or quality issues could impact the project timeline and final outcome. While the fixed price offers cost certainty to the government, it places more risk on the contractor to manage costs and deliver the project within the agreed-upon budget. Effective project management and oversight by the EPA are critical to mitigating these risks.

How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring value for money for this type of construction contract?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in federal contracting, as it allows the widest possible pool of qualified contractors to bid. This competition drives down prices and encourages innovation. For a construction project of this magnitude, having four bidders suggests that the process likely yielded competitive pricing. However, value for money is also dependent on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria, and the government's ability to effectively manage the contract post-award to ensure quality and timely delivery.

What is the historical spending pattern for construction at the AWBERC facility or similar EPA sites?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for the AWBERC facility or similar EPA sites. To assess this, one would need to analyze past contracts awarded by the EPA for construction, renovation, or maintenance at this or comparable research and operational facilities. Examining trends in contract values, project types, and frequency of awards would provide context for the $15.4 million investment and help determine if it aligns with previous spending levels or represents a significant increase or decrease.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors

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: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9865 WAYNE AVE, CINCINNATI, OH, 45215

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,403,886

Exercised Options: $15,403,886

Current Obligation: $15,403,886

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: EPC07058

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline