Air Force Awards $53M Design-Build Roof Repair Contract to Gilbane Japan GK for Special Operations Facility

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $53,097,051 ($53.1M)

Contractor: Gilbane Japan GK

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-12-18

End Date: 2028-12-16

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $48.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: DESIGN-BUILD REPAIR IS FOR 353RD SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING (SOW) OPERATIONS FACILITY BUILDING 3524 ROOF IAW SOW DATED 22 MAY 2025.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $53.1 million to GILBANE JAPAN GK for work described as: DESIGN-BUILD REPAIR IS FOR 353RD SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING (SOW) OPERATIONS FACILITY BUILDING 3524 ROOF IAW SOW DATED 22 MAY 2025. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The project involves critical infrastructure repair for a Special Operations Wing facility. 3. A firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 4. The duration of nearly three years indicates a substantial scope of work.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $53.1 million for a roof repair and design-build project appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale facility repair contracts would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified contractors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield a fair price, maximizing the value of taxpayer funds spent on essential facility maintenance.

Public Impact

Ensures operational readiness for the 353rd Special Operations Wing by maintaining critical infrastructure. Supports the Department of the Air Force's commitment to facility upkeep and modernization. The project will likely involve local labor and resources during its execution phase. Investment in facility repair contributes to the long-term sustainability of military installations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen structural issues arise during the design-build process.
Dependency on a single contractor for both design and construction could limit flexibility.
The firm-fixed-price contract may not fully account for unexpected material price increases.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition is a positive signal for price discovery.
The firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
The project addresses a critical need for operational facility maintenance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector for the Department of Defense is substantial, covering a wide range of construction and repair activities for military installations.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. It is unclear if small businesses will be subcontracted by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for design-build projects, including progress reviews and quality assurance, should be in place to ensure successful execution and accountability.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Contractor's ability to manage both design and construction phases effectively.
Ensuring the selected roofing materials are suitable for the specific operational demands.
Adequate oversight to prevent scope creep or quality compromises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $53.1 million to GILBANE JAPAN GK. DESIGN-BUILD REPAIR IS FOR 353RD SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING (SOW) OPERATIONS FACILITY BUILDING 3524 ROOF IAW SOW DATED 22 MAY 2025.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GILBANE JAPAN GK.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $53.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-18. End: 2028-12-16.

What specific design and construction challenges are anticipated for the 353rd Special Operations Wing facility roof repair, and how will they be addressed within the firm-fixed-price structure?

The specific challenges will likely involve the age and condition of the existing roof structure, potential asbestos abatement, and integration of new roofing systems with existing building components. The firm-fixed-price contract implies that the contractor has thoroughly assessed these risks and included contingencies in their bid. Oversight will be crucial to ensure the design adequately addresses identified issues and that construction adheres to the agreed-upon scope and quality standards.

How does the $53.1 million cost compare to industry benchmarks for similar design-build roof repair projects on specialized operational facilities of this size and complexity?

Without specific details on the facility's unique requirements and the extent of the repair (e.g., full replacement vs. partial repair, specialized materials), a precise benchmark is difficult. However, for large-scale commercial or institutional building construction, especially involving design-build elements and specialized facilities, a cost in the tens of millions is not unusual. A detailed cost-benefit analysis comparing this price to the projected lifespan extension and operational benefits would be informative.

What measures are in place to ensure the long-term effectiveness and durability of the repaired roof, given the demanding operational environment of a Special Operations Wing?

The effectiveness will depend on the quality of the design, materials selected, and the execution of the construction. The contract's firm-fixed-price nature incentivizes the contractor to deliver a durable product within budget. Oversight by the Air Force should include rigorous quality assurance checks, material testing, and verification that the design meets or exceeds specified performance standards for the operational environment. A warranty period post-completion is also a critical component for ensuring long-term effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: FA527025R0015

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3-12-2 NIHOMBASHIKAYABACHO, CHUO-KU

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $53,097,051

Exercised Options: $53,097,051

Current Obligation: $53,097,051

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline