VA Awards $14.87M Water Tower Upgrade to Blue Cord Design and Construction, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,873,430 ($14.9M)

Contractor: Blue Cord Design and Construction, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-09-24

End Date: 2027-03-15

Contract Duration: 537 days

Daily Burn Rate: $27.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: AWARD OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT TO UPGRADE THE WATER TOWER AT THE TAMPA VAMC.

Place of Performance

Location: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33612

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $14.9 million to BLUE CORD DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, LLC for work described as: AWARD OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT TO UPGRADE THE WATER TOWER AT THE TAMPA VAMC. Key points: 1. Project aims to upgrade Tampa VAMC water tower infrastructure. 2. Awarded to Blue Cord Design and Construction, LLC. 3. Contract type is a definitive contract with a firm fixed price. 4. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $14.87 million for a water tower upgrade appears within a reasonable range for such infrastructure projects. Benchmarking against similar VAMC or municipal water system upgrades would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The competition method 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' suggests that while open to all, specific criteria or prior exclusions may have limited the pool of bidders. This could impact price discovery compared to a truly unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential infrastructure maintenance at a VA facility, ensuring service continuity. The fixed-price nature helps control costs, but the limited competition warrants scrutiny.

Public Impact

Ensures reliable water supply for veterans at the Tampa VAMC. Modernizes critical infrastructure, potentially improving water quality and system efficiency. Supports local economy through construction contract.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition method could lead to higher prices.
Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise during construction.
Contract duration of 537 days requires close monitoring.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Project addresses a critical infrastructure need.
Awarded to a company with construction experience.

Sector Analysis

Construction spending in the public sector, particularly for infrastructure upgrades at federal facilities, is significant. This project falls under the broader category of infrastructure development, with costs influenced by material prices, labor rates, and project complexity.

Small Business Impact

The award was not made to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to compete or if subcontracting opportunities exist.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight will be crucial to ensure the project stays on schedule, within budget, and meets quality standards.

Related Government Programs

Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may have inflated costs.
Potential for cost overruns due to fixed-price contract risks.
Lack of small business award.
Contract duration requires close monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $14.9 million to BLUE CORD DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, LLC. AWARD OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT TO UPGRADE THE WATER TOWER AT THE TAMPA VAMC.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BLUE CORD DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-24. End: 2027-03-15.

What specific factors led to the exclusion of 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 due to specific pre-qualification requirements, past performance issues, or specialized capabilities needed for the project. Understanding these factors is key to assessing if the limited competition resulted in a fair market price or if alternative bidding strategies could have yielded better value for taxpayers. Further documentation on the exclusion rationale is needed.

What are the potential risks associated with the firm fixed-price contract for a project of this duration and complexity, particularly regarding unforeseen site conditions?

Firm fixed-price contracts offer cost certainty but can expose the contractor to significant risk if unforeseen conditions arise, such as unexpected soil issues or discovery of hazardous materials. This could lead to change orders, delays, and potential disputes. The VA's contingency planning and robust contract management are critical to mitigating these risks and ensuring the project's successful completion without undue cost increases.

How does the $14.87 million cost compare to similar water tower upgrade projects at other VA facilities or comparable government installations?

Benchmarking this award against similar projects is essential for evaluating value for money. Without comparative data, it's difficult to definitively state if $14.87 million is a competitive price. Factors like geographic location, specific upgrade requirements, and prevailing market conditions at the time of award significantly influence project costs, necessitating a detailed comparison.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Utility System Construction › Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 36C24825R0069

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 835 BENNETT RD STE 100, ORLANDO, FL, 32803

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,873,430

Exercised Options: $14,873,430

Current Obligation: $14,873,430

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline