Navy awards $29.1M fire station construction contract to Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,162,689 ($29.2M)

Contractor: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-09-29

End Date: 2025-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,036 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCT FIRE CRASH RESCUE STATION NWS JB CHARLESTON SC

Place of Performance

Location: GOOSE CREEK, BERKELEY County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29445

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.2 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE for work described as: CONSTRUCT FIRE CRASH RESCUE STATION NWS JB CHARLESTON SC Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of constructing a fire/crash rescue station. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. The contract duration of over 3 years indicates a significant construction project. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor, potentially stabilizing costs. 5. The project is located in South Carolina, a region with ongoing military base development. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, indicating the primary award was not specifically targeted for small businesses.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $29.1 million for a fire/crash rescue station is within a typical range for such specialized construction projects. Benchmarking against similar military construction projects of this scale suggests the pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government, assuming no significant change orders arise.

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 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this project. This broad competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process with multiple bidders helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Naval Air Station Charleston personnel will benefit from enhanced safety and emergency response capabilities. The construction of a new fire/crash rescue station will provide critical infrastructure for the base. The project's geographic impact is localized to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. The construction phase will likely create temporary jobs in the local construction sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions or material price escalations occur, despite fixed-price terms.
Contractor performance history on similar large-scale government construction projects should be closely monitored.
Ensuring timely completion within the 3-year timeframe is crucial to avoid operational disruptions.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition with 7 bidders suggests a robust and competitive process.
The contractor, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, is a well-established entity in the construction industry.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically for specialized facilities like fire and rescue stations. The market for military construction is substantial, driven by ongoing modernization and infrastructure needs at bases worldwide. This project aligns with the Department of the Navy's broader infrastructure investment strategy.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting goals mandated for small businesses based on the provided data. This means the primary contract value went to a large business. Further review of the contract documents would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are included.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting and engineering divisions. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which incentivizes the contractor to adhere to the agreed-upon scope and budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements.

Related Government Programs

Military Construction, Navy
Fire Station Construction
Emergency Services Facilities
Naval Air Station Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Contractor performance risk
Cost escalation risk (for contractor)
Schedule delay risk
Unforeseen site conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $29.2 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE. CONSTRUCT FIRE CRASH RESCUE STATION NWS JB CHARLESTON SC

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 Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-29. End: 2025-07-31.

What is Whiting-Turner Contracting Company's track record with large federal construction projects, particularly for the Department of Defense?

Whiting-Turner Contracting Company has a significant history of executing large-scale construction projects for various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. They have been involved in numerous military construction initiatives, ranging from barracks and training facilities to specialized infrastructure. Their portfolio often includes complex projects requiring adherence to stringent government specifications and security protocols. A review of their past performance ratings and any past performance issues on similar DoD contracts would provide further insight into their reliability and capability for this specific fire station project. Their established presence suggests a capacity to manage the logistical and technical demands of such an undertaking.

How does the awarded price of $29.1 million compare to similar fire/crash rescue station construction projects at other military installations?

The awarded price of approximately $29.1 million for this fire/crash rescue station appears to be within the expected range for specialized military construction of this nature. Benchmarking against similar projects at other naval or air force bases reveals that costs for such facilities can vary widely based on location, size, specific equipment requirements (e.g., specialized bays, training towers), and prevailing construction market conditions. However, for a facility of this type and scale, a price in the tens of millions is not uncommon. Factors like site preparation complexity, environmental considerations, and the integration of advanced safety systems can influence the final cost. Without specific details on comparable projects' square footage and features, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the figure does not immediately suggest an outlier.

What are the primary risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for a multi-year construction project of this magnitude?

The primary risk with a firm fixed-price (FFP) contract for a large, multi-year construction project lies in potential cost overruns for the contractor if unforeseen issues arise. While FFP shifts cost risk to the contractor, significant challenges like unexpected subsurface conditions, extreme weather events impacting schedules, or substantial increases in material costs beyond market fluctuations could lead to contractor financial distress or requests for equitable adjustments. For the government, the risk is ensuring the contractor has the financial stability and technical expertise to absorb these potential cost increases without compromising quality or project completion. Thorough pre-award risk assessments and robust contract administration are crucial to mitigate these potential downsides.

What is the expected impact of this new fire station on the operational effectiveness and safety at Joint Base Charleston?

The construction of a new fire/crash rescue station at Joint Base Charleston is expected to significantly enhance operational effectiveness and safety. Modern fire stations are equipped with advanced technology and specialized apparatus necessary to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including aircraft incidents, structural fires, and medical calls. A new facility implies updated equipment and potentially improved response times due to optimized station layout and proximity to critical areas on the base. This upgrade ensures compliance with current safety standards and improves the overall resilience of the base's emergency response capabilities, safeguarding personnel, assets, and the surrounding community.

How has federal spending on military construction, specifically for support facilities like fire stations, trended over the past five years?

Federal spending on military construction, including support facilities like fire stations, has generally remained robust over the past five years, driven by the need to modernize aging infrastructure and adapt to evolving mission requirements across all branches of the armed forces. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget appropriations and strategic priorities, there has been a consistent emphasis on upgrading facilities to meet current operational demands and enhance force readiness. Investments often target energy efficiency, force protection, and capacity expansion. The Department of Defense's Military Construction, Defense-wide (MILCON) budget, and specific service-level appropriations (like the Navy's) reflect this ongoing commitment to infrastructure renewal, with projects like fire stations being a recurring component.

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: N6945020R0097

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: $29,162,689

Exercised Options: $29,162,689

Current Obligation: $29,162,689

Actual Outlays: $5,395,071

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6945022D0013

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline