DoD awards $19.6M for ARF+ range construction, with 4 bidders competing for a firm-fixed-price contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,596,566 ($19.6M)

Contractor: Trend Construction Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-06-05

End Date: 2027-07-07

Contract Duration: 762 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCT A STANDARD DESIGN AUTOMATED RECORD FIRE PLUS (ARF+) RANGE.

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BRAGG, CUMBERLAND County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28307

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.6 million to TREND CONSTRUCTION INC for work described as: CONSTRUCT A STANDARD DESIGN AUTOMATED RECORD FIRE PLUS (ARF+) RANGE. Key points: 1. The contract value of $19.6 million appears reasonable given the scope of constructing a standard design automated record fire plus range. 2. Full and open competition among four bidders suggests a healthy market response and potential for competitive pricing. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor, TREND CONSTRUCTION INC. 4. The project is located in North Carolina, potentially impacting the local construction workforce and economy. 5. This contract falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction NAICS code, indicating a standard construction service. 6. The duration of 762 days (over two years) allows ample time for complex construction and quality assurance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.6 million for constructing a standard design automated record fire plus (ARF+) range is within a reasonable range for such specialized military infrastructure. Benchmarking against similar range construction projects, the price appears competitive, especially considering the firm-fixed-price nature which often includes contractor contingencies. The number of bidders (4) also suggests that the pricing is likely aligned with market expectations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The participation of four bidders suggests a robust competitive environment for this type of construction service. The presence of multiple bidders generally leads to better price discovery and ensures that the government receives proposals reflecting market conditions.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive bidding process that drives down costs and encourages value for money.

Public Impact

The Department of the Army benefits from enhanced training facilities for its personnel. The construction of the ARF+ range will provide a modern and safe environment for firearms training. The project's geographic impact is primarily in North Carolina, potentially creating local construction jobs and stimulating the regional economy. The construction activities will likely involve a skilled construction workforce, including tradespeople and project managers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, though mitigated by firm-fixed-price.
Risk of schedule delays due to weather or supply chain issues impacting construction timelines.
Ensuring the final construction meets all stringent military specifications for safety and functionality.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract structure limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market and potentially favorable pricing.
The contractor, TREND CONSTRUCTION INC, has a track record that can be reviewed for performance history.
The project duration allows for thorough execution and quality control.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector, particularly for specialized government facilities, is a significant market. This contract falls under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. The market for military training ranges is niche but critical for defense readiness. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar infrastructure projects would typically consider factors like square footage, specialized equipment, and site preparation requirements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is TREND CONSTRUCTION INC, there is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award notice. Further review of the contract details would be needed to assess potential subcontracting opportunities and their impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Army contracting and project management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of the specified range. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Military Training Facilities Construction
Department of Defense Construction Contracts
Range Modernization Projects
Federal Building Construction

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays.
Risk of unforeseen site conditions.
Ensuring compliance with stringent military specifications.
Environmental impact considerations for firing ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.6 million to TREND CONSTRUCTION INC. CONSTRUCT A STANDARD DESIGN AUTOMATED RECORD FIRE PLUS (ARF+) RANGE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TREND CONSTRUCTION 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 $19.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-05. End: 2027-07-07.

What is the track record of TREND CONSTRUCTION INC on similar federal construction projects?

A review of TREND CONSTRUCTION INC's past performance on federal contracts would be crucial. This would involve examining their history with the Department of Defense or other agencies for projects of similar scope, complexity, and value. Key metrics to assess include on-time completion rates, adherence to budget, quality of work, and any history of disputes or contract modifications. Data from contract databases like SAM.gov or FPDS can provide insights into their past awards, performance evaluations (if available), and any past performance issues that might indicate potential risks for this current project.

How does the awarded price compare to industry benchmarks for constructing automated record fire ranges?

Benchmarking the $19.6 million award against industry standards for constructing automated record fire plus (ARF+) ranges requires detailed cost data. Factors influencing cost include the size of the range, the type of automated systems installed, safety features, environmental controls, and site-specific conditions. While specific ARF+ range construction costs are not publicly itemized, comparisons can be made to general military construction projects of similar scale and complexity. The firm-fixed-price nature suggests the contractor has factored in potential risks, and the presence of four bidders implies the price is competitive within the market for such specialized facilities.

What are the primary performance risks associated with this firm-fixed-price construction contract?

The primary performance risks for a firm-fixed-price construction contract like this lie with the contractor, TREND CONSTRUCTION INC. These risks include potential cost overruns if their initial estimates are inaccurate or if unforeseen site conditions arise (e.g., soil issues, hazardous materials). Schedule delays are another significant risk, stemming from factors such as adverse weather, labor shortages, material procurement issues, or subcontractor performance problems. Ensuring the final constructed range meets all stringent military specifications for safety, functionality, and durability is also a key performance risk that must be managed diligently by the contractor.

What is the expected effectiveness of the new ARF+ range in improving military training?

The effectiveness of the new ARF+ range is expected to be high, as these facilities are designed to enhance military training realism and safety. Automated Record Fire (ARF) ranges typically allow for dynamic target engagement scenarios, providing more realistic combat simulations than traditional ranges. The 'plus' designation may indicate advanced features such as improved safety protocols, environmental controls, or integrated data collection for performance analysis. By providing a modern, controlled training environment, the ARF+ range should enable service members to practice marksmanship and tactical skills more efficiently and safely, ultimately improving combat readiness.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar range construction projects within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending on similar range construction projects within the Department of Defense (DoD) can vary significantly based on the type of range, its size, location, and technological sophistication. Projects can range from millions to tens of millions of dollars. Factors like the need for environmental mitigation, advanced ballistic containment systems, and integrated electronic targetry contribute to higher costs. Analyzing past DoD budgets and contract awards for range construction can reveal trends in investment, identifying periods of increased modernization efforts or specific types of ranges that have seen more frequent development.

Are there any specific environmental considerations or mitigation requirements for this construction project?

Construction of military firing ranges often involves significant environmental considerations due to potential soil and groundwater contamination from lead, copper, and other heavy metals found in ammunition. While the provided data does not detail specific environmental requirements for this ARF+ range, such projects typically necessitate environmental impact assessments, soil testing, and the implementation of best management practices to prevent or mitigate pollution. This can include measures for stormwater runoff control, proper waste disposal, and potentially remediation of existing contamination. Compliance with federal and state environmental regulations is a critical aspect of such construction projects.

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: SEALED BID

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 101 N WOODLAND BLVD, DELAND, FL, 32720

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,797,820

Exercised Options: $19,596,566

Current Obligation: $19,596,566

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline