VA awards $5.28M contract for building automation system upgrade to Briston Construction, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,280,911 ($5.3M)

Contractor: Briston Construction, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-10-16

End Date: 2028-02-26

Contract Duration: 863 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: 580-22-201 REPLACE AND UPGRADE BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM (BAS)

Place of Performance

Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77030

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $5.3 million to BRISTON CONSTRUCTION, LLC for work described as: 580-22-201 REPLACE AND UPGRADE BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM (BAS) Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a building automation system upgrade of this scope. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. The definitive contract type indicates a long-term agreement for services. 4. The contract duration of over 3 years allows for phased implementation and testing. 5. The project is located in Texas, potentially impacting local construction workforce. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 236220 points to commercial building construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.28 million for a building automation system upgrade seems within a reasonable range for a project of this nature and duration. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for BAS upgrades would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs for the government, assuming the scope is well-defined. Without specific per-unit cost data or detailed project specifications, a definitive assessment of cost-effectiveness is challenging, but the overall award amount does not immediately raise significant concerns.

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,' which typically means that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 6 bidders indicates a healthy level of competition for this contract. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and achieving a fair market price for the services rendered.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process with multiple bidders helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging contractors to offer their best pricing.

Public Impact

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will benefit from an upgraded and more efficient building automation system. The contract will deliver services related to the replacement and upgrade of the BAS. The project's geographic impact is focused on Texas, where the facility is located. The contract may have implications for the local construction workforce in Texas.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the BAS requirements are not precisely defined upfront.
Dependence on contractor performance for timely and effective system integration.
Risk of unforeseen technical challenges during the upgrade process.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Multiple bidders suggest a competitive market and potential for quality solutions.
Long contract duration allows for thorough implementation and testing.

Sector Analysis

The construction industry, specifically commercial and institutional building construction (NAICS 236220), is a significant sector for federal spending. This contract for a building automation system upgrade fits within the broader category of facility modernization and maintenance. Federal agencies frequently invest in upgrading building systems to improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and ensure compliance with modern standards. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar BAS upgrades can vary widely based on building size, complexity, and the specific technologies implemented.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Briston Construction, LLC, and the data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions or subcontracting requirements. As the contract was competed fully and openly, it is possible that small businesses participated in the bidding process. However, without explicit set-aside goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not detailed in the provided information. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were prime contractors or significant subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver the specified system within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal contract databases where award details are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Modernization Programs
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants
Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities Management
Smart Building Technology Initiatives

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not well-defined.
Risk of integration issues with existing building infrastructure.
Dependence on contractor's technical expertise and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $5.3 million to BRISTON CONSTRUCTION, LLC. 580-22-201 REPLACE AND UPGRADE BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM (BAS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRISTON 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 $5.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-16. End: 2028-02-26.

What is the track record of Briston Construction, LLC in performing similar federal building automation system upgrade contracts?

A review of federal contract databases would be necessary to ascertain Briston Construction, LLC's track record with similar projects. Specifically, searching for past performance information on contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs or other federal agencies for building automation systems, HVAC controls, or related facility modernization efforts would provide insight. Key metrics to examine would include on-time delivery, adherence to budget, quality of work, and any reported disputes or contract modifications. A history of successful, similar projects would increase confidence in their ability to execute this current contract effectively.

How does the awarded amount of $5.28 million compare to the average cost of similar BAS upgrades in federal facilities?

To benchmark the $5.28 million award, one would need to analyze historical data for federal building automation system upgrades of comparable size, complexity, and building type. Factors such as square footage, the number of control points, integration with existing systems, and the specific technologies chosen significantly influence cost. A preliminary assessment suggests the amount is within a reasonable range for a multi-year project, but a detailed comparison with data from agencies like the General Services Administration (GSA) or other large federal building portfolios would be required for a definitive value-for-money conclusion. The firm-fixed-price nature of this contract also implies that the government has secured a defined cost for the scope.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks for this contract include potential technical challenges during the integration of new BAS components with legacy systems, the possibility of scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined, and contractor performance issues leading to delays or cost overruns. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust project management by the VA, detailed technical specifications in the contract, phased implementation with clear milestones, and performance monitoring. The firm-fixed-price contract itself acts as a risk mitigation tool by capping the government's financial exposure, provided the scope is well-managed. Regular progress reviews and clear communication channels with Briston Construction, LLC would also be crucial.

What is the expected impact of this BAS upgrade on the VA facility's energy efficiency and operational costs?

Upgrading a building automation system (BAS) is typically aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. Modern BAS can optimize HVAC, lighting, and other building systems based on occupancy, weather, and energy prices, leading to significant savings. For this specific contract, the expected impact would depend on the baseline performance of the existing system and the capabilities of the new system. Quantifiable benefits might include reduced energy consumption (e.g., a percentage decrease in electricity or fuel usage), lower maintenance costs due to better system diagnostics, and improved occupant comfort. The VA would likely track these metrics post-implementation to validate the return on investment.

How has federal spending on building automation systems evolved over the past five years, and does this contract align with trends?

Federal spending on building automation systems (BAS) has generally trended upwards, driven by mandates for energy efficiency, sustainability goals, and the need to modernize aging federal infrastructure. Agencies are increasingly investing in smart building technologies to reduce operational expenditures and environmental impact. This $5.28 million contract for a BAS upgrade aligns with this trend, reflecting the ongoing federal commitment to improving building performance. Analyzing broader federal procurement data for BAS and related controls would reveal the overall market size and growth rate, helping to contextualize this specific award within the larger spending landscape.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 36C25625R0043

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Briston Construction LLC

Address: 309 E 10TH DR, MESA, AZ, 85210

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: $5,280,911

Exercised Options: $5,280,911

Current Obligation: $5,280,911

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline