DHS awards $25M for Cordova, AK family housing construction to Bethel Services, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,983,424 ($25.0M)

Contractor: Bethel Services, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2008-12-09

End Date: 2010-11-15

Contract Duration: 706 days

Daily Burn Rate: $35.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCT 7 UNITS FAMILY HOUSING AT CORDOVA, AK

Place of Performance

Location: CORDOVA, VALDEZ-CORDOVA County, ALASKA, 99574

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $25.0 million to BETHEL SERVICES, INCORPORATED for work described as: CONSTRUCT 7 UNITS FAMILY HOUSING AT CORDOVA, AK Key points: 1. The contract value is $24,983,424. 2. Bethel Services, Inc. was awarded the contract. 3. The contract falls under the New Multifamily Housing Construction sector. 4. The duration of the contract is 706 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $24,983,424 for constructing 7 units of family housing appears to be within a reasonable range for construction projects of this nature, though specific benchmarks for remote Alaskan locations are difficult to ascertain without further data.

Cost Per Unit: $3,569,059

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and aims for the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential housing infrastructure for military families, which is a necessary investment in personnel support.

Public Impact

Provides much-needed housing for military families in Cordova, Alaska. Supports local economy through construction jobs and material sourcing. Enhances quality of life for service members and their families stationed in a remote location.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to remote location and logistics.
Construction delays due to weather or material availability in Alaska.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical housing shortage for military personnel.
Utilizes competitive bidding to ensure fair pricing.
Supports infrastructure development in a strategic location.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically new multifamily housing. Construction costs in Alaska are generally higher than in the contiguous United States due to logistical challenges, climate, and labor costs.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Coast Guard, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms would apply to ensure compliance and project completion.

Related Government Programs

New Multifamily Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders)
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

High per-unit cost.
Potential for logistical challenges impacting cost and schedule.
Limited information on small business participation.
Unclear long-term strategic housing needs assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $25.0 million to BETHEL SERVICES, INCORPORATED. CONSTRUCT 7 UNITS FAMILY HOUSING AT CORDOVA, AK

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BETHEL SERVICES, INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-12-09. End: 2010-11-15.

What is the average cost per unit for similar housing construction projects in remote Alaskan locations?

Determining the precise average cost per unit for similar housing construction in remote Alaskan locations is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of comparable projects. Factors such as specific site conditions, material transportation costs, labor rates, and the exact scope of amenities can significantly influence per-unit costs. However, given the $3.57 million per-unit cost here, it is likely on the higher end, reflecting the unique challenges of construction in such environments.

What were the specific reasons for excluding certain sources during the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' process?

The designation 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' suggests that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources were intentionally excluded prior to the solicitation. The reasons for exclusion are typically documented in the contract file and could include factors like past performance issues, inability to meet specific technical requirements, or failure to meet pre-qualification criteria. Without access to the detailed procurement documentation, the exact reasons remain unknown.

How effectively does this housing project meet the long-term needs of the U.S. Coast Guard personnel in Cordova, Alaska?

The effectiveness of this housing project in meeting long-term needs depends on factors beyond the construction itself, such as the projected duration of the Coast Guard's presence in Cordova, the adequacy of the number of units built (7 units for an unspecified number of families), and the quality of construction ensuring longevity. While providing housing is crucial, its long-term effectiveness is tied to strategic personnel deployment and retention goals.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Residential Building Construction › New Multifamily Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders)

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Bethel Native Corporation (UEI: 089331862)

Address: 460 RIDGECREST DR, BETHEL, AK, 00

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Emerging Small Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,983,424

Exercised Options: $24,983,424

Current Obligation: $24,983,424

Timeline