Army awards $21M for Combat Village Construction, sole-source contract awarded

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,001,854 ($21.0M)

Contractor: Miscellaneous Foreign Awardees

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-05-11

End Date: 2015-08-30

Contract Duration: 1,572 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCTION MOUT COMBAT VILLAGE AND SUPPORT AREA

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.0 million to MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES for work described as: CONSTRUCTION MOUT COMBAT VILLAGE AND SUPPORT AREA Key points: 1. Significant investment in combat training infrastructure. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Contract duration of over 3 years suggests a complex project. 4. Focus on construction within the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering' sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $21M for a combat village is substantial. Without comparable contracts or detailed cost breakdowns, it's difficult to assess if this price is competitive. The lack of competition further complicates value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating no open competition. This method limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not have received the best possible price due to the absence of competitive bidding.

Public Impact

Enhances military training capabilities with a dedicated combat village. Potential for increased operational readiness through realistic training environments. Supports construction and engineering sectors, though specific small business impact is unclear.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
Lack of transparency in cost justification for sole-source contracts.
Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical military training needs.
Provides specialized infrastructure for combat simulation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector. Spending in this area is often project-specific and driven by defense needs, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and location.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not involved in this specific award (ss=false, sb=false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were available or if small businesses were excluded from bidding.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the contractor is delivering on scope and that costs remain justified. Accountability for project milestones and budget adherence is crucial.

Related Government Programs

Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for inflated costs
Limited transparency
No small business participation indicated

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.0 million to MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES. CONSTRUCTION MOUT COMBAT VILLAGE AND SUPPORT AREA

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 $21.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-05-11. End: 2015-08-30.

What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis instead of seeking competitive bids?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of available sources. Without specific documentation, it's impossible to confirm the exact reasoning. However, sole-source awards often bypass the competitive process, potentially leading to higher costs and reduced transparency for taxpayers.

How does the cost of this combat village compare to similar training facilities built by other military branches or allied nations?

Benchmarking this $21M combat village against similar facilities is challenging without access to detailed cost breakdowns and specifications. Factors like location, size, complexity of simulated environments, and materials used significantly influence construction costs. A sole-source award further complicates direct cost comparison.

What measures are in place to ensure the effectiveness and long-term utility of the combat village given the long contract duration?

The long duration suggests a comprehensive build. Effectiveness relies on adherence to the specified design, quality construction, and alignment with evolving training doctrines. Oversight mechanisms should track progress, ensure quality control, and verify that the final facility meets the intended training objectives throughout its lifecycle.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2011 CRYSTAL DR STE 911, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,001,854

Exercised Options: $21,001,854

Current Obligation: $21,001,854

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline