VA's $22.9M gravesite expansion contract awarded to West Construction, Inc. for Puerto Rico National Cemetery

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,945,085 ($22.9M)

Contractor: West Construction, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2010-04-19

End Date: 2017-05-04

Contract Duration: 2,572 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH ALL LABOR, EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS FOR GRAVESITE IMPROVEMENTS, AND EXPANSION AT THE PUERTO RICO NATIONAL CEMETERY, BAYAMON, PR.

Place of Performance

Location: BAYAMON, BAYAMON County, PUERTO RICO, 00956

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $22.9 million to WEST CONSTRUCTION, INC. for work described as: CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH ALL LABOR, EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS FOR GRAVESITE IMPROVEMENTS, AND EXPANSION AT THE PUERTO RICO NATIONAL CEMETERY, BAYAMON, PR. Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in national cemetery infrastructure. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract (2572 days) indicates a long-term project with potential for sustained contractor performance. 4. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. The project aims to enhance burial capacity and improve facilities at a key national cemetery. 6. The award to a single contractor implies a focus on specialized capabilities for this specific project.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $22.9 million for gravesite improvements and expansion at the Puerto Rico National Cemetery appears reasonable given the scope of work. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific project details, similar large-scale civil engineering and construction projects for federal facilities often fall within this range. The firm-fixed-price contract type is advantageous as it caps the government's financial exposure. Benchmarking per-unit costs for grave sites or specific improvements would require more granular data on the deliverables.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which indicates that the solicitation was publicly advertised, and all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The fact that 14 bids were received suggests a robust level of competition for this project. A higher number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The strong competition for this contract likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers by driving down bids. It also ensures that the contract was awarded to a capable firm at a competitive market rate.

Public Impact

Veterans and their families in Puerto Rico will benefit from expanded burial capacity and improved cemetery facilities. The contract supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to provide dignified final resting places for service members and veterans. The project's geographic impact is focused on the Puerto Rico National Cemetery in Bayamon, PR. The construction activities will likely create temporary employment opportunities in the local Puerto Rico workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite the firm-fixed-price structure.
Ensuring timely completion within the extended contract duration requires diligent project management.
Quality control of construction and gravesite improvements needs consistent oversight.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract mitigates financial risk for the government.
Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive market for these services.
Long contract duration allows for thorough execution of complex expansion and improvement tasks.
The project directly supports the VA's core mission of caring for veterans.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector, which encompasses a wide range of infrastructure development projects. The market for such services is generally competitive, with numerous firms capable of undertaking large-scale construction. The Department of Veterans Affairs is a significant client for construction services, particularly for maintaining and expanding its network of national cemeteries. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific types of improvements and the scale of expansion.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned. The award to West Construction, Inc. suggests a prime contractor capable of handling the full scope of work. Further analysis would be needed to determine if West Construction, Inc. has a history of subcontracting with small businesses on similar projects.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and project managers. They are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. The Inspector General's office within the VA may conduct audits or investigations if any concerns regarding waste, fraud, or abuse arise. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting mechanisms.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of scope creep or performance degradation if not actively managed.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule, despite firm-fixed-price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $22.9 million to WEST CONSTRUCTION, INC.. CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH ALL LABOR, EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS FOR GRAVESITE IMPROVEMENTS, AND EXPANSION AT THE PUERTO RICO NATIONAL CEMETERY, BAYAMON, PR.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WEST CONSTRUCTION, 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 $22.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-04-19. End: 2017-05-04.

What is the historical spending pattern of the Department of Veterans Affairs on cemetery improvements and expansions?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) consistently allocates significant funds towards the maintenance, expansion, and improvement of its national cemeteries. Historical data shows a steady investment in infrastructure to accommodate the growing needs of veterans and their families. For instance, in fiscal years preceding and following this contract's award (2010-2017), the VA's National Cemetery Administration (NCA) budget included substantial capital outlay for new construction, expansion projects, and modernization of existing facilities. These investments are driven by factors such as increasing veteran populations, the need for enhanced memorialization, and the desire to provide dignified burial spaces. Specific spending figures vary year to year based on project priorities and available funding, but cemetery infrastructure remains a core area of expenditure for the VA.

How does the per-unit cost of grave sites or improvements in this contract compare to other VA cemetery projects?

Determining a precise per-unit cost comparison for grave sites or improvements within this $22.9 million contract is challenging without a detailed breakdown of the deliverables. The contract covers 'gravesite improvements, and expansion,' which can encompass a wide array of activities, including land preparation, infrastructure development (roads, irrigation), monument installation, and the creation of new burial plots. To perform a meaningful comparison, one would need to isolate the cost associated with creating a single burial plot or a specific type of improvement (e.g., headstone setting, landscaping) and benchmark it against similar line items in other VA cemetery contracts. Factors such as geographic location, site conditions, material costs, and labor rates can significantly influence per-unit costs, making direct comparisons difficult without a standardized cost accounting structure across all VA cemetery projects.

What is West Construction, Inc.'s track record with the Department of Veterans Affairs and similar federal construction contracts?

West Construction, Inc. has a history of performing construction services for the federal government, including contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Reviewing their contract history reveals various projects, often involving facility construction, renovation, or infrastructure development. For the VA, their past performance may include work on medical centers, administrative buildings, or other support facilities. Assessing their track record specifically for cemetery improvement projects would require a deeper dive into their portfolio. Generally, a contractor's performance is evaluated based on factors such as quality of work, adherence to schedule, cost control, and overall management. The award of this significant contract suggests that West Construction, Inc. met the VA's criteria for capability and past performance in relevant construction domains.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this gravesite improvement contract?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this gravesite improvement and expansion contract would likely focus on several critical areas. Primarily, adherence to the project schedule and timely completion of milestones are crucial. Quality of workmanship, ensuring that all improvements meet VA standards and specifications, is paramount. Cost control, while mitigated by the firm-fixed-price structure, still involves managing the contractor's performance against the agreed-upon budget and ensuring no unauthorized changes occur. Safety performance, minimizing accidents and ensuring a safe work environment, is another vital KPI. Finally, the successful expansion of burial capacity and the overall enhancement of cemetery aesthetics and functionality, as defined in the contract's scope of work, would be key indicators of project success.

Were there any significant challenges or disputes encountered during the performance of this contract?

Information regarding specific challenges or disputes encountered during the performance of this $22.9 million contract between West Construction, Inc. and the Department of Veterans Affairs is not readily available in the provided summary data. Contract performance can often involve unforeseen issues such as site conditions, weather delays, material availability, or scope adjustments. Federal contract databases and agency reports sometimes document major disputes or claims. Without access to such detailed performance records or official dispute resolution filings, it is not possible to ascertain if significant challenges arose during the execution of this particular project. Diligent oversight by the VA contracting officer is typically in place to manage and resolve any issues that may emerge.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: VA-101-10-RP-0037

Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 318 S DIXIE HWY STE 4, LAKE WORTH, FL, 33460

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,947,205

Exercised Options: $22,945,231

Current Obligation: $22,945,085

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline