Department of the Army awards $80.1M for construction of 215th Brigade Garrison, utilizing full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $80,144,033 ($80.1M)

Contractor: Domestic Awardees (undisclosed)

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-07-31

End Date: 2014-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,127 days

Daily Burn Rate: $71.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCTION OF 215TH BRIGADE GARRISON

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $80.1 million to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: CONSTRUCTION OF 215TH BRIGADE GARRISON Key points: 1. Contract value of $80.1M for a construction project indicates significant investment in military infrastructure. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process, which can lead to better pricing. 3. The project duration of 1127 days points to a complex and lengthy construction undertaking. 4. The award was made by the Department of the Army, a major component of the Department of Defense. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 236220 categorizes this as Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. 6. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 7. No small business set-aside was utilized, indicating the primary focus was on obtaining the best value through open competition.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific construction project is challenging without comparable data on similar brigade garrisons. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the initial bid was deemed acceptable, with the contractor bearing the risk of cost overruns. The total award amount of over $80 million reflects the scale of the infrastructure development. Further analysis would require comparing the cost per square foot or per unit of capacity against industry standards for similar military construction projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 6 bidders, as indicated by the data, suggests a reasonable level of competition for this significant construction project. A higher number of bidders generally correlates with more competitive pricing and a wider range of technical solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and ensures that the government explores a broad market to find the best value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Army personnel who will utilize the new 215th Brigade Garrison facilities. The contract delivers essential infrastructure for military operations, training, and living quarters. The geographic impact is localized to the site of the new garrison, supporting regional defense capabilities. The project likely created numerous jobs in the construction sector, including skilled trades and project management roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the awarded contractor makes it difficult to assess past performance or track record.
The extended duration of 1127 days could indicate potential for delays or unforeseen complications during construction.
The absence of small business subcontracting information limits visibility into broader economic impact and opportunities.

Positive Signals

Awarding under full and open competition with 6 bidders suggests a robust procurement process.
The firm fixed-price contract type transfers cost overrun risk to the contractor, potentially protecting the government's budget.
The project addresses a clear need for military infrastructure, supporting the operational readiness of the Army.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically commercial and institutional building construction. The Department of Defense is a significant client for large-scale construction projects, often involving specialized requirements for military bases and facilities. The market for military construction is substantial, with numerous firms capable of undertaking such projects. Benchmarking would involve comparing the cost and timeline against other large military construction awards.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting plans. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the best overall bid through open competition, rather than specifically targeting small business participation. The absence of set-asides means that large, established construction firms were likely the primary bidders, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless they are involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Army's contracting and project management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which holds the contractor responsible for delivering the project within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, though specific details regarding the awarded contractor and detailed project milestones may be limited.

Related Government Programs

Military Base Construction
Department of Defense Infrastructure Projects
Garrison Facility Development
Army Corps of Engineers Projects

Risk Flags

Extended project duration may increase risk of delays.
Lack of specific contractor information hinders performance assessment.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions in large construction projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $80.1 million to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED). CONSTRUCTION OF 215TH BRIGADE GARRISON

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DOMESTIC 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 $80.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-07-31. End: 2014-08-31.

Who was the specific contractor awarded this $80.1 million construction contract, and what is their track record with similar Department of Defense projects?

The provided data does not specify the name of the contractor awarded the $80.1 million contract for the construction of the 215th Brigade Garrison. Therefore, an assessment of their track record with similar Department of Defense projects cannot be made from this information alone. To evaluate their performance, one would need to access contract databases or agency records that identify the specific awardee and review their past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on comparable military construction endeavors.

How does the cost per square foot or per bed/soldier for this garrison construction compare to industry benchmarks for similar military facilities?

Without the specific square footage or capacity (e.g., number of soldiers housed) of the 215th Brigade Garrison, a precise cost per unit comparison is not possible. However, the total award of $80.1 million for a brigade-level facility suggests a substantial investment. Military construction often involves higher costs than civilian projects due to stringent security, durability, and specialized infrastructure requirements. To benchmark effectively, one would need to obtain the facility's specifications and compare its cost metrics against historical data for similar Army or DoD construction projects, considering factors like location, materials, and specific functional requirements.

What are the primary risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for a construction project of this magnitude and duration?

For a large, long-duration construction project like the 215th Brigade Garrison, a firm fixed-price (FFP) contract shifts the primary risk of cost overruns to the contractor. Key risks include the contractor underestimating costs, encountering unforeseen site conditions (e.g., soil issues, hazardous materials), material price escalations, or labor shortages, all of which could lead to financial losses for the contractor or, in extreme cases, project delays or abandonment if the contractor becomes insolvent. The government's risk is primarily related to ensuring the contractor has the financial stability and technical capability to execute the contract successfully and that the initial price adequately reflects the scope of work.

What specific types of construction services were included in the $80.1 million award for the 215th Brigade Garrison?

The NAICS code 236220 indicates 'Commercial and Institutional Building Construction.' This typically encompasses a wide range of services, including site preparation, foundation work, structural framing, roofing, installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, interior finishing, and potentially landscaping and utility connections. For a brigade garrison, this would likely include barracks, administrative buildings, training facilities, dining halls, and support structures, all built to military specifications for durability, security, and operational readiness.

How does the $80.1 million spending on this single construction project compare to the Department of the Army's overall annual construction budget?

To compare the $80.1 million award for the 215th Brigade Garrison to the Department of the Army's overall annual construction budget, specific budget data for the relevant fiscal years (around 2011-2014) would be required. The Army's budget is extensive, encompassing numerous projects globally. A single large construction project like this could represent a significant portion of a specific installation's budget or a particular program's allocation, but it would likely be a fraction of the total annual construction expenditure for the entire Department of the Army, which can run into billions of dollars annually for infrastructure sustainment, modernization, and new construction.

What are the implications of the 1127-day duration for project management and potential cost escalation, even under a fixed-price contract?

A duration of 1127 days (approximately 3 years) for a construction project of this scale presents significant management challenges. While the firm fixed-price contract aims to cap costs, extended durations increase the risk of factors impacting the contractor's profitability and potentially the project's timely completion. These include potential labor fluctuations, material availability issues, and the need for continuous on-site management and oversight. For the government, a long duration necessitates sustained project oversight to ensure quality and adherence to schedule, and while the price is fixed, delays can still impact operational readiness and incur indirect costs.

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: W5J9LE11R0048

Offers Received: 6

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, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $80,144,033

Exercised Options: $80,144,033

Current Obligation: $80,144,033

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline