DHS awards $31.6M contract for Strength & Conditioning Complex to Whiting-Turner

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,618,380 ($31.6M)

Contractor: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-10-16

End Date: 2026-10-19

Contract Duration: 733 days

Daily Burn Rate: $43.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: B280 STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COMPLEX (SCC)

Place of Performance

Location: BRUNSWICK, GLYNN County, GEORGIA, 31524

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $31.6 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE for work described as: B280 STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COMPLEX (SCC) Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is a firm-fixed-price delivery order, providing cost certainty for the government. 3. The project duration of 733 days indicates a significant construction undertaking. 4. The award value of $31.6 million falls within a moderate range for large-scale construction projects. 5. The contract is for commercial and institutional building construction, a common sector for federal spending. 6. The project is located in Georgia, potentially impacting the local construction workforce and economy.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $31.6 million for a Strength & Conditioning Complex appears reasonable for a project of this scale and duration. Benchmarking against similar federal construction projects for training facilities would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government, contributing to predictable spending.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 7 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this project. This broad competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process like this one typically leads to better pricing for taxpayers by encouraging contractors to offer their most cost-effective proposals.

Public Impact

Federal law enforcement personnel will benefit from improved training facilities. The contract will result in the construction of a new Strength & Conditioning Complex. The project's geographic impact is concentrated in Georgia. The construction project is likely to create jobs for skilled trades and construction workers in the local area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for construction delays impacting facility readiness.
Risk of unforeseen site conditions requiring change orders.
Ensuring compliance with all federal building codes and environmental regulations.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost escalation.
Award to an established contractor (Whiting-Turner) suggests experience in large projects.
Full and open competition generally leads to better pricing.

Sector Analysis

The federal construction sector is a significant area of government spending, encompassing a wide range of projects from infrastructure to specialized facilities. This contract for a Strength & Conditioning Complex falls under commercial and institutional building construction. The market for such facilities is driven by the need for specialized training and operational readiness across various federal agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale training facility constructions or similar institutional building projects awarded by federal entities.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded under full and open competition and there is no explicit small business set-aside noted, the prime contractor, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities. The extent of small business participation will depend on the subcontracting plan developed by the prime contractor and the specific requirements of the project. This could provide opportunities for small businesses in the construction trades and related services within Georgia.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) within the Department of Homeland Security. Accountability measures will be embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards, delivery schedules, and quality control requirements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific oversight activities and Inspector General jurisdiction would be detailed in the contract documentation.

Related Government Programs

Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Facilities
Department of Homeland Security Construction Projects
Commercial and Institutional Building Construction Contracts
Large-Scale Federal Construction Awards

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to unforeseen site conditions.
Risk of schedule delays impacting facility operational readiness.
Ensuring compliance with all federal building codes and environmental standards.
Adequate quality control throughout the construction process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $31.6 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE. B280 STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COMPLEX (SCC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-16. End: 2026-10-19.

What is Whiting-Turner Contracting Company's track record with federal construction projects, particularly for training facilities?

Whiting-Turner Contracting Company has a substantial track record in federal construction, including projects for various government agencies. While specific details on their experience with Strength & Conditioning Complexes for law enforcement training are not provided in this data, their general portfolio often includes large-scale institutional and specialized facilities. A deeper dive into their past performance on similar federal contracts, including client satisfaction, adherence to schedule and budget, and any past performance issues, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Reviewing federal procurement data and past performance evaluations would offer more insight into their suitability for this specific project.

How does the $31.6 million award compare to the estimated cost or budget for similar federal training facilities?

Without specific budget documents or detailed project scope for this Strength & Conditioning Complex, a direct comparison of the $31.6 million award to estimated costs is challenging. However, the value appears within a reasonable range for a significant construction project of this nature, considering the duration of 733 days. To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze the cost per square foot or cost per training station for similar facilities constructed by other federal agencies or even state and local governments. Factors such as location, specific equipment requirements, and the complexity of the design significantly influence these costs. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award suggests the government has secured a defined cost, but understanding the initial estimate would provide context on potential savings or overruns relative to expectations.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with this type of construction contract?

Primary risk indicators for this construction contract include potential for unforeseen site conditions (e.g., soil issues, hazardous materials), which could lead to change orders and cost increases, despite the firm-fixed-price structure. Delays in the construction schedule are another significant risk, potentially impacting the operational readiness of the facility and incurring additional costs. Ensuring the contractor maintains adequate quality control throughout the construction process is crucial to avoid defects. Furthermore, managing the supply chain for materials and labor availability in the current economic climate presents ongoing risks. Compliance with evolving federal regulations and environmental standards also requires careful monitoring.

What is the expected effectiveness of the new Strength & Conditioning Complex in enhancing federal law enforcement training?

The effectiveness of the new Strength & Conditioning Complex is expected to be high, assuming it is designed and equipped to meet modern training standards. Such facilities are crucial for developing and maintaining the physical fitness required for demanding law enforcement roles, directly impacting officer safety and operational effectiveness. Improved training capabilities can lead to better performance in critical situations, reduced injury rates, and enhanced overall readiness. The specific impact will depend on the quality of the equipment, the layout of the facility, and how effectively it is integrated into the broader training curriculum at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

How has federal spending on similar construction projects evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending on similar construction projects, particularly for institutional and training facilities, has generally remained robust, though subject to fluctuations based on agency priorities and budget allocations. Over the past five years, there has been a consistent need for modernization and expansion of federal training infrastructure across various departments, including Homeland Security, Defense, and Justice. Factors such as aging facilities, evolving training methodologies, and increased security requirements have driven investment. While specific data for 'Strength & Conditioning Complexes' is granular, the broader category of 'Commercial and Institutional Building Construction' awarded by federal agencies shows significant annual outlays. Trends may indicate shifts towards more sustainable building practices and technologically integrated facilities.

What are the implications of the 7 bids received for this contract on taxpayer value?

The receipt of 7 bids for this contract is a positive indicator for taxpayer value. A higher number of bids generally signifies robust competition, which pressures contractors to offer more competitive pricing and better terms to win the contract. This increased competition can lead to a lower final award price compared to a situation with fewer bidders. It also suggests that the project requirements were clear enough to attract a diverse pool of qualified contractors. The government's ability to select from multiple proposals increases the likelihood of securing a high-quality facility at a reasonable cost, thereby maximizing the value for taxpayers.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70LGLY24RSSB00001

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 E JOPPA RD, BALTIMORE, MD, 21286

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,618,380

Exercised Options: $31,618,380

Current Obligation: $31,618,380

Actual Outlays: $8,083,329

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z04723DPCNI0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline