Navy awards $37.7M for Triton training facility construction at NS Mayport, FL

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $37,703,102 ($37.7M)

Contractor: RQ Construction, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-09-25

End Date: 2026-07-01

Contract Duration: 1,010 days

Daily Burn Rate: $37.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: TRITON MAINTENANCE TRAINING FACILITY, NS MAYPORT, FL

Place of Performance

Location: JACKSONVILLE, DUVAL County, FLORIDA, 32228

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $37.7 million to RQ CONSTRUCTION, LLC for work described as: TRITON MAINTENANCE TRAINING FACILITY, NS MAYPORT, FL Key points: 1. Contract awarded to RQ Construction, LLC for a significant construction project. 2. Project scope includes a Triton Maintenance Training Facility. 3. Location is Naval Station Mayport, Florida. 4. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating defined costs. 5. Duration of the contract is over 1000 days, suggesting a substantial build. 6. Awarded via full and open competition, implying broad market participation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $37.7 million for a training facility appears reasonable given the scope of constructing a specialized facility for Triton maintenance. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction projects for military bases suggests this falls within expected cost ranges. The firm fixed price structure helps control costs for the government, though it places risk on the contractor for cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified contractors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of four bidders suggests a competitive environment, which typically leads to better pricing and value for the government. This approach ensures that the government selects the best value offer from a wide pool of potential suppliers.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring that the most capable and cost-effective contractor is selected.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Navy personnel who will utilize the Triton Maintenance Training Facility. The facility will support the maintenance and operational readiness of Triton aircraft. The project's geographic impact is concentrated in Jacksonville, Florida, specifically at NS Mayport. Construction activities will likely create temporary jobs in the local Florida workforce. The successful completion of this facility will enhance the Navy's training capabilities for a critical asset.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for construction delays impacting operational readiness timelines.
Risk of cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite fixed-price contract.
Dependence on specialized construction expertise for advanced training facility requirements.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Award to an experienced construction firm (RQ Construction, LLC) with a track record.
Strategic location at NS Mayport supports existing naval operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the broader construction industry. The market for specialized military facility construction is substantial, driven by ongoing modernization and operational needs of defense agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar-sized military construction projects can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on complexity and location.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded via full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside or subcontracting goals. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through this specific award is likely minimal unless RQ Construction, LLC voluntarily engages them for subcontracting. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were pursued.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting and engineering departments. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed price contract terms, requiring adherence to specifications and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, and potential issues could be addressed by the Naval Inspector General if fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) construction projects
Department of Defense military construction (MILCON) program
Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) support infrastructure
Naval Air Station Mayport infrastructure upgrades

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule slippage impacting operational readiness.
Risk of contractor performance issues on a large-scale construction project.
Dependency on specialized materials or labor impacting project timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $37.7 million to RQ CONSTRUCTION, LLC. TRITON MAINTENANCE TRAINING FACILITY, NS MAYPORT, FL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RQ CONSTRUCTION, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $37.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-25. End: 2026-07-01.

What is the track record of RQ Construction, LLC with the Department of Defense, particularly on similar-sized projects?

RQ Construction, LLC has a significant history of contracting with the Department of Defense, including numerous projects involving military construction and facility upgrades. Their portfolio often includes large-scale projects similar in scope and value to the Triton Maintenance Training Facility. Analyzing their past performance on projects of comparable size and complexity would reveal their ability to manage budgets, adhere to schedules, and meet quality standards. Past performance reviews and contract completion data from federal procurement databases would provide further insight into their reliability and effectiveness as a contractor for the Navy.

How does the awarded price of $37.7 million compare to similar Triton training facility constructions or comparable military maintenance facilities?

Benchmarking the $37.7 million award requires comparing it to the construction costs of similar specialized military training facilities or maintenance depots. Factors such as facility size, technological integration (e.g., specialized equipment for Triton maintenance), and geographic location (which affects labor and material costs) are crucial. Without specific data on comparable projects, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, given the specialized nature of a Triton maintenance training facility, the cost appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of this magnitude, assuming it meets all technical and operational requirements outlined in the contract.

What are the primary risks associated with the construction of this facility, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks include potential construction delays due to unforeseen site conditions, weather, or supply chain disruptions, which could impact the Navy's operational readiness timelines. Cost overruns are a potential risk, although mitigated by the firm fixed price contract structure, which places the financial burden on the contractor. The Navy mitigates these risks through detailed contract specifications, performance monitoring, and potentially liquidated damages clauses for significant delays. The selection of an experienced contractor like RQ Construction, LLC also serves as a risk mitigation strategy, assuming they have robust project management and quality control processes in place.

What is the expected effectiveness of the Triton Maintenance Training Facility once completed?

The facility is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of Triton maintenance personnel by providing a dedicated, state-of-the-art environment for hands-on training. This includes simulating real-world maintenance scenarios, utilizing specialized tools and equipment, and potentially incorporating advanced training technologies. Improved training is anticipated to lead to higher quality maintenance, reduced aircraft downtime, and increased operational readiness for the Triton fleet. The facility's design and capabilities will be tailored to the specific maintenance requirements of the Triton platform, ensuring personnel are proficient in its upkeep.

How has spending on similar military construction projects at Naval Station Mayport trended over the past five years?

Analyzing historical spending on similar military construction projects at Naval Station Mayport over the past five years would provide context for the $37.7 million award. Trends might reveal an increase or decrease in the average cost of construction, the types of facilities being prioritized, and the competitive landscape for base development. This historical data could indicate whether current spending levels are consistent with past investments or represent a significant shift in priorities or cost escalation. Such an analysis would help determine if this award is an outlier or part of a sustained investment pattern.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6945020R0097

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1620 FARADAY AVE, CARLSBAD, CA, 92008

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,488,102

Exercised Options: $37,703,102

Current Obligation: $37,703,102

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 31

Total Subaward Amount: $17,854,756

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6945021D0060

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline