DoD's $24.8M contract for Wright Patterson AFB building construction awarded to Zieson Construction Company, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,775,410 ($24.8M)

Contractor: Zieson Construction Company, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-09-29

End Date: 2020-06-22

Contract Duration: 997 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF WRIGHT PATTERSON CEP, ROOF&ATRIUM

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, MIAMI County, OHIO, 45424

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $24.8 million to ZIESON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF WRIGHT PATTERSON CEP, ROOF&ATRIUM Key points: 1. Contract value of $24.8M for building construction services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition. 3. Firm fixed-price contract type indicates predictable costs. 4. Performance period spans nearly three years. 5. Contractor is Zieson Construction Company, LLC. 6. Project located in Ohio.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $24.8 million for commercial and institutional building construction appears within a reasonable range for a project of this scope, though specific benchmarks are unavailable without more detailed project specifications. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost certainty for the government. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction projects within the Department of Defense or other federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The absence of detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons makes a definitive value assessment challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while sources were initially excluded, the competition was ultimately opened to all responsible sources. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions. The specific reasons for excluding sources initially could impact the overall competitive landscape and potentially influence the final price.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition, despite initial exclusions, is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value through a broad search for qualified contractors. A moderate number of bidders suggests that while some competition existed, there may be room for improvement in attracting a larger pool of interested and capable firms.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its personnel at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, who will receive improved or new building facilities. The contract delivers construction services for commercial and institutional buildings, likely encompassing infrastructure upgrades or new construction critical for base operations. The geographic impact is concentrated in Ohio, specifically at Wright Patterson AFB. The contract supports the construction workforce, including skilled trades and labor, within the Ohio region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if initial source exclusions led to a less competitive environment than intended.
Risk associated with the specific capabilities and past performance of Zieson Construction Company, LLC, which requires further investigation.
The 'after exclusion of sources' clause warrants scrutiny to ensure fair competition was ultimately achieved.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a full and open competition framework, suggesting an effort to maximize value.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
The project addresses critical infrastructure needs for a major military installation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the broader construction industry. Federal spending in this area supports military installations, government facilities, and public infrastructure. The market is characterized by a mix of large prime contractors and specialized subcontractors. Benchmarking this contract's value against similar DoD construction projects would require detailed analysis of project scope, size, and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a small business set-aside. The primary contractor, Zieson Construction Company, LLC, is identified as an LLC, but its size status (small or large business) is not explicitly provided in this data snippet. Analysis of subcontracting opportunities would depend on the prime contractor's own small business subcontracting plan, if applicable.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program management office within the Department of the Army at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified construction services. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Infrastructure Projects
Department of Defense Construction Contracts
Federal Building and Infrastructure Procurement
Commercial and Institutional Building Construction Services

Risk Flags

Potential for reduced competition due to initial source exclusion.
Contractor performance risk requires further due diligence.
Scope creep risk in large construction projects.
Unforeseen site conditions risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $24.8 million to ZIESON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF WRIGHT PATTERSON CEP, ROOF&ATRIUM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ZIESON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, 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 $24.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-29. End: 2020-06-22.

What is the track record of Zieson Construction Company, LLC with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

A comprehensive review of Zieson Construction Company, LLC's federal contract history would involve analyzing data from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). This would reveal the number of contracts awarded, their values, the agencies involved, and performance ratings. For this specific contract, understanding past performance on similar construction projects, adherence to schedules and budgets, and any history of disputes or contract modifications would be crucial for assessing their reliability and capability. Without direct access to detailed performance reviews or a broader contract history, it's difficult to definitively assess their track record beyond this single award.

How does the awarded amount of $24.8 million compare to similar building construction projects at military installations?

Benchmarking the $24.8 million award requires comparing it to projects with similar scope, size, and complexity at other Department of Defense installations. Factors such as the type of building (e.g., barracks, administrative, industrial), square footage, specific construction requirements (e.g., specialized HVAC, security features), and prevailing labor and material costs in the region are critical. A direct comparison to projects awarded around the same time frame (2017-2020) would be most relevant. Without detailed project specifications for this contract and comparable projects, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests an effort to contain costs.

What are the primary risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for a large construction project?

The primary risk with a firm fixed-price (FFP) contract for a large construction project lies with the contractor. If the contractor underestimates costs, encounters unforeseen site conditions, or experiences material price escalations, they bear the financial burden of cost overruns, potentially impacting project quality or leading to contractor default. Conversely, the government benefits from cost certainty. Risks for the government include the contractor potentially cutting corners on quality to maintain profitability if costs escalate unexpectedly, or the initial price being inflated to account for contractor risk. Robust contract oversight and clear specifications are essential to mitigate these risks.

What is the significance of the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award type?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award type indicates that the agency initially intended to restrict the competition to a limited number of sources, perhaps due to specific requirements or perceived capabilities. However, they later decided to open the competition to all responsible sources. This suggests a potential refinement of the acquisition strategy or a recognition that broader competition could yield better results. While it aims for the benefits of full and open competition, the initial exclusion phase might have deterred some potential bidders or suggests specific technical challenges that limited the initial pool. The number of bidders (2) provides insight into the actual level of competition achieved.

How does the duration of the contract (997 days) align with typical construction project timelines for similar federal projects?

A contract duration of 997 days, approximately 2.7 years, is a substantial period and aligns with the timelines often seen for large-scale federal construction projects. The complexity of the building(s) to be constructed, site preparation requirements, potential for weather delays (especially in Ohio), and the procurement of specialized materials and labor all contribute to extended project durations. This timeline suggests a significant undertaking. Comparing this duration to similar projects within the DoD or other federal agencies, considering factors like project size and scope, would help determine if it is standard, accelerated, or protracted.

What are the potential implications of awarding this contract to a single company, Zieson Construction Company, LLC, for future construction needs at Wright Patterson AFB?

Awarding a significant contract like this to a single entity, Zieson Construction Company, LLC, can have several implications. On the positive side, it allows for continuity and a deep understanding of the base's specific needs and standards by the contractor. However, it could also lead to reduced competition for future projects if the contractor becomes the dominant or sole provider in the area. This might result in less competitive pricing over time. The government should monitor the contractor's performance and market dynamics to ensure continued fair pricing and access to a diverse range of qualified contractors for future requirements.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W9127S13R6003

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 101 SW TYLER ST, TOPEKA, KS, 66603

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,235,056

Exercised Options: $24,775,410

Current Obligation: $24,775,410

Contract Characteristics

Consolidated Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W9127S14D6002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline