DoD Spends $22.2M on Afghan Army Barracks Construction Amidst Undisclosed Foreign Awardees
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,179,339 ($22.2M)
Contractor: Foreign Awardees (undisclosed)
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2012-01-06
End Date: 2015-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,180 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: CONSTRUCTION OF INFANTRY KANDAK FOR AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY, MOQUR, GHAZNI PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $22.2 million to FOREIGN AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: CONSTRUCTION OF INFANTRY KANDAK FOR AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY, MOQUR, GHAZNI PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN Key points: 1. Significant investment in infrastructure for Afghan National Army training. 2. Competition method is 'Full and Open', but awardees are undisclosed foreign entities. 3. Contract duration of nearly 4 years suggests complex project scope. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award of $22.2 million for a single barracks construction project appears high, especially considering the location and potential logistical challenges. Benchmarking is difficult due to undisclosed foreign awardees and lack of specific project details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
While advertised as 'Full and Open Competition', the fact that awardees are undisclosed foreign entities raises questions about the transparency and true reach of the competition. This lack of transparency hinders a clear assessment of price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used for a project in a high-risk environment with unclear benefits and awardee accountability, suggesting potential for inefficient spending.
Public Impact
Funds allocated for building infrastructure in a foreign conflict zone. Project aimed at supporting Afghan security forces' operational capacity. Contract awarded to foreign entities, raising questions about oversight and local economic impact. Long contract duration indicates a substantial and potentially complex construction undertaking.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Undisclosed foreign awardees
- High cost for a single facility
- Project located in a conflict zone
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract
- Full and Open Competition advertised
Sector Analysis
Construction spending in overseas contingency operations can be significantly higher due to logistical complexities, security costs, and unique environmental factors. Benchmarking against domestic projects is not directly applicable.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to undisclosed foreign entities, indicating no direct benefit or opportunity for U.S. small businesses in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight of construction projects in Afghanistan is challenging due to the security situation and the involvement of foreign contractors. The undisclosed nature of the awardees further complicates accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of transparency in awardee identification
- High cost per unit/facility
- Project location in a high-risk operational environment
- Potential for cost overruns due to unforeseen circumstances
- Limited visibility into contractor performance and quality control
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-defense, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $22.2 million to FOREIGN AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED). CONSTRUCTION OF INFANTRY KANDAK FOR AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY, MOQUR, GHAZNI PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FOREIGN AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED).
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $22.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-01-06. End: 2015-03-31.
What specific factors contributed to the $22.2 million cost for constructing a single infantry barracks, and how do these compare to similar projects in comparable environments?
The high cost is likely influenced by factors such as remote location, transportation of materials, security requirements for personnel and equipment, specialized labor costs in a conflict zone, and potentially higher profit margins for foreign contractors operating in such environments. Detailed cost breakdowns are needed for a precise comparison.
What are the risks associated with awarding contracts to undisclosed foreign entities for critical infrastructure projects in a volatile region like Afghanistan?
Risks include lack of transparency in bidding and execution, potential for corruption or fraud, difficulties in enforcing contract terms and quality standards, challenges in oversight and accountability, and the possibility of funds being diverted or misused. The undisclosed nature exacerbates these risks.
How effectively did this construction project contribute to the long-term operational readiness and sustainability of the Afghan National Army's infantry kandak?
The effectiveness hinges on the quality of construction, adherence to specifications, and the actual utilization of the facility by the ANA. Without post-construction assessments and evidence of sustained operational use, it's difficult to gauge the long-term effectiveness and return on investment.
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: W912DS12R0001
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1800 F ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20405
Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,036,339
Exercised Options: $22,179,339
Current Obligation: $22,179,339
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-01-06
Current End Date: 2015-03-31
Potential End Date: 2015-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-08-20
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