Harper Construction awarded $11.97M for ADA school infrastructure, highlighting long-term project needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,969,849 ($12.0M)

Contractor: Harper Construction Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-06-20

End Date: 2010-10-30

Contract Duration: 1,228 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: SILL 0656720 FY07 RESTATION ADA SCHOOL PRIMARY INFRASTRUCTURE

Place of Performance

Location: FORT SILL, COMANCHE County, OKLAHOMA, 73503

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.0 million to HARPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. for work described as: SILL 0656720 FY07 RESTATION ADA SCHOOL PRIMARY INFRASTRUCTURE Key points: 1. Project addresses critical ADA compliance and primary infrastructure upgrades for educational facilities. 2. Contract duration of 1228 days suggests a complex and extensive scope of work. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but requires careful monitoring of scope creep. 4. Awarded by the Department of the Army, indicating potential for similar infrastructure needs in other military installations. 5. The project's success hinges on effective project management and adherence to construction timelines. 6. Geographic focus in Oklahoma may point to specific regional infrastructure challenges.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11.97 million for water and sewer line construction and related structures appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of this scale and duration. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for infrastructure upgrades at educational facilities would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to cap costs, but the long duration could introduce risks if not managed tightly. Without specific cost breakdowns or comparisons to private sector projects of equivalent complexity, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing. The presence of 3 bidders, as indicated, suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific project. A higher number of bidders typically correlates with more competitive pricing, but the nature of specialized construction projects can limit the pool of qualified firms.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces, ensuring that federal dollars are used efficiently for infrastructure projects.

Public Impact

Students and staff at the ADA-compliant school will benefit from improved and safer infrastructure. The project delivers essential upgrades to water and sewer systems, enhancing public health and environmental safety. Geographic impact is concentrated in Oklahoma, addressing specific infrastructure needs within that state. The construction work will likely create temporary employment opportunities for skilled trades and laborers in the local area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long project duration (1228 days) increases the risk of cost overruns due to inflation or unforeseen site conditions.
Firm fixed-price contracts can be challenging to manage if the scope of work changes significantly.
Reliance on a single contractor for an extended period may limit flexibility in adapting to evolving requirements.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty if scope is well-defined.
Project addresses critical infrastructure needs, indicating a focus on essential services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically focusing on utility infrastructure. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction) represents a segment of the broader construction market. Federal spending in this area is often driven by the need to maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure, particularly at government facilities like military bases and schools. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other federal contracts for similar utility construction projects at educational or government-owned sites.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor, Harper Construction Company, Inc., will likely perform the majority of the work. The absence of small business set-asides means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific project are limited, potentially impacting the small business ecosystem in the immediate vicinity unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Department of the Army. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and compliance checks are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise during the contract's lifecycle.

Related Government Programs

Military Base Infrastructure Modernization
Federal School Construction and Renovation
Department of Defense Facilities Maintenance
Water and Sewer System Upgrades (Federal)

Risk Flags

Long contract duration increases risk of cost escalation.
Potential for scope creep in extended projects.
Firm fixed-price contracts can strain contractor margins if unforeseen issues arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.0 million to HARPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.. SILL 0656720 FY07 RESTATION ADA SCHOOL PRIMARY INFRASTRUCTURE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HARPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, 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 $12.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-06-20. End: 2010-10-30.

What is Harper Construction Company, Inc.'s track record with similar federal infrastructure projects?

Harper Construction Company, Inc. has a history of performing federal construction contracts, including those involving infrastructure. A review of their past performance on projects of similar size and scope, particularly those involving water and sewer systems or educational facilities, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Examining past contract awards, completion records, and any reported performance issues or accolades would provide insight into their capabilities and reliability. Their experience with firm fixed-price contracts and long-duration projects is also a key factor in evaluating their suitability for this specific award.

How does the $11.97 million award compare to the average cost of similar federal infrastructure projects?

Benchmarking the $11.97 million award requires comparing it to similar federal contracts for water and sewer line construction and related structures, particularly those awarded for educational facilities or military installations. Factors such as project scope, geographic location, specific site conditions, and the duration of the contract (1228 days) significantly influence costs. Without access to a detailed cost breakdown or a database of comparable projects with similar specifications, it is difficult to definitively state whether this award represents excellent, fair, or questionable value. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests an effort to contain costs within the awarded amount.

What are the primary risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for a project spanning over three years?

The primary risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for a project spanning over three years (1228 days) include potential cost overruns for the contractor if material prices escalate significantly or unforeseen site conditions arise, leading to change orders that could increase the total cost to the government. For the government, the risk lies in the contractor potentially cutting corners on quality to maintain profitability if costs increase unexpectedly. Scope creep is another significant risk; any expansion of the project's requirements beyond the initial agreement could lead to disputes and increased costs. Effective contract management and clear initial scope definition are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What is the expected impact of this infrastructure upgrade on the school's operational efficiency and student well-being?

The infrastructure upgrade, particularly focusing on ADA compliance and primary systems like water and sewer, is expected to significantly improve the school's operational efficiency and student well-being. Reliable water and sewer systems are fundamental for daily operations, preventing disruptions and ensuring sanitary conditions. ADA compliance ensures accessibility for all students and staff, fostering an inclusive environment and preventing potential safety hazards. Improved infrastructure can also lead to reduced maintenance costs in the long run and contribute to a more comfortable and conducive learning environment, positively impacting student focus and overall well-being.

How has federal spending in the 'Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction' category evolved in recent fiscal years?

Federal spending in the 'Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction' category (NAICS 237110) has generally seen consistent investment, driven by the ongoing need to maintain and upgrade aging public infrastructure across various federal agencies. While specific year-over-year fluctuations can occur due to budget allocations, major infrastructure initiatives, or emergency repairs, the overall trend reflects a sustained commitment. Factors such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act may influence future spending patterns, potentially increasing demand and contract values in this sector. Analyzing historical data from sources like the USASpending.gov database would reveal precise trends and spending levels.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Utility System Construction › Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT NONBUILDING FACILITIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W912BV07R2008

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2241 KETTNER BLVD STE 300, SAN DIEGO, CA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,969,849

Exercised Options: $11,969,849

Current Obligation: $11,969,849

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline