Fort Hood chapel construction contract awarded to Solis Constructors for over $15 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,177,486 ($15.2M)

Contractor: Solis Constructors, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-07-13

End Date: 2011-07-08

Contract Duration: 725 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.9K/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: MILITARY CHAPEL COMPLEX & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FAC AT FORT HOOD

Place of Performance

Location: FORT HOOD, CORYELL County, TEXAS, 76544

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.2 million to SOLIS CONSTRUCTORS, INC. for work described as: MILITARY CHAPEL COMPLEX & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FAC AT FORT HOOD Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a large-scale construction project of this nature. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract was a firm fixed price, which transfers risk to the contractor. 4. Project duration of 725 days indicates a significant construction timeline. 5. The project falls within the broader category of institutional building construction. 6. No small business set-aside was applied to this contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $15.18 million for the Military Chapel Complex & Religious Education Facility at Fort Hood is within a reasonable range for a project of this scale and complexity. Benchmarking against similar large-scale institutional construction projects, the price appears competitive, especially considering it was awarded under full and open competition. The firm fixed price contract type further suggests that the contractor has adequately estimated costs and risks, providing a predictable expense for the government.

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 proposals were solicited from all eligible responsible sources. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, the designation suggests a robust competitive process was intended. The inclusion of 'after exclusion of sources' might imply specific pre-qualification criteria were met by bidders, but the overall approach aimed for broad participation.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and better value. It ensures that the government explores a wide range of potential contractors, increasing the likelihood of securing the most cost-effective solution.

Public Impact

Military personnel and their families at Fort Hood will benefit from the new chapel and religious education facilities. The project delivers essential infrastructure for religious services and community support on the military installation. The geographic impact is localized to Fort Hood, Texas, enhancing the base's amenities. The construction project likely created temporary employment opportunities for skilled trades and laborers in the local Texas area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen construction challenges arise, despite the firm fixed price.
Delays in construction could impact the availability of the facility for its intended users.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract transfers cost risk to the contractor.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment.
Project awarded to a contractor with experience in construction.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the broader construction industry. This sector encompasses the building of non-residential structures such as religious facilities, educational institutions, and government buildings. The market size for institutional construction is substantial, driven by government spending on infrastructure and facilities, as well as private investment in similar structures. This specific contract represents a piece of federal investment in maintaining and upgrading military installation infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting goals for small businesses indicated in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting work. The absence of set-aside provisions means larger, established construction firms were likely the primary participants in the bidding process.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant project management office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed price contract, where the contractor is responsible for delivering the specified facility within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, although specific details of ongoing oversight activities may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Military Construction
Religious Facilities Construction
Fort Hood Infrastructure Projects
Department of Defense Facilities Management

Risk Flags

Potential for construction delays
Risk of unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule
Contractor financial stability concerns (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $15.2 million to SOLIS CONSTRUCTORS, INC.. MILITARY CHAPEL COMPLEX & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FAC AT FORT HOOD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOLIS CONSTRUCTORS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-07-13. End: 2011-07-08.

What was the specific nature of the 'exclusion of sources' in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award?

The designation 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' typically means that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were excluded based on specific pre-defined criteria. This could include requirements for specialized experience, past performance, security clearances, or geographic proximity. The exclusion is meant to ensure that only qualified and capable contractors participate, without unduly restricting competition. For this specific contract, the exact criteria for exclusion are not detailed in the provided data, but it suggests a deliberate process to narrow the field of potential bidders to those best suited for the complex construction of a military chapel and religious education facility.

How does the contract duration of 725 days compare to similar institutional building projects?

A contract duration of 725 days, approximately two years, is a substantial timeframe for a construction project. For large-scale institutional buildings, especially those with specialized requirements like a military chapel complex, this duration is not uncommon. Factors influencing project length include the complexity of design, site conditions, weather, procurement of specialized materials, and the need to adhere to strict military construction standards. Compared to typical commercial building projects of similar dollar value, a military facility might require a longer schedule due to these additional considerations and potentially more rigorous inspection and approval processes.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed price contract for this type of project?

While a firm fixed price (FFP) contract is generally advantageous for the government as it transfers most cost risk to the contractor, it is not without potential risks. For a complex construction project like a military chapel, unforeseen site conditions (e.g., unexpected soil issues, hazardous materials), design changes requested by the government, or significant material price escalations beyond the contractor's control could lead to contractor claims for equitable adjustments. If the contractor underestimated costs or risks, they might face financial distress, potentially impacting project completion. However, the FFP structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and schedules efficiently to maximize profit.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar religious facility construction by the Department of the Army?

Historical spending on religious facilities by the Department of the Army, and the broader Department of Defense, fluctuates based on military readiness needs, base consolidation or expansion, and aging infrastructure replacement cycles. While specific aggregated data for 'religious facilities' construction is not readily available in public databases, it forms part of the larger Military Construction (MILCON) budget. MILCON projects are prioritized based on operational necessity, quality of life improvements for service members, and compliance with safety and environmental standards. Spending in this category can vary significantly year-to-year, influenced by congressional appropriations and strategic defense priorities.

Were there any performance issues or disputes reported for Solis Constructors on previous government contracts?

Assessing the performance history of Solis Constructors requires access to government contract performance databases (like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) which are not publicly available in detail. However, the award of a significant contract like this by the Department of the Army suggests that, at the time of award, the contractor met the necessary performance and responsibility criteria. Government agencies typically review past performance as a key factor in source selection. Without access to specific performance reports, it's impossible to definitively state whether there were prior issues, but the award itself implies a satisfactory track record for this particular 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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W9128F09R0041

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2514 BUELL AVE, AUSTIN, TX, 78757

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Emerging Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,270,311

Exercised Options: $15,270,311

Current Obligation: $15,177,486

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline