DoD Awards $27.5M Contract to Brice Builders for Alaska Plumbing & Fire Protection Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,508,479 ($27.5M)
Contractor: Brice Builders, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-10-30
End Date: 2027-11-18
Contract Duration: 1,114 days
Daily Burn Rate: $24.7K/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: TIN006 REPLACE PLUMBING & FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS (B150)
Place of Performance
Location: NOME, NOME County, ALASKA, 99762
State: Alaska Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $27.5 million to BRICE BUILDERS, LLC for work described as: TIN006 REPLACE PLUMBING & FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS (B150) Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical infrastructure for military facilities. 2. Competition method suggests potential for price discovery, but exclusion of sources warrants scrutiny. 3. Long-term contract duration (nearly 3 years) indicates a substantial project scope. 4. Focus on building construction sector, a key area for government spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $27.5M for plumbing and fire protection systems appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction projects would provide a more precise assessment of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while competition occurred, not all potential sources were considered. This method can impact price discovery by limiting the pool of bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential facility maintenance and upgrades. The chosen competition method's impact on final pricing is a key consideration for maximizing taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Ensures operational readiness and safety of military installations in Alaska. Supports the construction sector and associated supply chains. Potential for localized economic impact through job creation and material sourcing.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Potential for cost overruns on long-term projects.
- Geographic remoteness of Alaska may increase costs.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical infrastructure needs.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
- Long-term contract allows for phased execution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining and upgrading government facilities, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scale and location.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Brice Builders, LLC, a small business. This award supports the government's objective of directing a portion of its contracting dollars to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget, especially given the contract's duration and the exclusion of certain sources during the competition phase.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition.
- Potential for cost overruns due to project scale and duration.
- Logistical challenges in Alaska.
- Dependence on a single small business contractor for a large project.
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 $27.5 million to BRICE BUILDERS, LLC. TIN006 REPLACE PLUMBING & FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS (B150)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BRICE BUILDERS, 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 $27.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-10-30. End: 2027-11-18.
What specific criteria led to the exclusion of certain sources in the competition process, and how did this impact the final bid price?
The exclusion of sources suggests that only a select group of contractors met specific pre-qualification requirements, potentially related to past performance, technical capabilities, or security clearances. This limited pool may have reduced competitive pressure, potentially leading to a higher final bid price than if the competition had been fully open to all qualified entities.
What are the primary risks associated with executing a large-scale plumbing and fire protection system upgrade in a remote location like Alaska?
Key risks include logistical challenges in transporting materials and personnel, potential for extreme weather delays impacting construction schedules, higher labor costs due to remote location, and the need for specialized equipment suited to the environment. Ensuring adequate contingency planning and robust project management is vital to mitigate these risks.
How does the firm fixed price contract structure mitigate financial risks for the Department of Defense in this project?
A firm fixed price (FFP) contract shifts the majority of the financial risk to the contractor, Brice Builders, LLC. The agreed-upon price is generally not subject to adjustment due to contractor cost overruns. This provides the DoD with significant cost certainty, as they know the maximum amount they will pay, assuming no scope changes.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP
Solicitation ID: W911KB24R0040
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3700 CENTERPOINT DR, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503
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: $29,850,829
Exercised Options: $27,508,479
Current Obligation: $27,508,479
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-10-30
Current End Date: 2027-11-18
Potential End Date: 2027-11-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-08
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