DoD's $44M Eglin AFB Dorm B19 project awarded to Ashford Leebcor Enterprises II LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $44,052,323 ($44.1M)

Contractor: Ashford Leebcor Enterprises II LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-09-30

End Date: 2022-07-30

Contract Duration: 1,034 days

Daily Burn Rate: $42.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: DESIGN BUILD REPLACE DORM B19 EGLIN AFB

Place of Performance

Location: EGLIN AFB, OKALOOSA County, FLORIDA, 32542

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $44.1 million to ASHFORD LEEBCOR ENTERPRISES II LLC for work described as: DESIGN BUILD REPLACE DORM B19 EGLIN AFB Key points: 1. The contract value of $44.05 million for a design-build-replace dorm project at Eglin AFB appears to be within a reasonable range for construction of this nature. 2. The use of a 'Full and Open Competition' suggests a robust bidding process, potentially leading to better pricing and quality. 3. The contract type is 'Firm Fixed Price', which shifts cost risk to the contractor, providing budget certainty for the government. 4. The project duration of 1034 days (approximately 2.8 years) is substantial, indicating a complex undertaking. 5. The award was made to Ashford Leebcor Enterprises II LLC, a contractor whose past performance and specific experience with similar military construction projects would be a key indicator of success. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 236220 points to Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, a standard category for such projects.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $44.05 million for the Design Build Replace Dorm B19 at Eglin AFB is a significant investment. Benchmarking this against similar military dormitory construction projects would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the scope of a design-build project for a major facility, the price appears to be within expected parameters for large-scale construction. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract helps in managing budget expectations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition', indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of two bidders (as suggested by 'no': 2) implies a degree of competition, though the exact number of bids received and the spread of pricing would provide a clearer picture of the competitive landscape. A higher number of bidders typically correlates with more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition, even with a limited number of bidders, generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging competitive pricing and ensuring that the government receives proposals from qualified contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are U.S. Air Force personnel stationed at Eglin AFB, who will receive updated and improved dormitory facilities. The project delivers essential construction services, specifically the design and replacement of a dormitory building. The geographic impact is localized to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The project will likely involve a significant construction workforce, including skilled trades, project managers, and support staff, contributing to local employment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise during the design or construction phases, despite the fixed-price contract.
Dependence on the contractor's ability to manage the complex design and build process effectively within the specified timeline.
Risk of delays due to weather, supply chain disruptions, or regulatory hurdles common in large construction projects.

Positive Signals

The 'Firm Fixed Price' contract structure transfers significant cost risk to the contractor, providing budget certainty.
Awarding through 'Full and Open Competition' suggests a process aimed at selecting the most capable and cost-effective solution.
The project addresses a critical infrastructure need for military personnel, enhancing quality of life and operational readiness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Construction sector, specifically Commercial and Institutional Building Construction (NAICS 236220). The federal government is a major consumer of construction services, particularly for military bases and government facilities. Spending in this area is often driven by infrastructure modernization, replacement of aging facilities, and new construction to meet evolving operational requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing the cost per square foot or cost per bed for similar dormitory construction projects across different military branches and geographic locations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses ('sb': false). There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Without specific subcontracting goals or reporting, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular contract is unclear, though large prime contractors often utilize small businesses for specialized construction trades.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Department of Defense contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant Army contracting command. Quality assurance representatives would likely be assigned to monitor construction progress and adherence to specifications. Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like SAM.gov, though detailed project-specific oversight reports may not always be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Military Housing Construction
Eglin Air Force Base Infrastructure Projects
Department of Defense Facilities Modernization
Design-Build Construction Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Bidders
Potential for Cost Overruns
Contractor Performance Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $44.1 million to ASHFORD LEEBCOR ENTERPRISES II LLC. DESIGN BUILD REPLACE DORM B19 EGLIN AFB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ASHFORD LEEBCOR ENTERPRISES II 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 $44.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-30. End: 2022-07-30.

What is the track record of Ashford Leebcor Enterprises II LLC on similar government contracts?

Assessing the track record of Ashford Leebcor Enterprises II LLC is crucial for understanding their capability to execute this $44 million design-build project. A review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving military construction and dormitory facilities, would reveal their history of on-time delivery, budget adherence, and quality of work. Data from contract databases and performance evaluations (like Past Performance Information Retrieval System - PPIRS) would be key. If they have a history of successful, similar projects, it indicates a lower risk for this contract. Conversely, a history of delays, cost overruns, or quality issues would raise concerns about their suitability for this significant undertaking.

How does the cost per square foot or per bed for this project compare to industry benchmarks for military dormitories?

To evaluate the value for money, the cost per square foot or per bed for this $44 million dormitory project needs to be benchmarked against similar military dormitory constructions. Factors such as location (Florida), specific design requirements, and the inclusion of design services in the contract price will influence this comparison. If the cost per unit is significantly higher than comparable projects, it could indicate potential overpricing or scope creep. Conversely, if it aligns with or is lower than benchmarks, it suggests a reasonable price. Detailed project specifications and final construction costs would be needed for an accurate comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with a firm-fixed-price design-build contract of this magnitude?

The primary risks associated with a firm-fixed-price (FFP) design-build contract of this $44 million magnitude primarily lie with the contractor, Ashford Leebcor Enterprises II LLC. While FFP offers budget certainty to the government, the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns due to design inefficiencies, unforeseen site conditions, or escalating material/labor costs. For the government, risks include potential compromises in quality if the contractor seeks to cut costs to meet the fixed price, or contractor default if they mismanage the project's financial aspects. Effective government oversight is critical to ensure quality standards are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

What is the historical spending trend for dormitory construction at Eglin AFB or similar Air Force installations?

Analyzing historical spending trends for dormitory construction at Eglin AFB and comparable Air Force installations provides context for the $44 million award. This involves examining past contracts for similar projects, noting their values, durations, and contractors. Significant increases or decreases in spending patterns could indicate changes in military housing needs, construction cost inflation, or shifts in procurement strategies. Understanding this history helps determine if the current contract represents a typical investment, an escalation, or a reduction in facility modernization efforts, informing future budget planning and investment decisions.

How many bids were formally submitted, and what was the range of proposed prices?

The provided data indicates 'no': 2, suggesting two bids were received for this $44 million contract. However, knowing the exact number of bids submitted and the range of proposed prices is critical for a comprehensive competition analysis. If only two bids were received, it might suggest limited market interest or potential barriers to entry for other firms. A wide disparity between the winning bid and the next lowest bid could indicate aggressive pricing by the winner or potential issues with the losing bid. This information is vital for assessing whether the competition effectively drove down costs for the taxpayer.

What are the implications of the 'Full and Open Competition' award type for long-term maintenance and operational costs?

The 'Full and Open Competition' award type for this $44 million dormitory project primarily impacts the initial construction cost and contractor selection. While it aims to secure the best value upfront, its direct implications for long-term maintenance and operational costs are indirect. The quality of the design and construction, dictated by the winning contractor's execution and the government's oversight, will significantly influence future maintenance needs. A well-designed and robustly built facility, selected through strong competition, is likely to have lower long-term operational and repair costs compared to a poorly executed project.

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

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W9127819R0039

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: HZE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ashford Leebcor JV LLC

Address: 1769 JAMESTOWN RD STE 112, WILLIAMSBURG, VA, 23185

Business Categories: American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Joint Venture Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $44,792,975

Exercised Options: $44,052,323

Current Obligation: $44,052,323

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline