DoD Awards $42.3M for Afghan Army Garrison Expansion, Phase V, to Undisclosed Foreign Awardees

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $42,278,730 ($42.3M)

Contractor: Foreign Awardees (undisclosed)

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-09-19

End Date: 2014-10-28

Contract Duration: 1,135 days

Daily Burn Rate: $37.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCTION OF THE GAMBERI GARRISON EXPANSION, PHASE V, IN SUPPORT OF THE AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $42.3 million to FOREIGN AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: CONSTRUCTION OF THE GAMBERI GARRISON EXPANSION, PHASE V, IN SUPPORT OF THE AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY. Key points: 1. Significant investment in Afghan National Army infrastructure. 2. Competition involved undisclosed foreign awardees, raising transparency concerns. 3. Risk associated with foreign contractors and project location in Afghanistan. 4. Construction sector spending, with specific focus on institutional buildings.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $42.3M for a multi-year construction project appears within a reasonable range for large-scale infrastructure development. However, without specific benchmarks for similar projects in Afghanistan or comparable regions, a precise value assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which theoretically allows for the best price discovery. However, the use of undisclosed foreign awardees limits the transparency of this process and potential for broader domestic contractor participation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting infrastructure development in a foreign country, with the ultimate benefit being the strengthening of allied forces. The cost effectiveness is impacted by the competitive process and the specific awardees chosen.

Public Impact

Supports U.S. foreign policy objectives by strengthening Afghan security forces. Potential for job creation and economic activity within Afghanistan. Raises questions about accountability and oversight of funds spent abroad.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Undisclosed foreign awardees
Project location in a conflict zone
Limited transparency in competition

Positive Signals

Supports allied forces
Full and open competition process

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically commercial and institutional building construction. Spending benchmarks for similar projects in post-conflict zones or regions with high security risks would be relevant for a more detailed analysis.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no specific involvement or set-aside for small businesses in this contract. The focus on foreign awardees further suggests limited opportunities for U.S. small businesses on this particular project.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of construction projects in active conflict zones presents significant challenges. The use of foreign contractors, especially undisclosed ones, adds layers of complexity to ensuring accountability and proper use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of transparency regarding awardees
Potential for fraud or corruption
Security risks in the operational environment
Difficulty in oversight and accountability
Limited visibility into cost-effectiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $42.3 million to FOREIGN AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED). CONSTRUCTION OF THE GAMBERI GARRISON EXPANSION, PHASE V, IN SUPPORT OF THE AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FOREIGN AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED).

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $42.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-09-19. End: 2014-10-28.

What specific criteria were used to select the undisclosed foreign awardees, and how was their capacity and reliability assessed to ensure project success and responsible use of taxpayer funds?

The selection criteria for undisclosed foreign awardees are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such selections would involve rigorous vetting processes, including assessments of past performance, financial stability, technical capabilities, and adherence to security protocols. However, the lack of transparency regarding these awardees makes it difficult to ascertain the thoroughness of this assessment and raises concerns about potential risks related to corruption or substandard work.

What are the primary risks associated with awarding a large construction contract to undisclosed foreign entities for a project in a conflict zone like Afghanistan, and what mitigation strategies were

Key risks include potential for fraud, corruption, substandard construction quality, security vulnerabilities for personnel and materials, and difficulties in enforcing contract terms or seeking recourse. Mitigation strategies might involve enhanced on-site supervision, third-party inspections, robust security protocols, and clear communication channels, though the effectiveness of these is harder to gauge with undisclosed contractors.

How does the long duration and significant cost of this project contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Afghan National Army's operational readiness and long-term sustainability?

The project's duration and cost are intended to provide essential infrastructure, thereby enhancing the ANA's operational readiness and sustainability. Effective completion of Phase V should offer improved facilities for training, logistics, and personnel. However, the ultimate effectiveness hinges on the quality of construction, the project's alignment with ANA's evolving needs, and the security environment post-completion.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W5J9JE11R0093

Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1800 F ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20405

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $42,278,730

Exercised Options: $42,278,730

Current Obligation: $42,278,730

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline