Navy awards $14.7M for Miramar runway repair and carrier deck lighting, emphasizing infrastructure resilience

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,709,701 ($14.7M)

Contractor: Coffman Specialties, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-02-26

End Date: 2026-05-22

Contract Duration: 450 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: TASK ORDER AWARD OF MI2503M/MI2002M 24L RUNWAY REPAIR AND SIMULATED CARRIER DECK LIGHTING SYSTEM AT MCAS MIRAMAR

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92145

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $14.7 million to COFFMAN SPECIALTIES, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER AWARD OF MI2503M/MI2002M 24L RUNWAY REPAIR AND SIMULATED CARRIER DECK LIGHTING SYSTEM AT MCAS MIRAMAR Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical infrastructure needs at a key naval air station. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 4. Project duration of 450 days indicates a significant scope of work. 5. Location in California places it within a high-cost construction environment. 6. Awarded as a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $14.7 million for runway repair and simulated carrier deck lighting at MCAS Miramar appears reasonable given the scope. While specific cost breakdowns are not provided, the firm-fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns. Benchmarking against similar military infrastructure projects would provide a more precise value assessment, but the scale of the work, involving runway and specialized lighting systems, justifies a substantial investment. The competition level also suggests that pricing was likely scrutinized.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. With three bids received, the competition level appears moderate. A higher number of bidders could potentially drive prices lower, but three bids suggest sufficient market interest to achieve a competitive price. The agency's decision to use full and open competition is generally a positive indicator for price discovery and value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the assurance that the contract was awarded through a process designed to solicit the best possible pricing and technical solutions from a wide range of qualified contractors.

Public Impact

Naval air operations at MCAS Miramar will benefit from improved runway infrastructure and advanced training capabilities. The project supports the readiness and operational effectiveness of naval aviation units stationed at or utilizing MCAS Miramar. The construction work will likely create temporary employment opportunities in the San Diego region. Enhanced training facilities can contribute to the development of skilled naval aviators and support personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for construction delays impacting operational readiness timelines.
Ensuring the specialized lighting system meets all technical specifications for realistic carrier deck simulation.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract helps manage budget certainty.
Full and open competition promotes competitive pricing.
Project addresses critical infrastructure maintenance for a vital military installation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, specifically addressing critical airfield infrastructure. The Department of Defense is a significant investor in construction and maintenance of its facilities, including airfields, which are vital for national security. Comparable spending benchmarks for military airfield repairs and upgrades can vary widely based on scope, location, and specific requirements, but projects of this magnitude are common within the defense sector's capital improvement programs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Given the specialized nature and significant dollar value of airfield construction and advanced lighting systems, it is common for such contracts to be awarded to larger, specialized firms. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which would typically be detailed in the contract's statement of work or performance requirements.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order, likely under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar vehicle, which may have its own oversight mechanisms. The firm-fixed-price structure provides a degree of cost control. Oversight would typically involve contract officers, quality assurance representatives, and potentially an Inspector General, especially given the defense agency. Transparency is facilitated by the public award notice, but detailed project management and oversight processes are internal to the Department of the Navy.

Related Government Programs

MCAS Miramar Infrastructure Projects
Naval Air Station Runway Maintenance
Defense Infrastructure Modernization
Airfield Lighting System Upgrades
Military Construction Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise, despite fixed-price contract.
Risk of project delays impacting military operational readiness.
Ensuring the specialized lighting system meets stringent military training requirements.
Dependency on contractor's specialized expertise for critical infrastructure repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $14.7 million to COFFMAN SPECIALTIES, INC.. TASK ORDER AWARD OF MI2503M/MI2002M 24L RUNWAY REPAIR AND SIMULATED CARRIER DECK LIGHTING SYSTEM AT MCAS MIRAMAR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COFFMAN SPECIALTIES, 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 $14.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-02-26. End: 2026-05-22.

What is the track record of Coffman Specialties, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Coffman Specialties, Inc. has a history of federal contract awards, primarily within the Department of Defense. Reviewing their past performance on similar construction projects, especially those involving airfield infrastructure or specialized systems, would be crucial. Data on contract completion timeliness, cost performance (whether they stayed within budget), and quality of work on previous government contracts would provide insight into their reliability and capability for this specific task order. Analyzing their award history can reveal patterns in contract types, agencies served, and the scale of projects they typically undertake, helping to assess their suitability for this $14.7 million award.

How does the $14.7 million cost compare to similar runway repair and simulated carrier deck lighting projects at other naval installations?

Benchmarking the $14.7 million cost requires comparing it against similar projects at other naval or military airfields. Factors influencing cost include the specific scope of runway repair (e.g., length, depth, materials), the complexity and technology of the simulated carrier deck lighting system, and geographic location (labor and material costs vary significantly by region). Without detailed project specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, if similar projects at comparable bases were awarded for substantially less or more, it would warrant further investigation into the specific requirements and market conditions for this MCAS Miramar contract. The firm-fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope, but the 'simulated carrier deck lighting' could represent a novel or high-cost component.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are likely in place?

Primary risks include potential construction delays due to unforeseen site conditions, weather, or supply chain issues, which could impact the operational readiness of MCAS Miramar. Another risk is the technical performance of the simulated carrier deck lighting system, ensuring it accurately replicates carrier conditions for effective training. Given the firm-fixed-price contract, the contractor bears the primary financial risk of cost overruns. Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed project planning, robust quality assurance protocols, contingency planning for delays, and clear performance metrics for the lighting system. The moderate competition level might also imply that bidders factored in potential risks when submitting their proposals.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' process in ensuring optimal value for this type of specialized construction project?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring optimal value, as it allows the widest possible pool of qualified contractors to bid, fostering price competition and innovation. For specialized construction like airfield repair and advanced lighting systems, this process helps identify contractors with the necessary expertise and allows the government to compare technical approaches and pricing. The fact that three bids were received suggests sufficient market interest. However, the effectiveness also depends on the clarity of the solicitation documents and the agency's evaluation criteria. If the requirements are highly specific, it might inadvertently limit the number of truly competitive bids, even under an open process.

What is the historical spending pattern for runway and airfield maintenance at MCAS Miramar or similar naval air stations?

Historical spending patterns for runway and airfield maintenance at MCAS Miramar and similar naval air stations typically show recurring investments in pavement preservation, lighting upgrades, and drainage systems. Major rehabilitation projects, like the one awarded, occur less frequently but involve significantly larger sums. Analyzing past expenditures would reveal the frequency and cost of such major repairs, the types of contractors previously engaged, and whether spending has increased over time due to aging infrastructure or evolving operational requirements. This context helps determine if the current $14.7 million award aligns with historical investment levels or represents a significant deviation.

What are the implications of the contract duration (450 days) on the operational tempo and training schedules at MCAS Miramar?

A 450-day duration for runway repair and lighting system installation indicates a substantial project that will likely necessitate phased construction or temporary flight restrictions. This extended timeline could impact the operational tempo and training schedules at MCAS Miramar, potentially requiring rerouting of some flight operations or adjusting training curricula. The Navy would have factored these operational impacts into the project planning and scheduling, likely coordinating the work to minimize disruption to critical missions. The specific impact depends on whether the entire runway is closed, or if work is conducted in phases, allowing partial operations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6247318R5826

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9685 VIA EXCELENCIA STE 200, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92126

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,709,701

Exercised Options: $14,709,701

Current Obligation: $14,709,701

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6247319D2439

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline