Fort Bragg Barracks Construction Contract Awarded to Archer Western Contractors for $45.1M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,138,243 ($45.1M)

Contractor: Archer Western Contractors, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-07-21

End Date: 2010-03-23

Contract Duration: 610 days

Daily Burn Rate: $74.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: BARRACKS FACILITIES AT FORT BRAGG, NC

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BRAGG, CUMBERLAND County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28310

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $45.1 million to ARCHER WESTERN CONTRACTORS, LLC for work described as: BARRACKS FACILITIES AT FORT BRAGG, NC Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in military infrastructure. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type may offer cost certainty but could limit flexibility. 4. Project duration of 610 days indicates a substantial construction timeline. 5. Location in North Carolina places the project within a region with active military installations. 6. The contract falls under the broad category of commercial and institutional building construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $45.1 million for barracks facilities at Fort Bragg appears to be within a reasonable range for large-scale construction projects of this nature. Benchmarking against similar military barracks construction projects would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. The firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to control costs, but the final cost is dependent on the initial bid and any change orders.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 4 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this project. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing, while fewer bidders might suggest less price pressure or a more specialized market.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and encourage efficiency among contractors.

Public Impact

Service members at Fort Bragg will benefit from improved living quarters. The project delivers essential construction services to support military readiness. The geographic impact is concentrated at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The construction activities will likely involve a significant local workforce, including tradespeople and support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if initial estimates were inaccurate under the fixed-price contract.
Delays in construction could impact soldier readiness and housing availability.
Quality control during construction is crucial to ensure long-term durability of barracks.

Positive Signals

Investment in modern barracks can improve soldier morale and retention.
Completion of the project will enhance the infrastructure supporting military operations at Fort Bragg.
The use of full and open competition can lead to better value for taxpayer dollars.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically commercial and institutional building construction. The market for military construction is substantial, driven by the need to maintain and upgrade facilities across numerous bases. Spending in this area is often influenced by defense budgets, geopolitical events, and the lifecycle of existing infrastructure. Comparable projects include the construction of other barracks, training facilities, and administrative buildings on military installations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor, Archer Western Contractors, LLC, is likely a large business. The absence of small business set-aside provisions means that opportunities for small businesses in this specific contract are limited to potential subcontracting roles, if any are offered by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Department of the Army contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and relevant Army Corps of Engineers districts. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which places the risk of cost overruns on the contractor. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific project oversight details may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Military Construction, Army
Barracks and Dormitory Construction
Fort Bragg Infrastructure Projects
Department of Defense Facilities Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays
Risk of cost overruns (though mitigated by FFP)
Quality control during construction
Adequacy of competition level

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $45.1 million to ARCHER WESTERN CONTRACTORS, LLC. BARRACKS FACILITIES AT FORT BRAGG, NC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ARCHER WESTERN CONTRACTORS, 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 $45.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-07-21. End: 2010-03-23.

What is the track record of Archer Western Contractors, LLC with the Department of Defense?

Archer Western Contractors, LLC has a history of securing contracts with the Department of Defense, primarily in construction services. Analyzing their past performance on similar projects, such as barracks or other military facility construction, would provide insight into their reliability, quality of work, and adherence to schedules and budgets. Reviewing contract award data and any associated performance evaluations or disputes would offer a comprehensive understanding of their track record. Their experience with firm fixed-price contracts and large-scale projects is particularly relevant for assessing their suitability for this barracks construction.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or budget for this project?

The provided data indicates an awarded amount of $45,138,243. Without access to the original estimated cost or budget set by the Department of the Army, a direct comparison is not possible. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition with 4 bidders suggests that the bids received were likely competitive. If the awarded amount was significantly lower than the independent government cost estimate, it would indicate strong value. Conversely, if it was close to or exceeded the estimate, further scrutiny of the bidding process and the estimate itself would be warranted.

What are the key risk indicators associated with this firm fixed-price contract for barracks construction?

A primary risk indicator for a firm fixed-price contract is the potential for the contractor to cut corners on quality or materials to maintain profitability if their initial bid was too low or costs escalate unexpectedly. For barracks construction, risks include unforeseen site conditions (e.g., soil issues, underground utilities), weather delays impacting the 610-day schedule, and labor availability or cost fluctuations. The contractor's experience with large-scale, multi-year construction projects and their financial stability are also critical risk factors. The government's risk is primarily related to ensuring the final product meets all specifications and quality standards.

How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring value for money for military construction projects like this?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in government contracting. By allowing all responsible sources to bid, it maximizes the pool of potential contractors, thereby increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing. The presence of 4 bidders in this case suggests a reasonable level of competition. However, the effectiveness also depends on the clarity of the solicitation documents, the evaluation criteria, and the government's ability to accurately estimate costs and assess proposals. For military construction, ensuring that the lowest price technically acceptable bid still meets stringent quality and performance requirements is crucial.

What is the historical spending pattern for barracks construction at Fort Bragg or within the Department of the Army?

Historical spending on barracks construction at Fort Bragg and across the Department of the Army is typically substantial, reflecting the ongoing need to house and support a large military force. Spending patterns are influenced by military force size, deployment cycles, aging infrastructure requiring replacement, and modernization initiatives. Analyzing past contracts for similar projects at Fort Bragg would reveal average contract values, durations, and the types of contractors frequently awarded work. This context helps determine if the $45.1 million award is consistent with historical trends or represents an outlier.

Are there any specific performance metrics or quality standards mandated for these barracks that could impact long-term value?

While specific performance metrics are not detailed in the provided data, military construction projects typically adhere to stringent building codes, military construction standards (e.g., UFCs - Unified Facilities Criteria), and specific performance requirements outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW). These often include durability, energy efficiency, habitability standards, and resistance to environmental factors. Adherence to these standards ensures the long-term value and reduces future maintenance costs. The government's quality assurance program during construction plays a critical role in verifying that these standards are met.

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: W912HN07R0007

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Walsh Group Ltd., the (UEI: 121476675)

Address: 3715 NORTHSIDE PKWY BG 100 STE 550, ATLANTA, GA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $60,055,243

Exercised Options: $45,138,243

Current Obligation: $45,138,243

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912HN07D0051

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline