DOD Awards $55M Firm Fixed Price Contract for Physical Fitness Center in Alaska

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $55,185,370 ($55.2M)

Contractor: Watterson Construction CO

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-02-08

End Date: 2026-06-05

Contract Duration: 848 days

Daily Burn Rate: $65.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: FTW453 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT PHYSICAL FITNESS CENTER, FT WAINWRIGHT ALASKA

Place of Performance

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

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $55.2 million to WATTERSON CONSTRUCTION CO for work described as: FTW453 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT PHYSICAL FITNESS CENTER, FT WAINWRIGHT ALASKA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Watterson Construction Co. for $55.19M. 2. Project aims to construct a physical fitness center at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. 3. Full and open competition was utilized for this procurement. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating price certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $55.19M appears reasonable for a large-scale construction project of this nature. Benchmarking against similar military construction projects would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was employed, suggesting a robust process for soliciting bids and achieving competitive pricing. The use of a definitive contract indicates a clear scope and terms.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process is expected to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for this facility.

Public Impact

Enhances military readiness and quality of life for service members at Fort Wainwright. Supports local economy through construction jobs and material sourcing. Provides a modern facility for physical training and well-being.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10

Positive Signals

  • Full and open competition utilized
  • Firm Fixed Price contract type
  • Clear project scope and location

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector for the Department of the Army can vary significantly based on infrastructure needs and modernization efforts.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not directly awarded this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses participated as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The definitive contract structure and full and open competition suggest a degree of oversight. However, ongoing monitoring of project execution and adherence to specifications is crucial.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise.
  • Dependence on Watterson Construction Co.'s performance and capacity.
  • Risk of schedule delays due to weather or supply chain issues in Alaska.
  • Limited visibility into small business subcontracting opportunities.

Tags

commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-defense, ak, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $55.2 million to WATTERSON CONSTRUCTION CO. FTW453 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT PHYSICAL FITNESS CENTER, FT WAINWRIGHT ALASKA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WATTERSON CONSTRUCTION CO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $55.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-02-08. End: 2026-06-05.

What is the estimated cost per square foot for this fitness center, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks?

Without the square footage of the facility, a precise cost per square foot cannot be calculated. However, the total contract value of $55.19M for a large construction project suggests a significant investment. Industry benchmarks for institutional construction vary widely by region and specific features, but a detailed cost breakdown would be necessary for a meaningful comparison.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract to ensure successful project completion and value for money?

Key performance indicators should include adherence to the project schedule (848 days duration), quality of construction meeting specified standards, and final cost remaining within the $55.19M award. Post-occupancy evaluations of facility functionality and durability would also be important KPIs for long-term value assessment.

Are there any specific sustainability or energy efficiency requirements included in the contract to maximize long-term operational value?

The provided data does not specify sustainability or energy efficiency requirements. While not explicitly stated, modern military construction often incorporates such standards. Further review of the contract's detailed specifications and statement of work would be necessary to confirm the inclusion of green building practices.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ConstructionNonresidential Building ConstructionCommercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTYMAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W911KB23R0051

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6500 INTERSTATE CIR, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99518

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $55,185,370

Exercised Options: $55,185,370

Current Obligation: $55,185,370

Actual Outlays: $10,633,750

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 28

Total Subaward Amount: $32,029,194

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2024-02-08

Current End Date: 2026-06-05

Potential End Date: 2026-06-05 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-09-26

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