Department of the Army awards $14.56M contract for C-RAMP repair, with Brice Pacific LLC as the sole provider

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,558,800 ($14.6M)

Contractor: Brice Pacific LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-30

End Date: 2026-06-25

Contract Duration: 268 days

Daily Burn Rate: $54.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: REPAIR C-RAMP (PKG NO.3) MCCHORD (CE0974)

Place of Performance

Location: TACOMA, PIERCE County, WASHINGTON, 98433

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $14.6 million to BRICE PACIFIC LLC for work described as: REPAIR C-RAMP (PKG NO.3) MCCHORD (CE0974) Key points: 1. The contract's value of $14.56 million for C-RAMP repair suggests a significant investment in critical infrastructure maintenance. 2. The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny regarding the justification for limited competition and potential price impacts. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but the absence of competition may limit opportunities for cost savings. 4. The duration of the contract (268 days) indicates a focused scope of work for the C-RAMP repair project. 5. The geographic location in Washington (McChord) suggests a focus on regional infrastructure needs within the Department of Defense. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags indicates this contract was not specifically targeted to boost small business participation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $14.56 million contract is challenging without comparable sole-source repair contracts for C-RAMP systems. The fixed-price nature provides some cost certainty, but the lack of competition means there's no direct market comparison to assess if the pricing is optimal. Further analysis would require understanding the specific repair scope and the unique capabilities required, which may justify the sole-source award and associated cost.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one contractor, Brice Pacific LLC, was solicited. The justification for this limited competition is not provided in the data, but it typically implies that only one source possesses the necessary qualifications, proprietary data, or urgency to meet the requirement. This significantly limits price discovery and may lead to higher costs compared to a fully competed contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the lack of competitive bidding. Without multiple offers, there is less pressure on the contractor to offer the most competitive price, potentially leading to less efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its operational readiness, ensuring critical C-RAMP systems are functional. The services delivered include the repair and maintenance of C-RAMP (Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar) systems. The geographic impact is localized to McChord, Washington, indicating a focus on infrastructure at that specific installation. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for skilled technicians and support staff employed by Brice Pacific LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpricing and reduced value for taxpayer money.
The sole-source justification needs to be thoroughly reviewed to ensure it is valid and not a barrier to future competition.
Limited transparency into the pricing structure due to the absence of multiple bids.
Potential for contractor lock-in if specialized knowledge or parts are involved, making future competition difficult.

Positive Signals

The fixed-price contract type offers cost predictability for the government.
The award to Brice Pacific LLC suggests they possess the necessary expertise for this specific repair.
The contract duration is defined, providing a clear timeline for the repair work.

Sector Analysis

The construction and engineering sector, particularly heavy and civil engineering, is vital for maintaining critical infrastructure. This contract falls under the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' NAICS code (237990). The market for specialized repair services like C-RAMP systems can be niche, sometimes leading to sole-source awards if only a few entities possess the required technical capabilities or certifications. Comparable spending benchmarks for such specialized repairs are difficult to ascertain without more specific project details.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. The award to Brice Pacific LLC, a single entity, suggests that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may be limited unless Brice Pacific LLC voluntarily engages them. The absence of a set-aside means that the primary contract was not specifically structured to promote small business participation, potentially impacting the small business ecosystem in this specific procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract terms, requiring Brice Pacific LLC to complete the repairs to specification. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature, but contract award data is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Infrastructure Maintenance
Army Corps of Engineers Construction Contracts
Critical Infrastructure Repair Programs
Defense Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Support

Risk Flags

Sole-source award without clear justification
Potential for lack of price competition leading to higher costs
Limited transparency into contractor's pricing structure
Need for robust oversight to ensure value and performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $14.6 million to BRICE PACIFIC LLC. REPAIR C-RAMP (PKG NO.3) MCCHORD (CE0974)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRICE PACIFIC 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 $14.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2026-06-25.

What is the specific nature of the C-RAMP system repairs required under this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific nature of the C-RAMP system repairs. C-RAMP typically refers to Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar systems, which are critical defensive assets. Repairs could range from routine maintenance and component replacements to more extensive overhauls or upgrades. Understanding the exact scope of work is crucial for assessing the necessity of a sole-source award and the reasonableness of the $14.56 million price tag. Without this information, it's difficult to benchmark the value effectively against industry standards or past performance.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for this sole-source award is not provided in the available data. Typically, sole-source contracts are justified when only one responsible source is available or capable of meeting the government's needs. This could be due to proprietary technology, unique expertise, urgent and compelling circumstances, or a lack of adequate competition. For a contract valued at $14.56 million, a detailed justification, often requiring approval from higher authorities, would normally be documented. Without this documentation, it is difficult to ascertain if the sole-source award is appropriate and serves the best interests of the government.

How does the $14.56 million contract value compare to similar C-RAMP repair contracts or construction projects?

Direct comparison of the $14.56 million contract value is difficult without more specific data on comparable C-RAMP repair contracts or similar heavy/civil engineering construction projects. The value suggests a substantial scope of work. However, the sole-source nature of this award means there isn't a competitive benchmark to assess if this price represents good value for money. Factors influencing cost include the complexity of the repairs, the specific components involved, labor rates, material costs, and any required specialized equipment or certifications. A thorough value analysis would require access to detailed cost breakdowns and historical data on similar sole-source or competitively bid projects.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for critical defense infrastructure repair?

Sole-source awards for critical defense infrastructure like C-RAMP systems carry several potential risks. Firstly, the absence of competition can lead to inflated prices, meaning taxpayers may pay more than necessary. Secondly, it reduces the government's leverage in negotiating terms and conditions. Thirdly, it can stifle innovation and market development, as potential competitors are excluded from participating and gaining experience. Finally, it raises concerns about whether the chosen contractor is truly the best option available or simply the only one solicited, potentially impacting the quality or timeliness of the repairs if oversight is not rigorous.

What is Brice Pacific LLC's track record with Department of Defense contracts, particularly in construction and repair?

Information regarding Brice Pacific LLC's specific track record with Department of Defense contracts, especially concerning C-RAMP systems or similar heavy/civil engineering construction and repair, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous government projects. Understanding their experience, past performance ratings, and any history of cost overruns or delays would be crucial in evaluating the risk associated with this sole-source award.

What are the implications of the fixed-price contract type for managing costs on this repair project?

The use of a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type for this $14.56 million repair project is generally favorable for cost management from the government's perspective. Under an FFP contract, the contractor assumes most of the risk for cost overruns. This incentivizes Brice Pacific LLC to perform the work efficiently and within budget to maximize their profit. However, the effectiveness of FFP in controlling costs is significantly diminished when the contract is sole-source, as the initial price is not validated through competition. While the government is protected from cost increases beyond the agreed price, the initial price itself might be higher than in a competitive scenario.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: W912DW25RA033

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3700 CENTERPOINT DR STE 8154, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,558,800

Exercised Options: $14,558,800

Current Obligation: $14,558,800

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline