Fort Stewart Digital Training Range contract awarded to Caddell Construction for $19.7M, highlighting construction sector spending

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,735,579 ($19.7M)

Contractor: Caddell Construction CO. (DE), LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-05-10

End Date: 2015-07-29

Contract Duration: 810 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 53

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: BASE BID, DIGITAL MULTIPURPOSE TRAINING RANGE AT FORT STEWART

Place of Performance

Location: FORT STEWART, LIBERTY County, GEORGIA, 31315, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.7 million to CADDELL CONSTRUCTION CO. (DE), LLC for work described as: BASE BID, DIGITAL MULTIPURPOSE TRAINING RANGE AT FORT STEWART Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a specialized construction project of this nature. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. Project duration of 810 days indicates a significant undertaking requiring substantial contractor resources. 4. The contract is a firm-fixed-price type, shifting cost risk to the contractor. 5. Geographic focus on Georgia may stimulate local economic activity and employment. 6. The project falls within the broader category of commercial and institutional building construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The base bid of approximately $19.7 million for the Digital Multipurpose Training Range at Fort Stewart is within a reasonable range for specialized military construction projects. Benchmarking against similar Department of the Army construction contracts for training facilities suggests that this price reflects the complexity and scope of work. The firm-fixed-price contract type further indicates that the contractor assumed the majority of cost risks, which is a positive sign for value if the project is completed as specified.

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 data shows 53 bids were received, suggesting a robust and competitive bidding environment. A high number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing and a greater likelihood that the government receives the best value for its investment.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down the final award price, ensuring efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Army personnel who will utilize the advanced training capabilities provided by the new range. The project delivers a critical infrastructure upgrade for military training, enhancing readiness and operational effectiveness. The geographic impact is concentrated in Fort Stewart, Georgia, potentially creating local jobs during the construction phase. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for construction workers, engineers, and project managers in the Georgia region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite the fixed-price nature.
Delays in construction could impact training schedules and operational readiness.
Ensuring the technology integrated into the training range meets evolving military requirements.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract structure limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
Extensive competition suggests a strong market interest and potentially high-quality bids.
The project addresses a clear need for enhanced military training infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector is a significant component of federal spending, particularly for infrastructure development and facility upgrades. This contract for a digital multipurpose training range falls under commercial and institutional building construction. Federal spending in this area often involves large-scale projects requiring specialized expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks for military training facilities can vary widely based on size, technological integration, and location, but a $19.7 million award for a specialized range is consistent with industry norms for such projects.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-asides. While Caddell Construction Co. is a large business, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. The extent of small business subcontracting will depend on Caddell's procurement practices and the specific requirements of the project, which could impact the small business ecosystem in the region.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the project management team within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver the specified training range within the agreed-upon budget and timeline. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific project-level oversight details are not provided.

Related Government Programs

Military Construction
Training and Simulation Systems
Defense Infrastructure Projects
Government Building Construction

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays
Risk of unforeseen site conditions
Ensuring technological obsolescence is managed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.7 million to CADDELL CONSTRUCTION CO. (DE), LLC. BASE BID, DIGITAL MULTIPURPOSE TRAINING RANGE AT FORT STEWART

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CADDELL CONSTRUCTION CO. (DE), 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 $19.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-05-10. End: 2015-07-29.

What is the track record of Caddell Construction Co. (DE), LLC with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Caddell Construction Co. (DE), LLC has a significant history of federal contracting, primarily with the Department of Defense and other government agencies. Their portfolio includes a wide range of construction projects, from military barracks and training facilities to administrative buildings and infrastructure upgrades. Reviewing their past performance on similar projects, especially those involving specialized military requirements or digital integration, would provide further insight into their capabilities and reliability. Data from contract databases often shows their award history, including contract values, agencies involved, and performance ratings, which can be analyzed to assess their suitability for complex projects like the Fort Stewart training range.

How does the $19.7 million award compare to the estimated cost or budget for similar digital training range projects?

The $19.7 million award for the Digital Multipurpose Training Range at Fort Stewart needs to be contextualized against similar projects to assess value. Factors influencing cost include the size of the facility, the complexity of the digital simulation and control systems, site preparation requirements, and the specific technological capabilities mandated by the Army. Without direct comparable project data readily available, a preliminary assessment suggests the amount is substantial, reflecting the specialized nature of modern military training infrastructure. Benchmarking against other recent awards for advanced training facilities or simulation centers within the DoD could provide a more precise comparison of cost-effectiveness.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm-fixed-price contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk with a firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract is that the contractor may face financial losses if costs exceed the agreed-upon price due to unforeseen issues, such as unexpected site conditions, material price escalations, or labor shortages. Conversely, the government risks paying a premium if the contractor's initial bid was excessively high. Mitigation strategies include thorough pre-bid site investigations, detailed scope definition, robust contractor pre-qualification, and clear contract clauses addressing potential change orders and dispute resolution. The government's oversight team also plays a crucial role in monitoring progress and ensuring compliance to prevent scope creep or quality issues that could lead to disputes or cost impacts.

What is the expected impact of this training range on the operational effectiveness and readiness of the Army units at Fort Stewart?

The Digital Multipurpose Training Range is expected to significantly enhance the operational effectiveness and readiness of Army units stationed at Fort Stewart. Such facilities provide realistic, scenario-based training environments that can replicate complex combat situations without the logistical and safety constraints of live-fire exercises. This allows for more frequent, repeatable, and data-driven training, improving soldier skills, unit cohesion, and decision-making under pressure. The digital nature implies advanced simulation capabilities, potentially integrating various platforms and allowing for post-action reviews and performance analysis, ultimately leading to a more prepared and capable fighting force.

How has federal spending on military construction and training facilities evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending on military construction and training facilities has generally remained robust, driven by modernization efforts, troop readiness requirements, and geopolitical considerations. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget allocations and strategic priorities, there has been a consistent investment in upgrading aging infrastructure and incorporating advanced technologies. This $19.7 million contract for a digital training range fits within this trend, representing investment in state-of-the-art training capabilities. It aligns with broader DoD initiatives to leverage technology for more effective and efficient training, moving beyond traditional methods to prepare forces for contemporary challenges.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) likely being used to measure the success of this construction project?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this construction project would likely include adherence to the schedule (on-time completion), adherence to budget (completion within the $19.7 million fixed price), quality of construction (meeting all technical specifications and building codes), safety performance (minimizing accidents and incidents on site), and successful integration and testing of the digital training systems. Post-completion, KPIs might also extend to the facility's operational uptime, user satisfaction from training units, and its contribution to achieving specific training objectives. The contracting officer's representative (COR) would typically monitor these KPIs throughout the project lifecycle.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W912HN09R0088

Offers Received: 53

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Caddell Construction CO., Inc. (UEI: 102087285)

Address: 2700 LAGOON PARK DR, MONTGOMERY, AL, 36109

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,735,579

Exercised Options: $19,735,579

Current Obligation: $19,735,579

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912HN10D0044

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline