Coast Guard awards $2.7M for lighthouse repairs, highlighting need for infrastructure modernization

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,692,520 ($2.7M)

Contractor: Joint Forces Construction, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-12-13

End Date: 2026-09-01

Contract Duration: 993 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: REBUILD FISHER POINT RANGE LIGHTS, USCG ANT PHILADELPHIA, PA P/N 7331934

Place of Performance

Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19147

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.7 million to JOINT FORCES CONSTRUCTION, L.L.C. for work described as: REBUILD FISHER POINT RANGE LIGHTS, USCG ANT PHILADELPHIA, PA P/N 7331934 Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical infrastructure maintenance for navigational aids. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting fair market pricing. 3. Project duration extends over two years, indicating a significant scope. 4. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 5. Geographic focus on Pennsylvania highlights regional infrastructure investment. 6. Contractor has experience in commercial and institutional building construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.7 million for lighthouse repairs appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar infrastructure projects for the Coast Guard or other maritime agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests the government has secured a defined cost, which is a positive indicator for budget predictability. However, without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to independent cost estimates, a definitive assessment of exceptional value is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive bidding process. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, the 'full and open' designation implies that multiple qualified contractors had the opportunity to submit proposals. This level of competition is generally expected to drive down prices and ensure the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award suggests that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently, as the selection process likely favored the most cost-effective and technically sound proposal among several options.

Public Impact

Benefits the U.S. Coast Guard by ensuring the operational readiness of navigational aids. Services delivered include the repair and maintenance of the Fisher Point Range Lights. Geographic impact is localized to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and surrounding maritime areas. Workforce implications include employment for construction professionals and skilled trades in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for unforeseen structural issues during repair, which could impact timelines and final costs if not managed effectively.
Dependence on specific materials or specialized labor could introduce supply chain or availability risks.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and limits the government's exposure to price fluctuations.
Full and open competition suggests a thorough vetting of potential contractors and competitive pricing.
Project duration allows for phased execution and potentially better resource allocation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically addressing specialized maritime infrastructure. The U.S. Coast Guard, as a major federal agency, frequently procures construction and maintenance services for its facilities and aids to navigation. Spending in this sector is driven by the need to maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure across various government departments, with significant investment often directed towards critical assets like lighthouses and ports.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award went to Joint Forces Construction, L.L.C., which may or may not be a small business itself. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation is mandated through subcontracting or if opportunities exist within the prime contractor's supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Coast Guard contracting office and project managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS-NG, where contract awards are publicly reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

USCG Aids to Navigation Modernization Projects
Federal Lighthouse Maintenance Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Infrastructure Upgrades
Commercial Building Construction Services

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Reliance on specific contractor expertise for specialized repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.7 million to JOINT FORCES CONSTRUCTION, L.L.C.. REBUILD FISHER POINT RANGE LIGHTS, USCG ANT PHILADELPHIA, PA P/N 7331934

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JOINT FORCES CONSTRUCTION, L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-13. End: 2026-09-01.

What is the track record of Joint Forces Construction, L.L.C. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Coast Guard?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Joint Forces Construction, L.L.C.'s track record. This would involve examining past contract awards, performance evaluations (if available), and any history of disputes or contract modifications. Understanding their experience with similar maritime or infrastructure projects, especially those involving critical navigational aids, would provide insight into their capability to successfully execute this $2.7 million contract. Without specific performance data, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and past success rates.

How does the awarded price of $2.7 million compare to similar lighthouse repair or navigational aid maintenance contracts awarded by the U.S. Coast Guard or other federal agencies in the past three ye

To benchmark the value, one would compare this $2.7 million contract against similar projects. This involves searching federal procurement databases for contracts with comparable scopes of work (e.g., lighthouse repair, navigational aid maintenance, coastal infrastructure construction) awarded by the U.S. Coast Guard or agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers or Department of Transportation. Key comparison points would include contract value, duration, geographic location, and the specific services rendered. If similar projects were awarded for significantly lower amounts or had more extensive work scopes for comparable prices, it might indicate that this contract's pricing is not optimal. Conversely, if it aligns with or is lower than benchmarks, it suggests fair market value.

What are the primary risks associated with the "REBUILD FISHER POINT RANGE LIGHTS" project, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks for this project likely include unforeseen structural issues discovered during the repair process, potential delays due to weather or material availability, and ensuring compliance with historical preservation standards if applicable. Mitigation strategies typically involve thorough site assessments prior to award, contingency planning within the project schedule and budget, and clear communication protocols between the contractor and the U.S. Coast Guard. The firm fixed-price contract structure itself acts as a risk mitigation tool for the government by capping the total cost, although it places more risk on the contractor to manage unforeseen issues within that price.

What is the expected impact of these repairs on the operational effectiveness and safety of maritime navigation in the Philadelphia area?

The repairs to the Fisher Point Range Lights are critical for maintaining and enhancing maritime safety and operational effectiveness in the Philadelphia region. Range lights are essential navigational aids that help vessels determine their position and safe course, particularly in channels and harbors. By ensuring these lights are fully functional and reliable, the project directly contributes to reducing the risk of groundings, collisions, and other navigational hazards. This, in turn, supports the efficient movement of commercial shipping, recreational boating, and other maritime traffic, underpinning the economic activity reliant on the Delaware River and its approaches.

How has federal spending on U.S. Coast Guard infrastructure maintenance and upgrades trended over the last five fiscal years?

Analyzing federal spending trends for U.S. Coast Guard infrastructure maintenance and upgrades over the last five fiscal years would reveal patterns of investment. This typically involves examining budget allocations and actual expenditures for facilities, vessels, aircraft, and aids to navigation. A trend analysis might show whether spending has been increasing, decreasing, or remaining relatively stable. Such an analysis could indicate whether the Coast Guard is adequately resourced to address its infrastructure needs, including critical assets like lighthouses, or if there are backlogs in maintenance and modernization efforts. This context helps evaluate the significance of individual awards like the Fisher Point Range Lights project.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 328 OLD YORK HAMPTON HWY, YORKTOWN, VA, 23692

Business Categories: Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,692,520

Exercised Options: $2,692,520

Current Obligation: $2,692,520

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z08318DPCR07400

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline