DoD's $36M Forward Operating Base Construction in Afghanistan: Full & Open Competition, Firm Fixed Price

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,096,637 ($36.1M)

Contractor: Domestic Awardees (undisclosed)

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-04-29

End Date: 2012-07-18

Contract Duration: 446 days

Daily Burn Rate: $80.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: PACKAGE M8,FORWARD OPERATING BASE, SHINDAND, AFGHANISTAN

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $36.1 million to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: PACKAGE M8,FORWARD OPERATING BASE, SHINDAND, AFGHANISTAN Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical infrastructure for military operations. 2. Full and open competition suggests potential for competitive pricing. 3. Firm fixed price contract aims to control costs and manage risk. 4. Construction sector spending benchmark for similar overseas projects. 5. Potential for cost overruns due to complex logistical challenges.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $36.1 million for a forward operating base is substantial. Benchmarking against similar overseas construction projects would be necessary for a precise assessment, but the firm fixed price structure provides a degree of cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad solicitation process. This method is generally expected to foster price discovery and potentially lead to more competitive pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition and a firm fixed price contract aims to maximize taxpayer value by ensuring competitive bidding and cost control for this significant infrastructure project.

Public Impact

Supports military operations and troop presence in Afghanistan. Contributes to the construction sector and employment. Potential for long-term infrastructure development in a challenging environment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Geopolitical instability in Afghanistan.
  • Logistical challenges of delivering materials and personnel.
  • Potential for scope creep or unforeseen site conditions.

Positive Signals

  • Firm fixed price contract limits cost escalation.
  • Full and open competition promotes competitive pricing.
  • Clear contract duration and delivery timeline.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically for infrastructure development in a contingency environment. Overseas construction projects often carry higher costs due to logistics, security, and specialized labor requirements compared to domestic projects.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that the awardees were undisclosed domestic entities and that small business participation was not a stated factor (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army awarded this contract, implying oversight through its contracting and program management functions. The firm fixed price nature of the contract provides a clear basis for performance monitoring and accountability.

Related Government Programs

  • Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Geopolitical instability
  • Logistical complexity
  • Security risks
  • Potential for cost overruns due to unforeseen circumstances

Tags

highway-street-and-bridge-construction, department-of-defense, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $36.1 million to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED). PACKAGE M8,FORWARD OPERATING BASE, SHINDAND, AFGHANISTAN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DOMESTIC 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 $36.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-04-29. End: 2012-07-18.

What was the specific scope of work for the forward operating base construction?

The scope of work likely included the design, procurement, and construction of essential facilities and infrastructure for a forward operating base. This could encompass barracks, command centers, security perimeters, utilities, roads, and other critical support elements necessary for military operations in the Shindand, Afghanistan area.

What were the primary risks associated with this overseas construction project?

Key risks included the volatile security environment in Afghanistan, which could impact personnel safety and project timelines. Logistical challenges in transporting materials and equipment to a remote location, potential for corruption, and unforeseen geological or environmental conditions at the construction site were also significant risks.

How effectively did the firm fixed price contract manage cost overruns given the project's location?

The firm fixed price contract provided a strong mechanism for cost control by shifting most of the financial risk to the contractor. However, effectiveness in managing overruns would depend on the contractor's ability to anticipate and mitigate risks inherent in the Afghan operating environment and the government's oversight of contract modifications.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ConstructionHighway, Street, and Bridge ConstructionHighway, Street, and Bridge Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W912ER11R0039

Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1800 F ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20405

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,096,637

Exercised Options: $36,096,637

Current Obligation: $36,096,637

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2011-04-29

Current End Date: 2012-07-18

Potential End Date: 2012-07-18 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2021-08-21

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