VA awards $21M Florida cemetery expansion to Q.G.S. Development, Inc. under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,045,802 ($21.0M)

Contractor: Q.G.S. Development, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2007-09-28

End Date: 2010-12-16

Contract Duration: 1,175 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: PHASE 4B EXPANSION PROJECT AT FLORIDA NATIONAL CEMETERY

Place of Performance

Location: BUSHNELL, SUMTER County, FLORIDA, 33513

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $21.0 million to Q.G.S. DEVELOPMENT, INC. for work described as: PHASE 4B EXPANSION PROJECT AT FLORIDA NATIONAL CEMETERY Key points: 1. Contract awarded for cemetery expansion, indicating a need for increased burial capacity. 2. The project duration of 1175 days suggests a complex and lengthy construction process. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type implies cost certainty for the government. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 5. The contract value of $21M falls within a typical range for large-scale civil engineering projects. 6. The project is located in Florida, potentially impacting local construction workforce and material suppliers.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $21,045,802 for the Phase 4B Expansion Project at Florida National Cemetery appears reasonable for a large-scale civil engineering construction project of this nature. Without specific benchmarks for cemetery expansion projects, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the duration of 1175 days (over 3 years) suggests a significant undertaking. The firm fixed price contract type provides cost predictability. Further analysis would require benchmarking against similar national cemetery expansion projects or large civil works contracts.

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 a bid. The presence of 9 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this project. A competitive bidding process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government, as contractors vie to win the award.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition for this significant infrastructure project likely resulted in a more competitive price, saving taxpayer dollars compared to a sole-source or limited competition award.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are veterans and their families who will have increased access to burial spaces at the Florida National Cemetery. The project delivers expanded cemetery infrastructure, including potential new burial plots, roads, and supporting facilities. The geographic impact is concentrated in Florida, specifically serving the needs of veterans in that state and surrounding regions. The project will likely involve a significant construction workforce, providing employment opportunities in the local Florida economy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise during the extended construction period.
Risk of schedule delays due to the complexity of large-scale civil engineering projects and potential weather impacts in Florida.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty and limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
Award under full and open competition with multiple bidders suggests a competitive price was likely achieved.
The project addresses a critical need for veteran burial space, ensuring long-term service provision.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically related to public infrastructure development. The market for such projects is often characterized by large, established construction firms capable of handling complex, multi-year endeavors. Spending in this sector is driven by government needs for infrastructure renewal and expansion, as well as private sector development. Comparable spending benchmarks would include other large-scale public works projects such as road construction, utility infrastructure, or other federal facility expansions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and there is no explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals. Given the scale and nature of the project, it is likely that the prime contractor, Q.G.S. Development, Inc., is a larger firm. While not a direct set-aside, large federal construction contracts often include subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, which would need to be verified through the contract details.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Department of Veterans Affairs contract would typically be managed by VA contracting officers and project managers. The firm fixed price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight by locking in costs. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

National Cemetery Administration Construction Projects
Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Investments
Federal Civil Engineering and Construction Contracts
Public Infrastructure Development

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays due to project complexity and duration.
Risk of unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Dependence on contractor performance for successful project completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $21.0 million to Q.G.S. DEVELOPMENT, INC.. PHASE 4B EXPANSION PROJECT AT FLORIDA NATIONAL CEMETERY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is Q.G.S. DEVELOPMENT, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-09-28. End: 2010-12-16.

What is the track record of Q.G.S. Development, Inc. with the Department of Veterans Affairs and similar federal construction projects?

A thorough review of Q.G.S. Development, Inc.'s contract history with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal agencies is crucial. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, any documented disputes or contract terminations, and the types and values of previous projects completed. For this specific $21M Florida National Cemetery expansion, understanding their experience with large-scale civil engineering, cemetery construction, or similar public infrastructure projects would provide insight into their capability to execute the contract successfully. A positive track record with the VA, particularly on projects of similar scope and complexity, would indicate a lower performance risk.

How does the awarded price of $21,045,802 compare to similar national cemetery expansion projects?

Benchmarking the $21,045,802 award against similar national cemetery expansion projects is essential for assessing value for money. This comparison would ideally involve projects of comparable size, scope (e.g., number of plots added, new facilities constructed), and geographic location, considering regional cost variations. Data from the National Cemetery Administration's historical spending or publicly available contract databases could be used. If this project's cost per plot or cost per acre is significantly higher or lower than comparable projects, it warrants further investigation into the reasons, such as site-specific challenges, unique design requirements, or market conditions at the time of award.

What are the key risk indicators associated with this specific contract, considering its duration and scope?

Key risk indicators for this $21M Phase 4B Expansion Project include the extended duration of 1175 days (over three years), which increases the potential for schedule delays due to unforeseen site conditions, weather events in Florida, or contractor performance issues. The complexity of large-scale civil engineering construction itself presents inherent risks. As a firm fixed-price contract, the primary financial risk shifts to the contractor, but significant scope changes or contractor failure could still lead to delays and potential re-procurement costs. The geographic location in Florida may also introduce risks related to hurricane seasons and associated construction disruptions.

How effective has the Department of Veterans Affairs been in managing large-scale construction contracts like this cemetery expansion?

Assessing the VA's effectiveness in managing large-scale construction contracts requires analyzing historical data on project completion times, budget adherence, and the quality of delivered facilities across multiple projects. Reports from the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) or Government Accountability Office (GAO) often highlight trends, challenges, and best practices in VA construction management. Factors to consider include the adequacy of project planning, oversight during construction, change order management, and the contractor selection process. A pattern of successful, on-time, and on-budget project delivery would indicate effective management, while frequent delays or cost overruns would suggest areas for improvement.

What are the historical spending patterns for cemetery expansion and maintenance within the National Cemetery Administration?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for cemetery expansion and maintenance within the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) provides context for the $21M award. This involves examining annual budget allocations and actual expenditures for capital construction projects, specifically focusing on expansion initiatives at various national cemeteries over the past 5-10 years. Understanding the typical scale, frequency, and cost of such projects helps determine if this contract represents a significant increase or decrease in spending, and whether it aligns with the NCA's long-term strategic goals for burial capacity. Trends in maintenance spending can also indicate the overall health and upkeep of existing NCA facilities.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the local Florida construction market and workforce?

A $21 million civil engineering construction project like the Florida National Cemetery expansion is likely to have a notable impact on the local Florida construction market and workforce. It will create demand for skilled labor, including project managers, engineers, heavy equipment operators, and tradespeople. This can lead to job creation and potentially increase wages in the short to medium term. Furthermore, the project will generate demand for materials, equipment rentals, and related services, benefiting local suppliers and subcontractors. The duration of the project suggests a sustained economic stimulus for the region's construction sector.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT NONBUILDING FACILITIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: VA-101-07-IB-0012

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 17502 COUNTY ROAD 672, LITHIA, FL, 16

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,045,802

Exercised Options: $21,045,802

Current Obligation: $21,045,802

Timeline