VA awards $38.1M for Florida parking facility construction to Brasfield & Gorrie LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,132,520 ($38.1M)

Contractor: Brasfield & Gorrie LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2009-11-09

End Date: 2013-09-23

Contract Duration: 1,414 days

Daily Burn Rate: $27.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 18

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: PARKING

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32801

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $38.1 million to BRASFIELD & GORRIE LLC for work described as: PARKING Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in infrastructure for the VA. 2. The project was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract (1414 days) indicates a complex, multi-year construction project. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. The project falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. 6. The award amount of $38.1M is a key data point for benchmarking similar projects.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $38.1 million for a parking facility appears reasonable given the scope of a large construction project. Without specific details on the size, capacity, and complexity of the parking facility, a direct per-square-foot or per-space cost comparison is difficult. However, for a major infrastructure project awarded through full and open competition, the price is likely within an expected range. Further analysis would require benchmarking against similar VA or other federal agency construction projects of comparable scale and location.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 18 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this project. A robust competitive environment generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government, as contractors vie to win the award.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down the final award price compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario. This ensures that federal funds are used more efficiently.

Public Impact

Veterans in Florida will benefit from improved parking facilities at a VA facility. The construction project will create jobs in the commercial and institutional building construction sector in Florida. The project supports the VA's mission to provide comprehensive healthcare services by ensuring adequate infrastructure. The geographic impact is localized to the specific VA facility in Florida where the parking structure is built.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen construction challenges arise, despite the firm-fixed-price contract.
Delays in construction could impact the usability of the facility and extend project timelines.
Ensuring the quality of construction meets VA standards and long-term durability.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive pricing environment.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor, Brasfield & Gorrie LLC, is a reputable construction firm with experience in large projects.

Sector Analysis

The Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector is a vital part of the U.S. economy, encompassing the building of structures such as hospitals, government facilities, and commercial offices. Federal spending in this sector often involves large-scale infrastructure projects. The $38.1 million awarded to Brasfield & Gorrie LLC for a parking facility represents a significant, albeit specific, investment within this broader industry. Benchmarking this contract against other federal construction projects of similar size and purpose would provide further context on its value.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is Brasfield & Gorrie LLC, a large firm, there is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans or goals for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether the prime contractor actively seeks to engage small businesses for specialized construction services or material supply.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this construction contract would typically be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officers and project managers. They are responsible for monitoring progress, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though detailed project-specific oversight information may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

VA Capital Asset and Business Management
Federal Buildings and Facilities Construction
Department of Defense Construction Contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service

Risk Flags

Potential for construction delays
Risk of unforeseen site conditions
Cost escalation in materials or labor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $38.1 million to BRASFIELD & GORRIE LLC. PARKING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRASFIELD & GORRIE LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $38.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-11-09. End: 2013-09-23.

What is the track record of Brasfield & Gorrie LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Brasfield & Gorrie LLC has a history of working with the Department of Veterans Affairs on various construction projects. While this specific contract for a parking facility is a significant award, their broader portfolio likely includes other healthcare facility construction, renovations, and infrastructure development for the VA and other federal agencies. A detailed review of their past performance with the VA, including any past performance evaluations, dispute resolutions, or contract modifications, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and capability in delivering projects for the agency. Their experience with similar large-scale construction projects is a positive indicator.

How does the $38.1 million award compare to similar VA parking facility construction projects?

Comparing the $38.1 million award for this parking facility requires access to a database of similar VA construction projects, including their size (number of spaces, square footage), location, and specific features. Without such a benchmark, it's challenging to definitively assess value. However, for a large, multi-year construction project, this figure suggests a substantial undertaking. Factors like prevailing construction costs in Florida, the complexity of the design, and any unique site requirements would influence the final price. A comparative analysis against projects of similar scope and complexity would be necessary to determine if this award represents good value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm-fixed-price construction contract?

The primary risks associated with this firm-fixed-price contract, while generally favorable for cost certainty, include potential for contractor claims due to unforeseen site conditions, design errors or omissions, or scope changes. If the contractor encounters unexpected subsurface issues or material price escalations beyond what was reasonably anticipated, they may seek adjustments. Additionally, the risk of contractor default or significant delays, though mitigated by the contractor's experience, remains a concern. The VA's oversight will be crucial in managing these risks, particularly in ensuring that the contractor adheres to the contract's terms and conditions and that any change orders are properly justified and priced.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring competitive pricing for large construction contracts like this?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring competitive pricing for large construction contracts. By allowing all responsible contractors to bid, it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, thereby increasing the likelihood of receiving multiple competitive bids. This intense competition incentivizes contractors to submit their most aggressive and realistic pricing to win the contract. The fact that 18 bids were received for this VA parking facility project strongly suggests that the full and open competition strategy was successful in generating significant interest and driving competitive offers, which ultimately benefits the government and taxpayers through potentially lower costs.

What is the historical spending pattern for commercial and institutional building construction by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The Department of Veterans Affairs consistently allocates significant funds towards the construction and renovation of its healthcare facilities, which fall under the broader category of commercial and institutional building construction. Historical spending patterns reveal a continuous need for infrastructure upgrades, expansions, and new facilities to meet the healthcare demands of veterans. This includes projects ranging from new hospital wings and clinics to essential support structures like parking facilities. Analyzing VA's historical spending in this sector would show a trend of substantial annual investments, often in the hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars, reflecting the scale of its real estate portfolio and ongoing modernization efforts.

What are the implications of the 1414-day contract duration on project management and oversight?

A contract duration of 1414 days (approximately 3.8 years) for a construction project signifies a complex and lengthy undertaking. This extended timeline necessitates robust, long-term project management and oversight from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Key implications include the need for sustained funding allocation, continuous monitoring of progress against milestones, and proactive management of potential risks that can emerge over such an extended period, such as material price fluctuations, labor availability, and regulatory changes. The VA's project team must maintain consistent communication with the contractor, conduct regular site inspections, and manage any necessary contract modifications efficiently to ensure the project stays on track and within budget.

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

Offers Received: 18

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3021 7TH AVE SOUTH, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 90

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $38,132,520

Exercised Options: $38,132,520

Current Obligation: $38,132,520

Timeline