Edwards AFB Hangar Restoration Project Awarded to Harper Construction for $72.7M Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $72,665,065 ($72.7M)

Contractor: Harper Construction Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-05-11

End Date: 2019-12-05

Contract Duration: 938 days

Daily Burn Rate: $77.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TWO PHASE DESIGN BUILD FOR COMBINED TEST FORCE COMPOUND AT EDWARDS AFB, CA THIS PROJECT WILL RESTORE 4 MAINTENANCE HANGARS, ASSOCIATED OUT-BUILDINGS, TAXI/PARKING RAMPS AND CONSTRUCT AIRCRAFT SHADE CANOPIES TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENTAL TEST AND OPERATIONAL TEST UTILIZING ECONOMICAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS TO ACCOMMODATE THE MISSION.

Place of Performance

Location: EDWARDS, KERN County, CALIFORNIA, 93523

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $72.7 million to HARPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TWO PHASE DESIGN BUILD FOR COMBINED TEST FORCE COMPOUND AT EDWARDS AFB, CA THIS PROJECT WILL RESTORE 4 MAINTENANCE HANGARS, ASSOCIATED OUT-BUILDINGS, TAXI/PARKING RAMPS AND CONSTRUCT AIRCRAFT SHADE CANOPIES TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENTAL TEST AND OPERATIONAL TEST UTILIZING… Key points: 1. The project aims to restore four maintenance hangars and associated infrastructure at Edwards AFB, supporting critical test and development missions. 2. Harper Construction Company, Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract suggests a defined scope and cost, with potential risks related to unforeseen construction challenges. 4. Spending in the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector can vary significantly based on project complexity and location.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $72.7 million for a two-phase design-build project involving hangar restoration and construction appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale military construction projects would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple bidders had the opportunity to compete. This method is generally expected to yield competitive pricing and ensure the best value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process is intended to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing a fair price for the required construction services.

Public Impact

Enhances critical infrastructure for military testing and development at Edwards AFB. Supports operational readiness by providing updated and functional maintenance facilities. The project's success relies on effective project management and adherence to construction timelines. Potential for job creation within the construction sector in California.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise during construction.
Schedule delays could impact operational testing timelines.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations during construction.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, promoting price discovery.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Project addresses essential military infrastructure needs.

Sector Analysis

This project falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, which is characterized by large-scale infrastructure development for government and private entities. Spending in this sector is often driven by defense needs and modernization efforts.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense and Department of the Army are responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for large construction projects, including site inspections and progress reporting, would be in place.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to unforeseen site conditions.
Risk of schedule delays impacting critical testing operations.
Complexity of managing a two-phase design-build contract.
Ensuring adequate quality control throughout the construction process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $72.7 million to HARPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF TWO PHASE DESIGN BUILD FOR COMBINED TEST FORCE COMPOUND AT EDWARDS AFB, CA THIS PROJECT WILL RESTORE 4 MAINTENANCE HANGARS, ASSOCIATED OUT-BUILDINGS, TAXI/PARKING RAMPS AND CONSTRUCT AIRCRAFT SHADE CANOPIES TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENTAL TEST AND OPERATIONAL TEST UTILIZING ECONOMICAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS TO ACCOMMODATE THE MISSION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HARPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, 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 $72.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-05-11. End: 2019-12-05.

What is the estimated cost per square foot for the hangar restoration and construction, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks for similar military facilities?

The total contract value is $72.7 million. Without specific square footage details for the restoration and new construction, a precise per-square-foot cost cannot be calculated. However, for large-scale military hangar construction and renovation, costs can range significantly, often between $300-$800+ per square foot depending on specialized requirements, materials, and location. A detailed breakdown of the project's scope and dimensions is needed for an accurate benchmark comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with a two-phase design-build contract for a project of this magnitude, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks include potential scope creep during the design phase, unforeseen site conditions impacting construction costs and schedule, and coordination challenges between design and build teams. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract language, detailed site investigations prior to design, contingency planning for unexpected issues, and strong government oversight to manage changes and ensure adherence to the original objectives and budget.

How effectively does this project contribute to the overall mission readiness and operational capabilities of the Combined Test Force at Edwards AFB?

By restoring and upgrading four maintenance hangars and associated infrastructure, the project directly enhances the operational capabilities of the Combined Test Force. Improved facilities ensure that aircraft and testing equipment can be maintained and supported efficiently, which is crucial for mission readiness. The project's success in delivering modern, functional spaces will directly translate to improved testing efficiency and support for developmental and operational test activities.

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: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: W912PL16R0028

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2241 KETTNER BLVD STE 300, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92101

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $75,748,281

Exercised Options: $72,665,065

Current Obligation: $72,665,065

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 716

Total Subaward Amount: $7,530,961,786

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline