Department of the Army awards $17.2M contract for site preparation at Fort Carson, Colorado

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,206,300 ($17.2M)

Contractor: Federal Contracting Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-12-31

End Date: 2009-01-20

Contract Duration: 386 days

Daily Burn Rate: $44.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: MIL - SITEWORK & HARSTAND FORT CARSON, CO

Place of Performance

Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80913

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.2 million to FEDERAL CONTRACTING INC for work described as: MIL - SITEWORK & HARSTAND FORT CARSON, CO Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in military infrastructure. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are assessed to understand pricing efficiency. 3. Risk indicators are evaluated based on contract type and duration. 4. Performance context is considered within the broader landscape of military construction projects. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the construction and site preparation industry.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.2 million for site preparation at Fort Carson appears reasonable given the scope of work typically involved in military base infrastructure projects. Benchmarking against similar site preparation contracts for large military installations suggests that this award falls within expected cost ranges. The fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty, which is a positive indicator for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited and evaluated. The presence of open competition generally fosters a more competitive bidding environment, which can lead to more favorable pricing for the government. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the procurement method suggests a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through competitive pricing and ensures that the government receives the best value available in the market.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Army and military personnel stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, who will gain improved site infrastructure. The services delivered include essential site preparation, likely involving grading, excavation, and foundational work for future construction or improvements. The geographic impact is localized to Fort Carson, Colorado, supporting the operational readiness and expansion of this military installation. Workforce implications may include job creation for construction workers and related trades in the Colorado region during the contract performance period.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in large infrastructure projects if not managed tightly.
Reliance on fixed-price contracts can sometimes lead to quality compromises if not adequately overseen.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Clear definition of services (site preparation) limits ambiguity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader construction and engineering sector, specifically focusing on site preparation for government facilities. The market for military construction is substantial, driven by ongoing modernization and operational needs. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar site preparation projects at large military bases can vary significantly based on location, scope, and specific requirements, but this award appears aligned with typical project scales.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). While this contract was not directly set aside for small businesses, the prime contractor, FEDERAL CONTRACTING INC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors. The extent of subcontracting to small businesses will determine the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant project management office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract structure, requiring the contractor to complete the work within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific oversight details are not provided.

Related Government Programs

Military Construction Projects
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) related infrastructure
Army Corps of Engineers construction contracts
Fort Carson Installation Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract duration may be subject to weather delays.
Potential for unforeseen subsurface conditions impacting cost and schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.2 million to FEDERAL CONTRACTING INC. MIL - SITEWORK & HARSTAND FORT CARSON, CO

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FEDERAL CONTRACTING 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 $17.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-12-31. End: 2009-01-20.

What is the track record of FEDERAL CONTRACTING INC with the Department of Defense?

FEDERAL CONTRACTING INC has a history of receiving contracts from the Department of Defense. Analyzing their past performance, including the types of contracts awarded, their value, and any reported performance issues or successes, would provide crucial context for assessing their reliability on this specific site preparation project. A review of their contract history can reveal patterns in successful project completion, adherence to schedules, and overall client satisfaction within the federal contracting space.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar site preparation contracts at other military installations?

The $17.2 million award for site preparation at Fort Carson needs to be benchmarked against similar projects at other military installations to ascertain its value for money. Factors such as geographic location, labor costs, specific site conditions (e.g., soil type, terrain), and the scope of work (e.g., extent of grading, utility installation) significantly influence pricing. Without detailed comparative data on similar projects, it is challenging to definitively state if this contract represents excellent, good, or fair value. However, the full and open competition suggests an effort to achieve competitive pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with a fixed-price contract for site preparation?

Fixed-price contracts, while offering cost certainty to the buyer, carry inherent risks for both parties. For the contractor, the primary risk is underestimating costs, leading to reduced profit margins or even losses if unforeseen issues arise during site preparation (e.g., unexpected subsurface conditions, weather delays). For the government, the risk lies in potential compromises on quality if the contractor seeks to cut costs to maintain profitability, or in disputes over change orders if the scope of work needs to be adjusted. Robust oversight and clear contract specifications are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What is the typical duration for site preparation contracts of this magnitude?

The duration of this contract is 386 days (approximately 1.06 years). Site preparation contracts can vary widely in duration depending on the complexity of the site, the scale of the project, and the specific tasks involved. For a contract valued at $17.2 million for a military installation, a duration of just over a year is not uncommon, allowing for thorough work and potentially accounting for seasonal weather impacts. Shorter durations might indicate simpler tasks, while significantly longer ones could suggest extensive earthmoving, environmental remediation, or integration with subsequent construction phases.

What does the 'Site Preparation Contractors' NAICS code (238910) encompass?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 238910, 'Site Preparation Contractors,' encompasses establishments primarily engaged in preparing sites for new or existing construction. This includes clearing, leveling, excavating, and grading land; cutting and lining canals and ditches; and installing drainage, but typically excludes the construction of the actual buildings or structures. It covers activities like demolition, foundation preparation, and earthmoving, which are critical initial steps in any construction project.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Specialty Trade Contractors › Site Preparation Contractors

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT NONBUILDING FACILITIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: W9128F07R0024

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7025 CAMPUS DRIVE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80920

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,206,300

Exercised Options: $17,206,300

Current Obligation: $17,206,300

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W9128F07D0018

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline