State Department Awards $175M Embassy Design-Build Contract to Caddell Construction in Sri Lanka

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $174,938,781 ($174.9M)

Contractor: Caddell Construction CO. (DE), LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2016-05-01

End Date: 2022-06-15

Contract Duration: 2,236 days

Daily Burn Rate: $78.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR A NEW EMBASSY COMPOUND IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA IGF::OT::IGF

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $174.9 million to CADDELL CONSTRUCTION CO. (DE), LLC for work described as: DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR A NEW EMBASSY COMPOUND IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Significant investment in diplomatic infrastructure abroad. 2. Caddell Construction is a major player in large-scale construction projects. 3. Potential risks include geopolitical instability and complex logistical challenges. 4. The construction sector is highly competitive, impacting pricing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $174.9M for a new embassy compound appears reasonable given the scope and location. Benchmarking against similar international construction projects of this scale is difficult due to unique site-specific factors and geopolitical considerations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. The use of a firm-fixed-price contract aims to transfer risk to the contractor and control costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical diplomatic infrastructure, aiming for long-term value and security.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. diplomatic presence and security in Sri Lanka. Supports local employment and economic activity during construction. Represents a long-term commitment to international relations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 78 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector for government facilities, especially overseas, is often driven by security needs and diplomatic priorities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this was a large prime contract awarded to Caddell Construction Co. (DE), LLC. There is no specific information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on this project.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of State is responsible for overseeing this contract. Given the project's scale and international location, robust oversight mechanisms are crucial to ensure quality, cost control, and adherence to security standards.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-state, definitive-contract, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $174.9 million to CADDELL CONSTRUCTION CO. (DE), LLC. DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR A NEW EMBASSY COMPOUND IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CADDELL CONSTRUCTION CO. (DE), LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $174.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-05-01. End: 2022-06-15.

What is the estimated cost per square foot for the new embassy compound, and how does it compare to similar U.S. embassy construction projects?

Without specific square footage data, a precise cost per square foot cannot be calculated. However, the total contract value of $174.9 million for a new embassy compound suggests a significant investment. Benchmarking against other overseas embassy projects requires detailed analysis of size, complexity, security features, and local construction costs, which are highly variable.

What specific geopolitical risks were identified for this project in Sri Lanka, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Geopolitical risks in Sri Lanka could include political instability, security threats, and potential disruptions to supply chains or labor. Mitigation strategies likely involve close coordination with the U.S. Embassy, local authorities, and security firms, alongside contingency planning for unforeseen events and adaptable construction schedules.

How effectively does the firm-fixed-price contract structure manage potential cost escalations given the project's duration and international setting?

A firm-fixed-price contract is designed to cap costs for the government, transferring the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. However, in long-duration, international projects, unforeseen circumstances (e.g., material price fluctuations, currency exchange rates, regulatory changes) can still pose challenges. Robust contract clauses and diligent oversight are essential to manage these risks effectively.

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: SAQMMA15R0193

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2700 LAGOON PARK DR, MONTGOMERY, AL, 36109

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $174,938,781

Exercised Options: $174,938,781

Current Obligation: $174,938,781

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2016-05-01

Current End Date: 2022-06-15

Potential End Date: 2022-06-15 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-11-25

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