DoD awards $11M for runway repair at Travis AFB, with 14 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,022,291 ($11.0M)

Contractor: ADC Engineering Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-01-18

End Date: 2026-05-29

Contract Duration: 1,227 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: TITLE II SERVICES FOR REPAIR RUNWAY 21R/03L, TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE (TAFB), CALIFORNIA, PROJECT NO. XDAT181013

Place of Performance

Location: TRAVIS AFB, SOLANO County, CALIFORNIA, 94535

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.0 million to ADC ENGINEERING INC for work described as: TITLE II SERVICES FOR REPAIR RUNWAY 21R/03L, TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE (TAFB), CALIFORNIA, PROJECT NO. XDAT181013 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of runway repair and engineering services. 2. Strong competition with 14 bidders suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Project duration of over three years indicates a significant, long-term infrastructure undertaking. 5. Engineering services are critical for ensuring the safety and operational readiness of air bases. 6. The contract is positioned within the Defense sector, specifically supporting Air Force infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.02 million for runway repair and engineering services at Travis AFB seems aligned with typical infrastructure projects of this nature. While specific benchmarks for runway repair are difficult to ascertain without detailed project specifications, the number of bidders (14) suggests competitive pricing. The firm fixed-price structure further supports value by shifting cost risk to the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, attracting a robust 14 bids. This high level of competition is a positive indicator, suggesting that the market has sufficient capacity and interest in providing these specialized engineering services. It also implies that the government likely received a range of pricing and technical proposals, facilitating price discovery and selection of the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The strong competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are likely being used efficiently, as contractors were incentivized to offer competitive pricing to win the award.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force and military personnel operating out of Travis AFB, ensuring continued operational readiness. Services delivered include critical engineering and repair work for a major runway, essential for aircraft operations. The geographic impact is localized to Travis AFB in Fairfield, California, but supports national defense infrastructure. Workforce implications include employment for engineers, construction workers, and support staff involved in the project.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for schedule delays given the multi-year duration and complexity of runway repairs.
Ensuring the quality of engineering and repair work meets stringent military standards is crucial.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
Extensive competition suggests a robust market and likely competitive pricing.
Project directly supports critical military infrastructure and operational readiness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically supporting the maintenance and upgrade of critical Air Force infrastructure. The engineering services procured are essential for ensuring the operational capability of air bases. Comparable spending in this area often involves significant investments in airfield pavements, lighting, and navigation systems, with project values varying widely based on scope and location.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have a small business subcontracting requirement noted. Given the specialized nature of large-scale runway repair and engineering, prime contractors are often larger firms, though they may utilize small businesses for specific components or services.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of the Air Force, a component of the Department of Defense. Oversight likely involves program managers, contracting officers, and potentially quality assurance representatives to monitor progress, adherence to specifications, and contractor performance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed project-specific oversight mechanisms are internal.

Related Government Programs

Airfield Pavement Repair
Military Infrastructure Modernization
Engineering Services for Government
Travis Air Force Base Operations Support

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays due to project complexity.
Ensuring adherence to stringent military specifications for runway integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.0 million to ADC ENGINEERING INC. TITLE II SERVICES FOR REPAIR RUNWAY 21R/03L, TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE (TAFB), CALIFORNIA, PROJECT NO. XDAT181013

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADC ENGINEERING INC.

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 $11.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-01-18. End: 2026-05-29.

What is the track record of ADC ENGINEERING INC in performing similar large-scale military airfield repair contracts?

Assessing the track record of ADC ENGINEERING INC requires a review of their past performance on similar contracts, particularly those involving military airfield infrastructure. Information on previous projects, including their scope, value, timeliness, and client satisfaction, would be crucial. Databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) and contractor performance assessment reporting tools (CPARS) can provide insights into their history. A lack of extensive experience in large-scale runway repair could indicate a higher risk for this specific project, while a strong history would suggest a lower risk and a higher likelihood of successful execution.

How does the awarded price of $11.02 million compare to similar runway repair projects at other Air Force bases?

Benchmarking the $11.02 million contract value against similar runway repair projects requires access to detailed cost data for comparable projects, which is often not publicly available. Factors influencing cost include the specific runway length and width, the extent of damage (e.g., cracking, rutting, joint deterioration), the type of repair (e.g., overlay, full depth repair, reconstruction), and the specific location's labor and material costs. The presence of 14 bidders suggests competitive pricing, but without detailed project specifications and cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money comparison is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price nature of this contract provides a degree of cost certainty for the government.

What are the primary risks associated with a multi-year runway repair project of this magnitude?

Multi-year runway repair projects, like the one at Travis AFB, carry several inherent risks. Schedule delays are a significant concern, potentially caused by unforeseen subsurface conditions, weather disruptions, contractor performance issues, or changes in project scope. Cost overruns are less likely with a firm fixed-price contract, but scope creep or unforeseen complexities could still impact the overall financial picture. Performance risks include the quality of materials and workmanship, ensuring compliance with stringent military specifications, and the potential for disruptions to ongoing base operations. Environmental risks, such as managing construction waste or protecting local ecosystems, may also be present.

How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in ensuring project success for this runway repair?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for projects where the scope of work is well-defined and risks can be reasonably anticipated, such as runway repair. This structure places the primary cost risk on the contractor, incentivizing them to manage resources efficiently and complete the work within budget. For the government, it provides budget certainty and limits exposure to cost escalations. However, if unforeseen issues arise that significantly alter the scope, contract modifications might be necessary, potentially leading to increased costs or disputes. The success of an FFP contract heavily relies on the thoroughness of the initial scope definition and the contractor's ability to execute within those parameters.

What is the historical spending trend for engineering and construction services related to Air Force airfield maintenance?

Historical spending on Air Force airfield maintenance, including engineering and construction services, typically fluctuates based on infrastructure needs, modernization initiatives, and budget allocations. Major upgrades or repairs to runways, taxiways, and aprons represent significant capital investments. Trends can be influenced by factors such as aging infrastructure requiring rehabilitation, the introduction of new aircraft types necessitating runway modifications, and broader defense spending priorities. Analyzing historical data from sources like FPDS can reveal patterns in contract awards, average project values, and the types of services most frequently procured for airfield upkeep.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1226 YEAMANS HALL RD STE F, HANAHAN, SC, 29410

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,022,291

Exercised Options: $11,022,291

Current Obligation: $11,022,291

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA890321D0018

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline