VA awards $18.6M for Indiantown Gap National Cemetery expansion, focusing on gravesite improvements

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,626,889 ($18.6M)

Contractor: G&C Fab-Con, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2011-09-26

End Date: 2014-04-25

Contract Duration: 942 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: INDIANTOWN GAP NATIONAL CEMETERY PHASE 4 GRAVESITE EXPANSION AND CEMETERY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 813CM2024 ANNVILLE, PA

Place of Performance

Location: ANNVILLE, LEBANON County, PENNSYLVANIA, 17003

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $18.6 million to G&C FAB-CON, LLC for work described as: INDIANTOWN GAP NATIONAL CEMETERY PHASE 4 GRAVESITE EXPANSION AND CEMETERY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 813CM2024 ANNVILLE, PA Key points: 1. Project aims to expand gravesite capacity and enhance cemetery infrastructure. 2. Contract awarded to G&C FAB-CON, LLC, a single entity. 3. The project duration was 942 days, indicating a substantial construction timeline. 4. Fixed-price contract type suggests cost certainty for the government. 5. Geographic focus on Annville, Pennsylvania, serving veterans in the region. 6. This project falls under heavy and civil engineering construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $18.6 million for cemetery expansion and improvements appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of this scale. Benchmarking against similar national cemetery expansion projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The fixed-price nature of the contract helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government, assuming the scope was well-defined.

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 implies that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources may have been excluded based on certain criteria. The presence of 6 bids suggests a moderate level of competition. Further details on the exclusion criteria would clarify the extent of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process, even with exclusions, generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable pricing for taxpayers compared to sole-source awards.

Public Impact

Benefits veterans and their families by providing additional burial spaces. Enhances the dignity and accessibility of Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Supports local construction workforce through employment opportunities. Ensures continued service capacity for the Department of Veterans Affairs' mandate.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in large construction projects if not managed tightly.
Reliance on a single contractor for a multi-year project carries inherent performance risks.
Ensuring compliance with environmental and historical preservation regulations during expansion.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Competitive bidding process, even with exclusions, suggests efforts to secure fair pricing.
Project addresses a critical need for veteran burial space, aligning with VA mission.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, which encompasses a wide range of infrastructure projects. The market for national cemetery expansions is specialized, driven by government demand and specific site requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found in other large-scale public works or infrastructure development projects, though the unique nature of cemetery construction may limit direct comparisons.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. The primary contractor, G&C FAB-CON, LLC, is likely a larger entity. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract terms and performance requirements. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed project progress reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

National Cemetery Administration Capital Improvements
Department of Veterans Affairs Construction Projects
Federal Cemetery Infrastructure Development

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting schedule and cost.
Contractor performance risk over a multi-year project duration.
Ensuring adequate competition despite exclusion of sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $18.6 million to G&C FAB-CON, LLC. INDIANTOWN GAP NATIONAL CEMETERY PHASE 4 GRAVESITE EXPANSION AND CEMETERY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 813CM2024 ANNVILLE, PA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is G&C FAB-CON, LLC.

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 $18.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-09-26. End: 2014-04-25.

What is the track record of G&C FAB-CON, LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs and similar construction projects?

A review of G&C FAB-CON, LLC's contract history with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal agencies is crucial for assessing their reliability and performance. Specifically, examining past projects of similar scale and complexity, such as cemetery expansions or large civil engineering works, would reveal their ability to manage budgets, adhere to timelines, and meet quality standards. Any history of contract disputes, performance issues, or successful project completions would provide valuable context for evaluating their suitability for the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery project. Understanding their experience with government contracting regulations and compliance is also a key factor.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or bids received for this project?

The awarded amount of $18,626,889.04 represents the final contract value for the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Phase 4 Gravesite Expansion and Cemetery Improvements Project. To assess value for money, this figure should be compared against the initial government cost estimate (if available) and the range of bids submitted by the six competing firms. If the awarded amount is significantly lower than the estimate and the highest bids, it suggests successful negotiation and competitive pressure. Conversely, if it is close to or exceeds the estimate, further scrutiny of the scope and pricing might be warranted. Understanding the variance between bids can also highlight market perceptions of project complexity and risk.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and quality assurance measures for this construction contract?

Key performance indicators for a construction project like the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery expansion would likely include adherence to the project schedule (942 days duration), quality of construction materials and workmanship, compliance with design specifications, and safety protocols. Quality assurance measures would involve regular site inspections by VA representatives, material testing, and milestone reviews. The fixed-price contract structure incentivizes the contractor to meet these KPIs efficiently to maximize profit, while the VA's oversight ensures that the final product meets the required standards for a national cemetery. Specific metrics might be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work.

What is the historical spending pattern for cemetery expansion and improvement projects by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for VA cemetery expansion and improvement projects provides context for the $18.6 million awarded for Indiantown Gap. This involves examining the frequency, scale, and cost of similar projects undertaken by the National Cemetery Administration over the past several years. Trends in average project costs, typical durations, and the types of contractors engaged can reveal whether this project is an outlier or part of a consistent investment strategy. Understanding historical budget allocations for capital improvements at national cemeteries can also indicate the VA's prioritization of infrastructure needs and capacity expansion across its network.

What specific risks were identified during the bidding process, and how were they mitigated?

While the provided data doesn't detail specific risks identified during the bidding process, common risks in large civil engineering and construction projects include unforeseen site conditions (e.g., soil instability, underground utilities), weather delays, material cost fluctuations, and labor availability issues. The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' might suggest that certain pre-qualification criteria were used to mitigate risks associated with contractor capability or past performance. The fixed-price contract type itself is a risk mitigation strategy for the government, shifting cost overrun risks to the contractor, provided the scope is well-defined and change orders are managed strictly.

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-101-11-RP-0144

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 417 US HWY 202, FLEMINGTON, NJ, 08822

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Emerging Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,626,889

Exercised Options: $18,626,889

Current Obligation: $18,626,889

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline