GSA awards $54.1M for FLETC Charleston Building F construction, with 5 bidders competing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $54,146,248 ($54.1M)

Contractor: BL Harbert International LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2015-05-05

End Date: 2018-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,214 days

Daily Burn Rate: $44.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THIS IS A NEW AWARD FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR ON THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE REGIONAL CENTER (CRC) PROJECT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING F ON THE FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER (FLETC) CAMPUS IN CHARLESTON, SC. THIS NEW AWARD WILL GO TO THE SELECTED GC FOR CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES FOR A DURATION OF 22 MONTHS. THESE SERVICES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO DEMOLITION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS ON THE SITE, CONSTRUCTION OF BLDG F, PARKING LOT MODIFICATIONS, LAYDOWN AREA PREPARATION ETC. ALTERNATE ITEMS ARE TO BE PRICE LOCKED BUT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS AWARD. RWA FUNDING

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH CHARLESTON, CHARLESTON County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29405

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $54.1 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THIS IS A NEW AWARD FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR ON THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE REGIONAL CENTER (CRC) PROJECT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING F ON THE FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER (FLETC) CAMPUS IN CHARLESTON, SC. THIS NEW AWARD WILL … Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through firm-fixed-price contract and competitive bidding. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a healthy market for institutional building construction. 3. Risk indicators include project duration and scope of demolition and new construction. 4. Performance context is the construction of a new building on an active training campus. 5. Sector positioning is within the federal government's extensive construction and facilities management portfolio.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests a clear understanding of costs between the government and the contractor. With a total award of $54.1 million, the pricing will be benchmarked against similar federal construction projects for institutional buildings. The scope of work, including demolition and new construction, is substantial, and the price appears reasonable given the complexity and duration of the project. Further analysis would require detailed cost breakdowns and comparisons to industry benchmarks for similar square footage and construction types.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. Five bidders participated in the competition, suggesting a robust level of interest and a competitive market for this type of construction service. The presence of multiple bidders generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces. A competitive process helps prevent overpayment and ensures the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) campus in Charleston, SC, will benefit from the new Building F. Services delivered include demolition of existing structures and construction of a new institutional building, parking, and site preparation. The geographic impact is localized to Charleston, South Carolina, supporting federal law enforcement training infrastructure. Workforce implications include job creation for construction trades and related support services in the Charleston area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise during demolition.
Schedule delays due to weather or material availability impacting the 22-month construction timeline.
Ensuring quality control throughout the extensive demolition and new construction phases.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition with five bidders suggests a competitive pricing environment.
Experienced contractor likely selected through a rigorous bidding process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader construction sector, specifically focusing on commercial and institutional building construction. The federal government is a significant consumer of construction services, with agencies like GSA managing vast portfolios of facilities. This project aligns with the government's ongoing need to modernize and expand its training and operational infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other federal contracts for similar-sized institutional buildings or campus development projects.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. However, the prime contractor, BL Harbert International LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill portions of the work. The subcontracting opportunities will depend on the prime contractor's strategy and the specific trades required for the project, potentially benefiting the local small business construction ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Public Buildings Service. Mechanisms for oversight include contract performance monitoring, site inspections, and financial reviews. Accountability measures are built into the firm-fixed-price contract terms, with penalties for non-performance or delays. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though detailed cost breakdowns may be proprietary.

Related Government Programs

FLETC Campus Development Projects
GSA Federal Building Construction
Department of Justice Facilities
Department of Homeland Security Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays
Risk of unforeseen site conditions
Coordination challenges with active training operations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $54.1 million to BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC. IGF::OT::IGF THIS IS A NEW AWARD FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR ON THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE REGIONAL CENTER (CRC) PROJECT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING F ON THE FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER (FLETC) CAMPUS IN CHARLESTON, SC. THIS NEW AWARD WILL GO TO THE SELECTED GC FOR CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES FOR A DURATION OF 22 MONTHS. THESE SERVICES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO DEMOLITION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS ON THE SITE, CONSTRUCTION OF BLDG F, PARKING LOT MODIFICA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Public Buildings Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $54.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-05-05. End: 2018-08-31.

What is the track record of BL Harbert International LLC with federal construction contracts, particularly with GSA?

BL Harbert International LLC has a significant track record with federal construction projects, including numerous contracts with the General Services Administration (GSA) and other agencies like the Department of Defense. Their experience often spans large-scale institutional, commercial, and government facilities. Reviewing their past performance on similar projects, including any past performance evaluations or awards, would provide insight into their reliability, quality of work, and adherence to schedule and budget. Data from contract databases often shows a pattern of successful project completion, though specific details on any past issues or disputes would require deeper investigation into contract performance reports.

How does the $54.1 million award compare to the estimated cost or budget for this project?

The $54.1 million represents the awarded contract value, which is the total amount obligated for the construction services. To assess value, this figure needs to be compared against the government's initial cost estimates or budget allocations for the FLETC Charleston Building F project. If the award is significantly below the estimate, it suggests strong competition and good price negotiation. Conversely, if it's at or above the estimate, it warrants a closer look at the scope and potential for cost escalation. Without the government's independent cost estimate, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the competitive nature of the award provides a positive indicator.

What are the primary risks associated with constructing a new building on an active federal training campus?

Constructing on an active federal training campus presents several unique risks. Foremost is the potential for disruption to ongoing training operations, requiring careful coordination of construction activities, noise, and traffic management. Security protocols for accessing the campus and personnel must be strictly adhered to, adding complexity. Furthermore, the presence of sensitive government operations may necessitate enhanced safety and environmental controls. Unforeseen site conditions, such as buried utilities or historical artifacts, are also a risk, especially in established federal facilities. Managing these risks requires robust communication between the contractor, GSA, and FLETC personnel.

What is the expected effectiveness of the new Building F in supporting FLETC's mission?

The new Building F is intended to enhance the operational capacity and training capabilities of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Charleston. While the specific functions of Building F are not detailed in the award abstract, new construction on such campuses typically aims to provide modern facilities for classrooms, specialized training areas, administrative offices, or support services. Its effectiveness will be measured by its ability to accommodate increased student populations, facilitate advanced training methodologies, and improve the overall efficiency of FLETC's operations. Successful completion and utilization of the building are key indicators of its effectiveness in supporting the agency's mission.

How has federal spending on construction services for training facilities evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending on construction services for training facilities has generally remained robust, driven by the continuous need to modernize aging infrastructure and expand capacity across various agencies, including law enforcement, military, and civilian training centers. Agencies like GSA, DoD, and DHS are major contributors to this spending. Factors influencing this spending include national security priorities, evolving training requirements, and infrastructure investment initiatives. While specific figures for 'training facilities' construction can be fragmented across different agencies and contract types, overall federal construction outlays show cyclical trends influenced by economic conditions and government budget priorities. Analyzing trends requires aggregating data across multiple NAICS codes and agencies.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: GS-04P-14-BV-C-0055

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: B.L. Harbert Holdings, L.L.C. (UEI: 147371236)

Address: 820 SHADES CREEK PKWY STE 3000, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35209

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $54,146,248

Exercised Options: $54,146,248

Current Obligation: $54,146,248

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 30

Total Subaward Amount: $78,774,879

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline