Harper Construction awarded $48.7M contract for MARSOC BEQS and Mess Hall at Camp Pendleton

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,705,129 ($48.7M)

Contractor: Harper Construction Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-09-21

End Date: 2010-01-27

Contract Duration: 859 days

Daily Burn Rate: $56.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: BASE BID: ITEMS 1, 2, 3 AND OPTION ITEMS 1-9. D/B MARSOC BEQS AND MESS HALL, MCB, CAMP PENDLETON,CA

Place of Performance

Location: CAMP PENDLETON, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92055

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $48.7 million to HARPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. for work described as: BASE BID: ITEMS 1, 2, 3 AND OPTION ITEMS 1-9. D/B MARSOC BEQS AND MESS HALL, MCB, CAMP PENDLETON,CA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Harper Construction Company, Inc. for a significant construction project. 2. Project involves building facilities for MARSOC (Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command). 3. Location is Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California. 4. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating a defined cost for the work. 5. The contract was awarded under Full and Open Competition. 6. Duration of the contract is 859 days. 7. The base bid amount is approximately $48.7 million.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $48.7 million for the construction of BEQS and a mess hall appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of this scale and complexity, especially considering the specialized nature of MARSOC facilities. However, without specific benchmarks for similar MARSOC-specific construction or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm fixed-price nature suggests the government aimed to control costs, but the final cost will depend on the execution and any potential change orders.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 6 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this significant construction project. This competitive process is generally expected to drive prices down and encourage efficiency from the contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing the best possible price and quality for the services rendered, minimizing the risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Marines of MARSOC, who will receive improved and potentially new facilities. The project delivers essential infrastructure, including barracks (BEQS) and a mess hall, supporting operational readiness. The geographic impact is concentrated at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California. The construction activities will likely involve a significant workforce, including skilled trades and laborers in the California region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions or design changes occur.
Dependence on the contractor's ability to manage a complex construction project on a military installation.
Risk of schedule delays impacting the operational readiness of MARSOC units.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Firm Fixed Price contract type helps to lock in costs.
Project addresses critical infrastructure needs for a specialized military unit.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. The Department of Defense is a major client for construction services, with significant annual spending on military bases, housing, and operational facilities. The market for military construction is often characterized by large, complex projects requiring specialized expertise and adherence to stringent security and building standards. Benchmarks for similar military construction projects, particularly those involving specialized units like MARSOC, would be relevant for comparison.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this specific contract, as the 'sb' (small business) flag is false. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting goals in the provided data. This suggests that the prime contract was likely awarded to a larger firm, and the extent of small business involvement would depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting strategy, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and their representatives within the Department of the Navy. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Military Construction Projects
Department of Defense Facilities
Marine Corps Base Construction
Special Operations Forces Support Facilities

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns
Risk of schedule delays
Contractor performance risk
Unforeseen site conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $48.7 million to HARPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.. BASE BID: ITEMS 1, 2, 3 AND OPTION ITEMS 1-9. D/B MARSOC BEQS AND MESS HALL, MCB, CAMP PENDLETON,CA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HARPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $48.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-09-21. End: 2010-01-27.

What is the track record of Harper Construction Company, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Harper Construction Company, Inc. has a history of securing and performing federal contracts, primarily within the Department of Defense. Their portfolio often includes construction projects on military installations, ranging from barracks and administrative buildings to specialized facilities. Analyzing their past performance on similar firm-fixed-price contracts, their on-time delivery rates, and any documented issues or disputes would provide further insight into their reliability and capability. Specific contract data, such as the number and value of previous awards, and client feedback (if publicly available) would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment of their track record.

How does the awarded amount of $48.7 million compare to similar MARSOC facility construction projects?

Comparing the $48.7 million award for the MARSOC BEQS and Mess Hall to similar projects requires access to a database of comparable military construction contracts. Factors such as project scope (e.g., square footage, specific amenities, security requirements), location (which can impact labor and material costs), and the year of award are critical for a meaningful comparison. Projects involving specialized units like MARSOC may inherently carry higher costs due to unique design and security needs. Without specific data on comparable MARSOC facilities, it's difficult to definitively state if this award represents excellent, fair, or concerning value. However, the full and open competition suggests an effort to achieve competitive pricing.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with this type of construction contract for the government?

Primary risk indicators for this type of construction contract include potential cost overruns due to unforeseen site conditions (e.g., soil issues, hazardous materials), scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined or change orders are frequent, and schedule delays caused by weather, labor shortages, or supply chain disruptions. For a firm-fixed-price contract, the risk of cost overruns is primarily borne by the contractor, but significant delays or contractor default can still impact the government. The specialized nature of MARSOC facilities might introduce unique risks related to security requirements and operational integration. Contractor performance history and the robustness of the project management plan are key factors in mitigating these risks.

How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this specific project?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective in ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and risks are understood. For this construction project, FFP provides cost certainty for the government, as the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns. This incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently and complete the project within budget. However, the effectiveness can be diminished if the initial scope is poorly defined, leading to numerous change orders that can increase the overall cost and administrative burden. The government's ability to clearly define requirements and manage the change order process is crucial for maximizing the value derived from an FFP contract.

What are the historical spending patterns for construction at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and how does this contract fit?

Historical spending patterns at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton would reveal the typical scale and frequency of construction projects undertaken to support its diverse operations, including those for specialized units like MARSOC. This $48.7 million contract represents a significant investment in infrastructure, likely aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities and quality of life for MARSOC personnel. Analyzing past spending on similar barracks and mess hall facilities, or projects for other tenant commands, would provide context for the magnitude of this award. Understanding the base's overall capital improvement plan and budget allocation for construction would further illuminate how this contract aligns with broader strategic infrastructure development goals.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: N6247306R4011

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2241 KETTNER BLVD STE 300, SAN DIEGO, CA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,705,129

Exercised Options: $48,705,129

Current Obligation: $48,705,129

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline