Army awards $28.6M barracks construction contract to Bristol Building Constructors LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,567,000 ($28.6M)

Contractor: Bristol Building Constructors LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-09-22

End Date: 2025-10-21

Contract Duration: 760 days

Daily Burn Rate: $37.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: FTW469 CONSTRUCT PP BARRACKS B3718

Place of Performance

Location: FORT WAINWRIGHT, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR County, ALASKA, 99703

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $28.6 million to BRISTOL BUILDING CONSTRUCTORS LLC for work described as: FTW469 CONSTRUCT PP BARRACKS B3718 Key points: 1. Contract awarded at a competitive price point, indicating potential value for money. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market response and fair pricing. 3. Definitive contract type with a firm fixed price mitigates cost overrun risks. 4. Project duration of 760 days aligns with typical large-scale construction timelines. 5. Geographic focus on Alaska presents unique logistical and environmental considerations. 6. No small business set-aside indicates a focus on prime contractor capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $28.6 million for barracks construction appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar military construction projects in Alaska, which often incur higher costs due to logistics and climate, suggests this award is within an expected range. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, which is a positive indicator of value.

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, indicating that multiple qualified contractors were solicited and allowed to bid. With three bidders participating, the competition level was moderate, suggesting that the price discovery mechanism was functional and likely resulted in a competitive price. This approach generally benefits the government by ensuring a wider pool of potential offerors.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition ensures that taxpayer funds are utilized efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation among bidders.

Public Impact

Service members stationed in Alaska will benefit from improved living quarters. The contract delivers essential infrastructure for military readiness and personnel well-being. The project's geographic impact is concentrated in Alaska, supporting local economic activity through construction. The construction work will likely involve a skilled labor force, potentially creating temporary employment opportunities in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise in Alaska's challenging environment.
Logistical complexities in Alaska could impact project timelines and material delivery.
Dependence on a single prime contractor for overall project execution.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
Full and open competition suggests a well-vetted and competitive pricing structure.
Experienced contractor likely selected through a rigorous bidding process.
Project addresses critical infrastructure needs for military personnel.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically for military infrastructure. The market for large-scale government construction projects is substantial, with significant annual federal spending allocated to building and renovating facilities. This project aligns with the Department of Defense's ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure, particularly in strategic locations like Alaska. Comparable spending benchmarks for military barracks construction vary widely based on location, size, and complexity, but projects of this scale often represent a significant investment in readiness.

Small Business Impact

The absence of a small business set-aside for this contract indicates that the primary focus was on securing the best overall offer from the broader market, likely prioritizing extensive experience and capacity for large-scale construction. While this specific contract may not directly benefit small businesses as prime contractors, there is potential for subcontracting opportunities. The prime contractor, Bristol Building Constructors LLC, may engage small businesses for specialized services or material supply, contributing indirectly to the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of the Army, likely through contracting officers and project managers responsible for monitoring progress, quality, and adherence to specifications. Transparency is expected through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which incentivizes the contractor to meet deadlines and budgets. Inspector General jurisdiction may apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Military Construction (MILCON)
Department of Defense Facilities
Barracks and Dormitory Construction
Alaska Infrastructure Projects

Risk Flags

Geographic challenges in Alaska
Potential for unforeseen site conditions
Logistical complexities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $28.6 million to BRISTOL BUILDING CONSTRUCTORS LLC. FTW469 CONSTRUCT PP BARRACKS B3718

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRISTOL BUILDING CONSTRUCTORS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-22. End: 2025-10-21.

What is the track record of Bristol Building Constructors LLC on similar federal construction projects?

Bristol Building Constructors LLC has a history of performing federal construction contracts, including projects for the Department of Defense. While specific details on past barracks construction projects are not provided in this summary, their selection for this significant award suggests they possess the necessary experience and qualifications. A deeper dive into their contract performance history, including any past performance evaluations or awards/debarments, would provide further insight into their reliability and capability for executing projects of this magnitude and complexity, especially in challenging environments like Alaska.

How does the awarded price compare to similar barracks construction projects in Alaska?

The awarded price of $28.6 million for 760 days of construction is difficult to benchmark precisely without detailed project specifications (e.g., square footage, number of occupants, specific amenities). However, construction costs in Alaska are generally higher than in the continental U.S. due to logistical challenges, climate, and the cost of materials and labor. Given these factors, the price appears competitive within the Alaskan context. Further analysis would require comparing the cost per square foot or cost per occupant against other recently awarded military construction projects in similar Alaskan locations.

What are the primary risks associated with this construction project in Alaska?

The primary risks associated with this construction project in Alaska include environmental challenges such as extreme cold, permafrost, and limited daylight hours during winter, which can impact construction schedules and methods. Logistical challenges related to transporting materials and equipment to remote sites are also significant. Furthermore, the availability and cost of skilled labor in Alaska can pose a risk. The firm fixed-price contract structure, while beneficial for cost control, places the burden of managing these risks on the contractor, Bristol Building Constructors LLC.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method for this type of project?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method is generally effective for large, complex projects like military barracks construction. It allows the government to solicit bids from a wide range of qualified contractors while potentially excluding those who do not meet specific, pre-defined technical or capability requirements. This approach balances the benefits of broad competition with the need to ensure that only capable firms participate, thereby promoting fair pricing and selecting the best value offer. The presence of three bidders suggests it was reasonably effective in attracting competition.

What is the historical spending trend for barracks construction by the Department of the Army?

Historical spending trends for barracks construction by the Department of the Army show a consistent and significant investment in military housing infrastructure. This spending fluctuates based on modernization needs, troop levels, and budget allocations. The Army regularly awards numerous Military Construction (MILCON) projects annually, with barracks being a recurring category. Analyzing past fiscal years would reveal patterns in the number and value of barracks contracts awarded, potentially highlighting periods of increased investment driven by strategic initiatives or aging facility replacements. This specific contract aligns with the ongoing need to maintain and upgrade living quarters for service members.

What are the implications of the definitive contract type for project management and flexibility?

A definitive contract, especially when it's a firm fixed-price type, provides a clear framework for project execution and financial commitment. For this barracks construction, it means the price is set, and the contractor is responsible for completing the work within that budget. This offers predictability for the government regarding costs. However, definitive contracts can sometimes offer less flexibility for scope changes compared to other contract types. If significant unforeseen issues arise that necessitate changes, modifications to the contract would be required, potentially involving negotiation and adjustments to the price and schedule.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W911KB23R0029

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 111 W 16TH AVE, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99501

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,567,000

Exercised Options: $28,567,000

Current Obligation: $28,567,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline