Agriculture Forest Service Awards $736K for Puerto Rico Chemical Lab Construction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $736,570 ($736.6K)

Contractor: MFS Construction LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-10-07

End Date: 2027-04-03

Contract Duration: 908 days

Daily Burn Rate: $811/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: TO REPLACE THE EXISTING CHEMICAL LABORATORY FACILITY. THE COMPOUND IS LOCATED INSIDE THE UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO'S JARDIN BOTANICO AT RIO PIEDRAS.

Place of Performance

Location: SAN JUAN, SAN JUAN County, PUERTO RICO, 00926

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $736,570.4 to MFS CONSTRUCTION LLC for work described as: TO REPLACE THE EXISTING CHEMICAL LABORATORY FACILITY. THE COMPOUND IS LOCATED INSIDE THE UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO'S JARDIN BOTANICO AT RIO PIEDRAS. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to MFS Construction LLC for a new chemical laboratory facility. 2. Project located within the University of Puerto Rico's Jardin Botanico. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, indicating a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract is for firm-fixed-price, providing cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $736,570.40 appears reasonable for a specialized laboratory construction project of this size and scope. Benchmarking against similar institutional building construction in Puerto Rico would provide a more definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a competitive process was initiated but specific sources were excluded. This method aims for broad participation while potentially focusing on qualified bidders, impacting price discovery by balancing competition with specialized requirements.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition generally promotes competitive pricing, potentially leading to cost savings for taxpayers. The final price reflects the market's response to the project's requirements.

Public Impact

Enhances scientific research capabilities at the University of Puerto Rico. Supports environmental and agricultural research initiatives in Puerto Rico. Creates construction jobs and stimulates local economic activity. Modernizes critical infrastructure for the Forest Service's operations in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise.
Dependence on MFS Construction LLC's performance for timely completion.
Risk of delays due to weather or material availability in Puerto Rico.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market was engaged.
Project addresses a clear need for upgraded research facilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, a sector vital for public infrastructure and research facilities. Spending benchmarks for similar projects in Puerto Rico are essential for evaluating cost-effectiveness, though specific data for specialized labs can vary.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to MFS Construction LLC, a company that may or may not be a small business. Further analysis is needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this specific contract and its subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Agriculture's Forest Service is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms should be in place to ensure compliance, quality, and timely delivery of the laboratory facility.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to unique site conditions.
Risk of delays impacting research timelines.
Contracting method requires careful monitoring to ensure fair competition.
Dependence on a single prime contractor for project success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $736,570.4 to MFS CONSTRUCTION LLC. TO REPLACE THE EXISTING CHEMICAL LABORATORY FACILITY. THE COMPOUND IS LOCATED INSIDE THE UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO'S JARDIN BOTANICO AT RIO PIEDRAS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MFS CONSTRUCTION LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $736,570.4.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-07. End: 2027-04-03.

What is the specific rationale for excluding certain sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method, and how did this impact the final price?

The exclusion of sources typically occurs when specific technical capabilities, past performance, or security clearances are required that only a subset of potential bidders possess. This can limit the breadth of competition, potentially leading to a higher price than if all sources were considered. However, it can also ensure that only qualified contractors capable of meeting stringent requirements are involved, reducing risks of non-performance and subsequent costs.

How does the $736,570.40 contract value compare to similar laboratory construction projects in Puerto Rico, considering the Jardin Botanico's unique location?

Benchmarking this contract value against similar institutional or laboratory construction projects in Puerto Rico is crucial for assessing its fairness. The unique location within the Jardin Botanico might introduce specific logistical challenges or environmental considerations that could influence costs. Without comparative data, it's difficult to definitively state if the price is optimal or if there are opportunities for savings.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for MFS Construction LLC, and what mechanisms are in place to ensure the successful and timely completion of the chemical laboratory facility?

Key performance indicators likely include adherence to the project schedule, quality of construction meeting specified standards, and compliance with safety regulations. The Forest Service's contract administration team will monitor progress, conduct inspections, and manage payments based on performance milestones. Liquidated damages clauses may also be included to incentivize timely completion and penalize delays.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SALVAGE SERVICES › DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 12445224R0030

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2780 HAMILTON BLVD, SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 07080

Business Categories: Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $736,570

Exercised Options: $736,570

Current Obligation: $736,570

Actual Outlays: $243,046

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140FGA23D0114

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline