DoD's $30.2M contract for JBLM security forces assistance brigade repair awarded to WHH NISQUALLY-GARCO JV

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,229,285 ($30.2M)

Contractor: WHH Nisqually-Garco JV 2

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-09-29

End Date: 2025-02-13

Contract Duration: 1,598 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.9K/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: REPAIR SECURITY FORCES ASSISTANCE BRIGADE (SFAB), PHASE 1 AT JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD (JBLM), WASHINGTON

Place of Performance

Location: JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCHORD, PIERCE County, WASHINGTON, 98433

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.2 million to WHH NISQUALLY-GARCO JV 2 for work described as: REPAIR SECURITY FORCES ASSISTANCE BRIGADE (SFAB), PHASE 1 AT JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD (JBLM), WASHINGTON Key points: 1. The contract value of $30.2 million represents a significant investment in facility maintenance and readiness. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, this contract suggests a competitive bidding process was utilized. 3. The duration of 1598 days indicates a long-term commitment to the repair and maintenance services. 4. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 5. The project is located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a key military installation in Washington state. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 236220 points to commercial and institutional building construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $30.2 million for facility repair at a major military installation appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar construction and repair contracts for large federal facilities would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract helps mitigate cost overruns for the government, suggesting a degree of cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The 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 provided, this competition type generally fosters price discovery and encourages multiple firms to submit bids, potentially leading to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for this contract helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Army's security forces stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, who will operate in improved facilities. The contract delivers essential repair and maintenance services for critical infrastructure supporting military operations. The geographic impact is localized to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. The contract is expected to create or sustain jobs within the construction sector in the local Washington area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen structural issues arise during repairs, impacting the fixed-price nature of the contract.
Dependence on the contractor's ability to manage a long-term project effectively and meet all performance milestones.
Risk of delays due to weather or site-specific conditions at a large military installation.

Positive Signals

Awarded to a joint venture, potentially leveraging combined expertise and resources for project execution.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and limits the government's exposure to price fluctuations.
Long contract duration allows for comprehensive repairs and potential for ongoing maintenance relationship.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader construction and facilities maintenance sector, specifically for institutional and commercial buildings. The Department of Defense is a major client in this sector, with significant annual spending on infrastructure repair and upgrades at its numerous bases. Benchmarks for similar large-scale military construction projects often involve multi-million dollar values, with competition playing a key role in determining final pricing.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities if the prime contractor, WHH NISQUALLY-GARCO JV, chooses to engage them. Without specific subcontracting plans, the direct benefit to the small business ecosystem from this particular award is unclear.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant Department of the Army contracting command. Performance monitoring would likely involve site inspections, progress reports, and adherence to the firm-fixed-price schedule. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Military Base Infrastructure Modernization
Department of Defense Facilities Maintenance
Construction Services for Federal Agencies
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Operations Support

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may increase risk of cost escalation if not managed properly.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting fixed-price scope.
Contractor performance history needs thorough vetting for complex projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.2 million to WHH NISQUALLY-GARCO JV 2. REPAIR SECURITY FORCES ASSISTANCE BRIGADE (SFAB), PHASE 1 AT JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD (JBLM), WASHINGTON

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WHH NISQUALLY-GARCO JV 2.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-29. End: 2025-02-13.

What is the track record of WHH NISQUALLY-GARCO JV in executing similar large-scale construction and repair contracts for the Department of Defense?

Assessing the track record of WHH NISQUALLY-GARCO JV is crucial for understanding their capability to deliver on this $30.2 million contract. As a joint venture, its performance history would ideally be evaluated based on the combined experience of its constituent companies, as well as any prior joint projects. Information on past performance, including successful completion of similar scope and value contracts, adherence to schedules and budgets, and quality of work, would be sought from sources like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). A review of their past federal contract awards and performance reviews would indicate their reliability and expertise in managing complex military construction projects, mitigating risks associated with project delays or cost overruns.

How does the awarded price of $30.2 million compare to the estimated cost or independent government cost estimate for this project?

Comparing the awarded price of $30.2 million to the government's estimate is a key indicator of value for money. While the specific estimated cost is not provided, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition suggests that the bids received were evaluated against government expectations. If the awarded price is significantly below the estimate, it could indicate strong competition or efficient contractor bidding. Conversely, if it is close to or exceeds the estimate, further scrutiny of the estimate's accuracy and the contractor's pricing might be warranted. Without the government's baseline estimate, a definitive assessment of whether this represents an exceptional deal or a fair market price is challenging, but the competitive award process provides a degree of assurance.

What are the primary risks associated with the long duration (1598 days) of this firm-fixed-price contract, and how are they being managed?

The long duration of this firm-fixed-price contract presents several risks, primarily related to potential changes in material costs, unforeseen site conditions, and the contractor's sustained performance over several years. For a firm-fixed-price contract, the contractor assumes the risk of cost increases. However, the government must ensure robust contract administration to manage scope creep and ensure quality. Risks like material price escalation are typically mitigated by the contractor's pricing strategy and market foresight. Unforeseen conditions might necessitate contract modifications, which require careful negotiation and justification. The government's management strategy likely involves regular progress reviews, quality assurance checks, and proactive communication with the contractor to identify and address potential issues early, ensuring the project stays on track and within the agreed-upon scope and price.

What specific aspects of the 'REPAIR SECURITY FORCES ASSISTANCE BRIGADE (SFAB), PHASE 1' project make it critical for the Department of the Army's operational readiness at JBLM?

The criticality of the 'REPAIR SECURITY FORCES ASSISTANCE BRIGADE (SFAB), PHASE 1' project stems from its direct impact on the infrastructure supporting specialized military units. SFABs are designed to provide advising and assistance to partner nation security forces, a mission requiring dedicated and functional facilities. Ensuring these facilities are repaired and up-to-date is essential for the effective training, deployment readiness, and overall operational effectiveness of the SFAB personnel stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Modern, well-maintained facilities contribute to troop morale, safety, and the ability to conduct complex training scenarios, directly supporting the Army's broader strategic objectives and global engagement missions.

How does the spending on this specific contract compare to the overall historical spending by the Department of the Army on facility repair and construction at JBLM?

To assess how this $30.2 million contract fits into the broader spending picture, it's necessary to compare it against the Department of the Army's historical expenditures on facility repair and construction at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. JBLM is a large, active installation, and significant investments are typically made annually to maintain and upgrade its infrastructure. This contract represents a substantial, but likely not singular, investment. Analyzing historical data would reveal if this award is in line with typical annual budgets for such projects, or if it represents a surge in spending for a particular phase of modernization or repair. Understanding this context helps determine if the current investment level is consistent with long-term infrastructure management strategies for the base.

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: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: W912DW20B0009

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12820 YELM HWY SE STE H, OLYMPIA, WA, 98513

Business Categories: American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Government, Native American Tribal Government, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,229,285

Exercised Options: $30,229,285

Current Obligation: $30,229,285

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline