DoD Awards $18.6M for Afghanistan Commando Barracks Construction Amidst Security Concerns
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,598,598 ($18.6M)
Contractor: Miscellaneous Foreign Awardees
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2011-01-29
End Date: 2013-12-15
Contract Duration: 1,051 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 34
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF 9TH COMMANDO KANDAK, HERAT PROVINCE, HERAT DISTRICT, AFGHANISTAN
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.6 million to MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES for work described as: DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF 9TH COMMANDO KANDAK, HERAT PROVINCE, HERAT DISTRICT, AFGHANISTAN Key points: 1. High contract value for a single facility in a high-risk environment. 2. Limited information on contractor experience and past performance. 3. Potential for cost overruns due to complex logistics and security. 4. Construction sector in conflict zones presents unique challenges.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $18.6 million for a single facility is substantial. Benchmarking is difficult without specific details on the scope of work, but construction costs in Afghanistan are generally higher due to logistical and security challenges.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is positive for price discovery. However, the effectiveness of this competition in achieving value for money in a remote and challenging location like Herat is uncertain.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical infrastructure in a foreign conflict zone, with potential risks to cost and schedule impacting overall value.
Public Impact
Supports U.S. foreign policy objectives by building capacity for Afghan security forces. Creates jobs and economic activity, though primarily for foreign contractors. Potential for infrastructure to be damaged or become obsolete due to ongoing conflict.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Geopolitical instability in Afghanistan.
- Logistical challenges of construction in a remote, conflict-affected area.
- Security risks for personnel and materials.
- Limited transparency on contractor qualifications and past performance.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Aims to improve the operational capabilities of Afghan forces.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under commercial and institutional building construction, specifically for military infrastructure. Construction spending in conflict zones is highly variable and subject to significant risk premiums compared to domestic projects.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the award went to 'MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES,' suggesting no direct benefit to U.S. small businesses from this specific contract. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not detailed.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight of construction projects in Afghanistan is challenging due to distance and security. The Department of Defense's Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) would typically provide oversight, but specific reports on this contract are not immediately available.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Geopolitical instability
- Security risks
- Logistical challenges
- Potential for corruption
- Limited contractor performance data
- Sustainability concerns
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-defense, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.6 million to MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF 9TH COMMANDO KANDAK, HERAT PROVINCE, HERAT DISTRICT, AFGHANISTAN
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-01-29. End: 2013-12-15.
What specific security measures were incorporated into the construction contract to mitigate risks to personnel and the facility itself?
The contract details do not explicitly outline specific security measures integrated into the construction design or execution. However, construction in such environments typically necessitates robust security protocols, including site security, personnel vetting, and secure transportation of materials. The effectiveness and cost of these measures are crucial factors in assessing the overall value and risk mitigation.
How does the $18.6 million cost compare to similar military construction projects in comparable high-risk environments?
Direct cost comparisons are difficult without detailed project scopes and specific risk assessments. However, construction costs in Afghanistan are known to be significantly higher than in stable regions due to extreme logistical hurdles, security premiums, and the need for specialized materials and labor. This contract's value should be evaluated against these unique environmental factors.
What mechanisms were in place to ensure the long-term sustainability and usability of the facility given the volatile political and security situation?
The contract itself likely focused on the physical construction. Long-term sustainability would depend on factors beyond the construction contract, such as ongoing maintenance, security force presence, and the broader political stability of the region. The U.S. government's commitment to the region and the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces' capacity would influence the facility's enduring utility.
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: W5J9LE11R0004
Offers Received: 34
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2011 CRYSTAL DR STE 911, ARLINGTON, VA, 08
Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,598,598
Exercised Options: $18,598,598
Current Obligation: $18,598,598
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-01-29
Current End Date: 2013-12-15
Potential End Date: 2013-12-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-11-04
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