DoD Awards $5.4M Contract for Isabella Visitor Center Construction in California

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,433,672 ($5.4M)

Contractor: R2build

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-12-15

End Date: 2026-05-16

Contract Duration: 517 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.5K/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: ISABELLA VISITOR CENTER

Place of Performance

Location: LAKE ISABELLA, KERN County, CALIFORNIA, 93240

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.4 million to R2BUILD for work described as: ISABELLA VISITOR CENTER Key points: 1. The contract is for commercial and institutional building construction, valued at $5.4 million. 2. Awarded by the Department of the Army, it falls under the Defense sector. 3. The construction is expected to be completed by May 2026. 4. This project aims to enhance visitor facilities within a military installation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.4 million appears reasonable for a visitor center construction project of this scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar government construction contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

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 a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition suggests that taxpayer funds are being utilized efficiently by seeking the best value from multiple bidders.

Public Impact

Enhances public access and experience at a Department of Defense facility. Supports local economic activity through construction jobs and material procurement. Provides a dedicated space for visitors, potentially improving outreach and education efforts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns in construction projects.
  • Delays in project completion impacting intended use.
  • Scope creep leading to increased contract value.

Positive Signals

  • Clear contract type (Firm Fixed Price) limits cost risk.
  • Defined completion date provides a timeline for delivery.
  • Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector is a significant area of government spending. This contract for a visitor center aligns with typical infrastructure development within federal agencies, particularly for public-facing facilities.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded through full and open competition, there is no specific indication of small business participation in this award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army's oversight is crucial for ensuring the project adheres to specifications, timelines, and budget. Regular progress reviews and quality control measures are standard oversight practices for such contracts.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Potential for construction delays.
  • Risk of unforeseen site conditions impacting cost.
  • Ensuring quality of construction meets standards.
  • Adequate oversight to prevent scope creep.

Tags

commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 1m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.4 million to R2BUILD. ISABELLA VISITOR CENTER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is R2BUILD.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-12-15. End: 2026-05-16.

What is the estimated cost per square foot for this visitor center compared to similar facilities?

Without specific square footage data for the Isabella Visitor Center, a precise cost per square foot benchmark is not possible. However, typical government visitor center construction costs can range significantly based on location, materials, and amenities. A detailed cost breakdown and comparison with recently awarded similar projects would be necessary for a robust assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with the firm-fixed-price contract type for this project?

The primary risk with a firm-fixed-price contract is that the contractor bears the financial risk if costs exceed the agreed-upon price. For the government, the risk is that the contractor may cut corners on quality to maintain profitability, or that the initial price might be inflated to account for contractor risk. However, it also provides cost certainty for the government.

How will the effectiveness of the Isabella Visitor Center be measured post-completion?

The effectiveness of the visitor center will likely be measured through metrics such as visitor attendance numbers, user satisfaction surveys, and the extent to which it fulfills its intended purpose (e.g., education, information dissemination, improved access). Feedback from facility users and stakeholders, along with operational efficiency, will also contribute to assessing its overall effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ConstructionNonresidential Building ConstructionCommercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIESCONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W9123824B0009

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 17744 SKY PARK CIR STE 265, IRVINE, CA, 92614

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,433,672

Exercised Options: $5,433,672

Current Obligation: $5,433,672

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2024-12-15

Current End Date: 2026-05-16

Potential End Date: 2026-05-16 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-01-09

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