Fort Benning Barracks Renovation Awarded to Archer Western Contractors for $61.8M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $61,764,550 ($61.8M)

Contractor: Archer Western Contractors, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2010-09-17

End Date: 2012-12-06

Contract Duration: 811 days

Daily Burn Rate: $76.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: RENOVATION TRAINING BARRACKS, BUILDING 3405 AT FORT BENNING, GA

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BENNING, CHATTAHOOCHEE County, GEORGIA, 31905

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $61.8 million to ARCHER WESTERN CONTRACTORS, LLC for work described as: RENOVATION TRAINING BARRACKS, BUILDING 3405 AT FORT BENNING, GA Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in military infrastructure. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding environment for this project. 3. Project duration of over two years indicates a substantial scope of work. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide budget certainty. 5. Geographic focus on Georgia highlights regional construction activity. 6. The award falls within the broader category of institutional building construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $61.8 million for renovating training barracks at Fort Benning appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale military construction projects would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests an attempt to manage costs. Without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to industry standards for similar renovations, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents excellent value. The scale of the project implies significant labor and material costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of four bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this significant construction project. A competitive environment generally leads to more favorable pricing for the government and taxpayers, as contractors vie to win the award by offering their best terms.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition likely resulted in a more competitive bid landscape, potentially saving taxpayer dollars compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Public Impact

Service members at Fort Benning will benefit from improved training barracks. The project supports the operational readiness and living conditions of military personnel. Construction activities will likely stimulate the local economy in Georgia through job creation and material sourcing. The renovation enhances the long-term usability and safety of critical military infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise during renovation.
Delays in project completion could impact training schedules.
Ensuring quality of work meets military standards requires diligent oversight.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests competitive pricing.
Award to an established contractor implies experience in large-scale projects.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the commercial and institutional building construction sector, a vital part of the broader construction industry. This sector encompasses the building and renovation of facilities such as schools, hospitals, government buildings, and military installations. The market size for such projects is substantial, driven by ongoing infrastructure needs and modernization efforts across public and private sectors. This specific contract addresses the critical need for updated military training facilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business. While large contracts can sometimes include subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, the absence of specific set-aside language means direct participation by small businesses in the prime contract is unlikely. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Department of the Army contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and project managers within the Army Corps of Engineers or relevant installation command. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract terms, with payments tied to performance and completion milestones. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Military Barracks Construction
Fort Benning Infrastructure Projects
Department of Defense Facilities Renovation
Army Corps of Engineers Construction Contracts
Large-Scale Commercial Building Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen conditions in aging infrastructure.
Risk of schedule delays impacting military readiness.
Ensuring compliance with current building codes and military standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $61.8 million to ARCHER WESTERN CONTRACTORS, LLC. RENOVATION TRAINING BARRACKS, BUILDING 3405 AT FORT BENNING, GA

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 $61.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-09-17. End: 2012-12-06.

What is the track record of Archer Western Contractors, LLC on similar government contracts?

Archer Western Contractors, LLC has a history of securing and performing on government contracts, particularly within the construction sector. Their portfolio often includes large-scale projects for various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. Analyzing their past performance on similar military construction or renovation projects, such as barracks, training facilities, or other institutional buildings, would provide insight into their ability to manage scope, schedule, and budget effectively. Reviewing contract close-out data, any past performance evaluations, and any disputes or claims filed on previous government contracts would offer a comprehensive view of their reliability and execution capabilities. This specific contract at Fort Benning represents a significant award, suggesting a level of trust and demonstrated competence by the awarding agency.

How does the awarded price compare to the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) or similar projects?

Without access to the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) for this specific Fort Benning barracks renovation, a direct comparison is not possible. However, the contract was awarded at approximately $61.8 million. To assess value, this figure should be benchmarked against the IGCE, if available, to see how competitive the bids were relative to the government's own estimate. Furthermore, comparing this cost to similar barracks renovation projects at other military installations, considering factors like square footage, scope of work (e.g., structural, MEP, finishes), and geographic location (which impacts labor and material costs), would provide a more robust understanding of whether the price represents good value for money. The fact that it was awarded under full and open competition with four bidders suggests the price was likely within a reasonable range of market expectations.

What are the primary risks associated with renovating aging military barracks?

Renovating aging military barracks presents several inherent risks. A primary concern is the potential for unforeseen structural issues, such as hidden damage from water, pests, or foundational instability, which can significantly increase costs and extend project timelines beyond initial estimates. Another risk involves the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint, requiring specialized abatement procedures that add complexity and expense. Furthermore, disruptions to ongoing base operations and training schedules can occur if the renovation impacts adjacent facilities or requires temporary relocations. Ensuring the final product meets current building codes, accessibility standards (ADA), and military-specific requirements for durability and functionality also poses a risk if not meticulously planned and executed. Finally, managing the supply chain for specialized materials and ensuring a skilled labor force is available throughout the project duration are critical risk factors.

What is the historical spending trend for barracks renovation at Fort Benning or similar Army installations?

Analyzing historical spending trends for barracks renovation at Fort Benning and comparable Army installations reveals a consistent need for infrastructure upgrades driven by troop numbers, aging facilities, and evolving training requirements. Over the past decade, the Department of the Army has allocated significant funds towards modernizing barracks, reflecting a commitment to improving living conditions for service members. Spending patterns often fluctuate based on congressional appropriations, military construction priorities, and the lifecycle of existing infrastructure. Installations like Fort Benning, which are major training hubs, typically see recurring investments in barracks and training facilities. Examining specific contract awards for similar projects over time would show the average project size, duration, and the types of contractors frequently engaged, providing context for the $61.8 million award.

How does the fixed-price contract type influence contractor behavior and project outcomes?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract, like the one awarded for the Fort Benning barracks renovation, places the primary risk of cost overruns on the contractor. This contract type incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently and complete the project within the agreed-upon budget. Contractor behavior under FFP tends to be focused on cost control and timely delivery to maximize profit. For the government, FFP offers the highest degree of cost certainty, as the price is set upfront, barring any contract modifications. However, it can also lead contractors to potentially cut corners on quality if not rigorously overseen, or to build in higher contingency into their initial bid price to account for risks. The success of an FFP contract heavily relies on a well-defined scope of work and robust government oversight to ensure quality standards are met.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT OF RESTORATION ACTIVITIES

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: $61,764,550

Exercised Options: $61,764,550

Current Obligation: $61,764,550

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 185

Total Subaward Amount: $317,693,072

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912HN07D0051

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline