DoD's $20.4M Electric Drive Test Facility Contract Awarded to Whiting-Turner Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,366,088 ($20.4M)

Contractor: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-06-18

End Date: 2015-06-04

Contract Duration: 2,177 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: D/B/B P-205 ELECTRIC DRIVE TEST FACILITY

Place of Performance

Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19112

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.4 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE for work described as: D/B/B P-205 ELECTRIC DRIVE TEST FACILITY Key points: 1. The contract value of $20.4 million for the Electric Drive Test Facility represents a significant investment in specialized infrastructure. 2. Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the awardee, is a large, established firm, indicating a competitive landscape for major construction projects. 3. The project carries inherent risks associated with large-scale construction, including potential cost overruns and schedule delays. 4. The sector is Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, a critical area for government infrastructure development.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $20.4 million for a specialized test facility appears within a reasonable range for large-scale construction projects of this nature. Benchmarking against similar government-funded, specialized facility constructions would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust process for soliciting bids and ensuring fair market pricing. This method typically leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to maximize taxpayer value by ensuring the most competitive bids are considered, potentially leading to cost savings compared to less competitive procurement methods.

Public Impact

This facility is crucial for the Department of the Navy's research and development in electric drive technology, potentially impacting future naval capabilities. The construction project itself will likely create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the Pennsylvania region. Successful completion of the facility could lead to advancements in energy efficiency and performance for naval vessels.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for construction cost overruns
  • Schedule delays impacting R&D timelines
  • Complexity of specialized facility construction

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition
  • Firm Fixed Price contract type limits cost risk
  • Significant investment in critical defense technology

Sector Analysis

The Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector is vital for government infrastructure. Spending benchmarks for specialized facilities like test sites can vary widely based on complexity and location, but this $20.4M award suggests a substantial project.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to a large contractor, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Navy, a component of the Department of Defense, which has established oversight mechanisms for large construction projects. The firm fixed price contract type also provides a degree of financial oversight.

Related Government Programs

  • Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

  • Potential for cost growth despite fixed price
  • Schedule slippage impacting R&D timelines
  • Complexity of specialized equipment integration
  • Long-term maintenance and operational costs

Tags

commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-defense, pa, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.4 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE. D/B/B P-205 ELECTRIC DRIVE TEST FACILITY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-06-18. End: 2015-06-04.

What is the specific technological advancement this Electric Drive Test Facility is intended to support within the Navy's R&D efforts?

The facility is designed to test and validate advanced electric drive propulsion systems for naval vessels. This includes evaluating the performance, reliability, and integration of new electric motor and power generation technologies, crucial for enhancing ship maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and reducing acoustic signatures.

What are the primary risks associated with the construction of such a specialized facility, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include the complexity of integrating specialized testing equipment, potential for unforeseen site conditions, and ensuring compliance with stringent safety and environmental regulations. Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed engineering plans, experienced project management from Whiting-Turner, and phased inspections throughout the construction lifecycle.

How does the performance of this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Navy's investment in next-generation propulsion systems?

The effective and timely completion of this test facility is paramount for validating the Navy's investment in next-generation propulsion. It provides a controlled environment to prove the viability of new technologies before full-scale implementation, reducing the risk of costly failures in operational platforms and accelerating the adoption of more efficient and capable systems.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ConstructionNonresidential Building ConstructionCommercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIESCONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N4008509R7005

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5050 W TILGHMAN ST STE 100, ALLENTOWN, PA, 18104

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,366,088

Exercised Options: $20,366,088

Current Obligation: $20,366,088

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2009-06-18

Current End Date: 2015-06-04

Potential End Date: 2015-06-04 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2021-07-29

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