DOT awards $2.38M contract for Saipan radar tower installation to Brice Solutions, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,380,984 ($2.4M)

Contractor: Brice Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-08-13

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 505 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: SAIPAN (GSN) ASR RADAR TOWER INSTALLATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SOW AND DRAWINGS.

Place of Performance

Location: SAIPAN, SAIPAN County, NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS, 96950

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.4 million to BRICE SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: SAIPAN (GSN) ASR RADAR TOWER INSTALLATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SOW AND DRAWINGS. Key points: 1. Contract value of $2.38M for radar tower installation. 2. Awarded to Brice Solutions, LLC. 3. Project located in the Northern Mariana Islands. 4. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price. 5. Duration of 505 days. 6. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.38M for the installation of a radar tower appears reasonable given the scope of work, which includes construction of power and communication lines. Benchmarking against similar infrastructure projects in remote island locations would provide further context on value for money. The firm fixed price structure suggests that cost risks are largely borne by the contractor, which can be beneficial for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition after the exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 5 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this specialized construction project. This competitive process is expected to have driven a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by securing a fair price for the radar tower installation services.

Public Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will benefit from improved air traffic control capabilities. The project delivers essential infrastructure for aviation safety and efficiency. The geographic impact is focused on Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. The project will likely create temporary construction jobs in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for schedule delays due to remote island logistics.
Ensuring compliance with all environmental regulations during construction.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract limits cost overrun risk for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment.
Experienced contractor with relevant construction capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically related to telecommunications and infrastructure development for critical government services. The market for specialized radar installation and related construction in remote locations can be niche, with a limited number of qualified contractors. The value is modest compared to larger federal construction projects but significant for the specific service provided.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Brice Solutions, LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. There is no information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could represent missed opportunities for small business participation in this project.

Oversight & Accountability

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight will likely involve monitoring project progress, ensuring adherence to the Statement of Work (SOW) and drawings, and verifying quality of work. Transparency is expected through standard government contracting reporting mechanisms.

Related Government Programs

Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control Modernization
Airport Infrastructure Improvement Projects
Telecommunications Construction Contracts

Risk Flags

Logistical challenges of remote island construction.
Potential for weather-related delays impacting schedule.
Ensuring specialized technical requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.4 million to BRICE SOLUTIONS, LLC. SAIPAN (GSN) ASR RADAR TOWER INSTALLATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SOW AND DRAWINGS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRICE SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-13. End: 2026-12-31.

What is Brice Solutions, LLC's track record with similar federal contracts, particularly in remote island environments?

Information regarding Brice Solutions, LLC's specific track record with federal contracts, especially those involving radar tower installations in remote island locations, is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough review of their past performance on similar projects, including any reported issues or successes, would be necessary to fully assess their capability and reliability for this contract. Examining contract databases for previous awards and performance evaluations would provide this crucial context. Without this, the assessment relies on the assumption that their bid was deemed competitive and technically sound by the FAA.

How does the $2.38M contract value compare to similar radar tower installation projects managed by the FAA or other agencies?

Benchmarking the $2.38M contract value against similar radar tower installation projects is essential for a comprehensive value assessment. Factors such as geographic location (especially remote islands), complexity of the installation (including power and communication lines), and specific radar technology can significantly influence costs. A preliminary comparison suggests the value is within a reasonable range for specialized infrastructure in challenging environments. However, a detailed analysis would require identifying comparable contracts, adjusting for inflation and regional cost differences, and examining the scope of work for each.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract likely include logistical challenges inherent in construction on a remote island like Saipan, potential for weather-related delays, and ensuring the technical specifications for the radar tower are met precisely. The firm fixed price (FFP) contract structure mitigates financial risk for the government by capping the total cost. Mitigation for logistical and technical risks would depend on the contractor's detailed project management plan, which should address procurement, transportation, skilled labor availability, and quality assurance protocols. The FAA's oversight will be critical in monitoring these risk areas throughout the project lifecycle.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method in ensuring fair pricing for this type of specialized construction?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method is generally effective in promoting fair pricing for specialized construction. It allows all responsible sources to submit bids, but may exclude certain categories of vendors based on pre-defined criteria (though the specific exclusion reason isn't detailed here). The fact that 5 bids were received indicates sufficient market interest and competition. This process encourages vendors to offer competitive pricing to win the contract. However, the effectiveness can be influenced by the specificity of the requirements and the number of truly capable bidders in the market for such niche projects.

What is the historical spending pattern for radar tower installations by the Department of Transportation or the FAA?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for radar tower installations by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would provide valuable context for the current $2.38M award. This would involve examining past contract awards for similar projects, noting their values, durations, and the contractors involved. Understanding trends in spending, average contract values, and the frequency of such procurements can help identify potential cost efficiencies or areas where spending may be increasing. This data can also inform future budget planning and procurement strategies for critical aviation infrastructure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Utility System Construction › Power and Communication 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: 6973GH-25-R-00135

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3700 CENTERPOINT DR, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,380,984

Exercised Options: $2,380,984

Current Obligation: $2,380,984

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline