DoD's $20.8M Fort Gordon barracks contract awarded to W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Company

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,857,284 ($20.9M)

Contractor: W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-09-28

End Date: 2011-11-19

Contract Duration: 782 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: FT GORDON, GA AIT BARRACKS PN 51869

Place of Performance

Location: AUGUSTA, RICHMOND County, GEORGIA, 30905

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.9 million to W. G. YATES & SONS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY for work described as: FT GORDON, GA AIT BARRACKS PN 51869 Key points: 1. The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The firm-fixed-price contract type indicates that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns. 3. The contract duration of 782 days (approximately 2.1 years) suggests a significant construction project. 4. The award amount of $20.8 million falls within a moderate spending range for construction projects of this nature. 5. The project's focus on barracks construction implies a direct impact on military personnel housing and readiness. 6. The contract was awarded as a delivery order, potentially part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20.8 million for barracks construction appears reasonable given the project scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar military construction projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure generally aligns with market expectations for construction services, transferring cost risk to the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this project. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing, but the specific dynamics of the construction market and the specialized nature of the requirement influence the outcome.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it promotes a competitive environment that can drive down costs and ensure the best value is obtained.

Public Impact

Military personnel stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, will benefit from improved barracks facilities. The construction services delivered will enhance the living conditions and readiness of U.S. Army soldiers. The project has a direct geographic impact on Fort Gordon, Georgia. The construction activities will likely involve a workforce of skilled tradespeople and laborers in the Georgia region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, although the firm-fixed-price contract mitigates this for the government.
Dependence on the contractor's ability to manage the project timeline effectively to avoid delays.
Quality control and assurance during the construction phase are critical to ensure the barracks meet standards.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Project addresses a critical need for military housing, directly supporting personnel.
Contract awarded to an established construction company, suggesting experience in similar projects.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. The U.S. construction industry is vast, with significant government spending on infrastructure and facilities. Military construction, in particular, represents a substantial segment, driven by the need to maintain and upgrade bases. Comparable spending benchmarks for barracks construction can vary widely based on size, complexity, and location.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. The award to a single, likely larger, construction firm suggests that small businesses may not have been primary bidders or subcontractors on this specific delivery order. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were available or utilized.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Army contracting office responsible for Fort Gordon. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver the specified facilities within the agreed price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed project progress reports may not be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Military Construction, Army
Barracks and Dormitory Construction
Department of Defense Facilities Management
Army Corps of Engineers Construction Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays
Quality control during construction
Contractor performance risk
Unforeseen site conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.9 million to W. G. YATES & SONS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. FT GORDON, GA AIT BARRACKS PN 51869

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 $20.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-09-28. End: 2011-11-19.

What is the track record of W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Company with the Department of Defense?

W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Company has a history of contracting with the Department of Defense, including the Department of the Army. Analyzing their past performance on similar military construction projects, such as barracks, training facilities, or other base infrastructure, would provide insight into their reliability, quality of work, and adherence to schedules and budgets. Reviewing past contract awards, modifications, and any reported disputes or terminations can offer a comprehensive view of their track record. This specific contract for Fort Gordon barracks is one of several engagements they have likely had with the DoD, contributing to their overall performance history.

How does the awarded price compare to similar barracks construction projects at other military installations?

To assess the value for money, the $20.8 million awarded price for the Fort Gordon barracks needs to be benchmarked against comparable projects. Factors such as the number of personnel housed, square footage per soldier, amenities provided, and specific construction challenges (e.g., site conditions, material costs) at other installations are crucial for a fair comparison. If similar projects at other bases, completed around the same time, cost significantly less or more for comparable scope, it would indicate potential overpricing or underpricing, respectively. Without access to a database of comparable military barracks construction costs, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the firm-fixed-price nature suggests the government aimed for cost certainty.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific construction contract?

The primary risks associated with this construction contract include potential delays due to unforeseen site conditions, weather, or supply chain disruptions, although the firm-fixed-price contract shifts the financial burden of cost overruns to the contractor. Another risk is ensuring the quality of construction meets military standards for durability and habitability. Contractor performance issues, such as schedule slippage or quality deficiencies, could also pose a risk. Furthermore, the long duration of the project (782 days) increases the exposure to fluctuating material costs and labor availability, even with a fixed-price contract, if not managed proactively by the contractor.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in managing costs for military construction projects like this?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for managing costs in military construction projects when the scope of work is well-defined and risks are understood. It provides the government with cost certainty, as the contractor agrees to a set price for the completed work. This shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage their expenses efficiently. However, if the scope changes significantly or unforeseen issues arise that necessitate contract modifications, the total cost could increase. For a project like barracks construction, where the requirements are relatively standard, FFP is a suitable choice for cost control.

What is the historical spending trend for barracks construction at Fort Gordon or similar Army installations?

Analyzing historical spending trends for barracks construction at Fort Gordon and comparable Army installations would provide context for the $20.8 million award. This involves examining past contracts for similar facilities, noting their award dates, values, and durations. Trends might reveal whether construction costs are rising or falling, the typical number of bidders for such projects, and the average contract values. Understanding these patterns helps in assessing whether the current contract represents a typical investment, an outlier, or a response to changing needs or market conditions. Without specific historical data for Fort Gordon barracks, a broader analysis of Army barracks construction spending would be necessary.

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: W9126G08R0145

Offers Received: 3

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,857,284

Exercised Options: $20,857,284

Current Obligation: $20,857,284

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W9126G09D0018

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline