DoD's $36.1M Construction Contract for SOJSU Facilities Awarded to W. G. Yates & Sons

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,130,815 ($36.1M)

Contractor: W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-09-13

End Date: 2017-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,570 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 33

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF SOF JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIVERSITY

Place of Performance

Location: HURLBURT FIELD, OKALOOSA County, FLORIDA, 32544

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $36.1 million to W. G. YATES & SONS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF SOF JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIVERSITY Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract value of $36.1 million represents a significant investment in specialized educational facilities. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability for the government. 4. The duration of 1570 days indicates a substantial construction project with a long-term scope. 5. The project is located in Florida, potentially impacting the local construction workforce and economy. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, indicating the primary competition was not specifically targeted towards small businesses.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $36.1 million for the construction of specialized educational facilities appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Without specific benchmarks for similar joint special operations university construction, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests an effort to manage costs effectively. The number of bids received (33) indicates a healthy level of interest, which typically leads to more competitive pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. A total of 33 bids were received, indicating a robust competitive environment for this construction project. The high number of bidders suggests that the market for this type of specialized construction is active and that the government likely received a range of pricing options.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down prices and ensured the government secured the best value for its investment in these critical facilities.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Special Operations Forces personnel who will receive training and education at the new facilities. The contract delivers essential infrastructure for advanced training and educational programs. The geographic impact is concentrated in Florida, where the construction will take place. The project will likely create jobs for construction workers and related trades in the local Florida economy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen construction challenges arise, despite the fixed-price nature.
Delays in construction could impact the operational readiness and training schedules of Special Operations Forces.
Ensuring the specialized nature of the facility meets the unique requirements of SOF training is critical.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
High number of bidders (33) suggests strong competition and potential for value.
Awarded by the Department of the Army, indicating a significant defense-related need.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector is a significant part of the federal contracting landscape, with substantial spending on infrastructure, facilities, and specialized buildings. This contract falls within the broader category of commercial and institutional building construction. Federal spending in this sector often involves large-scale projects requiring specialized expertise, similar to the requirements for a Joint Special Operations University. Benchmarking against similar large-scale educational or specialized facility construction projects would provide further context on value.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements specifically for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary competition was open to all responsible contractors, and the award was made based on the best overall value proposition. The absence of small business participation targets means the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific contract is likely limited.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant Department of the Army contracting command. The firm fixed-price nature provides a degree of accountability for cost control. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected during the contract's performance or award.

Related Government Programs

Military Construction
Special Operations Forces Training Facilities
Department of Defense Educational Infrastructure
Federal Building Construction

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays due to project complexity.
Risk of cost increases if unforeseen site conditions arise.
Ensuring specialized facility requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $36.1 million to W. G. YATES & SONS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. IGF::OT::IGF SOF JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIVERSITY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is W. G. YATES & SONS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.

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: 2013-09-13. End: 2017-12-31.

What is the track record of W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Company with federal contracts, particularly in defense or specialized construction?

W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Company has a history of federal contracting, primarily with the Department of Defense. Their experience often includes large-scale construction projects, such as barracks, training facilities, and infrastructure development. While specific details on their performance for this particular contract (236220) are not provided in the summary data, their engagement in similar projects suggests a capacity to handle complex government construction requirements. A deeper dive into their contract history would reveal their on-time and on-budget performance rates, any past performance issues, and their specialization in areas relevant to the SOJSU's needs.

How does the per-square-foot cost of this facility compare to similar government-funded educational or training facilities?

Determining the exact per-square-foot cost requires knowing the total square footage of the constructed facility, which is not provided in the summary data. However, the total contract value of $36.1 million for a project spanning 1570 days suggests a substantial investment. To benchmark this, one would need to compare it to the average cost per square foot for similar specialized training facilities or educational institutions built for government entities, considering factors like location, specialized equipment integration, and security requirements. Without the square footage, a precise comparison is not feasible, but the overall value suggests a significant undertaking.

What are the primary risks associated with constructing specialized facilities for the Joint Special Operations University?

Key risks include the highly specialized nature of the facility, which may require unique architectural, engineering, and technological integrations tailored to the specific training needs of Special Operations Forces. This can lead to scope creep if requirements evolve or are not precisely defined upfront. Construction delays are another significant risk, potentially impacting training schedules and operational readiness. Furthermore, ensuring the security and resilience of the facility during and after construction is paramount. The firm fixed-price contract mitigates some financial risk for the government, but contractor performance and unforeseen site conditions remain potential challenges.

How effective has the Department of the Army been in managing large-scale construction contracts awarded through full and open competition?

The Department of the Army manages a vast portfolio of construction contracts, many of which are awarded through full and open competition. Historically, the effectiveness has varied. While full and open competition is designed to foster competitive pricing and identify capable contractors, the success of these contracts hinges on robust acquisition planning, clear statement of work, effective oversight, and diligent contract administration. Challenges can include contractor performance issues, cost growth on complex projects, and schedule delays. The Army employs various mechanisms, including performance metrics and oversight bodies, to enhance effectiveness, but large-scale projects inherently carry risks that require vigilant management.

What has been the historical spending trend for construction of specialized military training facilities over the past five years?

Historical spending on specialized military training facilities has generally been robust, driven by evolving geopolitical landscapes and the need for advanced training capabilities. While specific figures for 'Joint Special Operations University' type facilities are not readily available as a distinct category, overall military construction (MILCON) budgets allocated by the Department of Defense have seen significant investment. Trends indicate a focus on modernizing infrastructure, incorporating advanced technologies, and enhancing readiness. Spending in this area is often influenced by national security priorities and congressional appropriations, suggesting a consistent, albeit fluctuating, demand for such specialized construction projects.

What is the significance of the 1570-day duration for this construction contract?

A duration of 1570 days, approximately 4.3 years, signifies a large-scale and complex construction project. This extended timeline suggests that the scope of work involves substantial building, potentially including multiple structures, intricate systems integration, specialized finishes, and extensive site work. Such durations are typical for major infrastructure or specialized facility development where detailed planning, phased construction, and rigorous quality control are essential. It also implies a significant commitment of resources and a long-term impact on the local environment and workforce.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W9127811R0019

Offers Received: 33

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE Yates Companies Inc (UEI: 017041232)

Address: ONE GULLY AVE, PHILADELPHIA, MS, 39350

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,130,815

Exercised Options: $36,130,815

Current Obligation: $36,130,815

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W9127812D0040

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline