VA awards $26M design-build contract for Barrancas National Cemetery, with 4 bidders competing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,036,789 ($26.0M)

Contractor: C & C Contractors LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2017-03-02

End Date: 2021-05-19

Contract Duration: 1,539 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF BARRANCAS NATIONAL CEMETERY - TWO-PHASE DESIGN-BUILD

Place of Performance

Location: PENSACOLA, ESCAMBIA County, FLORIDA, 32508

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $26.0 million to C & C CONTRACTORS LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF BARRANCAS NATIONAL CEMETERY - TWO-PHASE DESIGN-BUILD Key points: 1. Contract awarded at a competitive price point, suggesting good value for the government. 2. Full and open competition indicates a robust bidding process, likely leading to favorable pricing. 3. The contract duration of nearly 4 years suggests a complex project with potential for cost overruns if not managed closely. 4. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost escalation risk for the government. 5. The project falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, requiring specialized expertise. 6. Awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, aligning with the agency's mission to support veterans.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $26 million for a two-phase design-build project at a national cemetery appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction projects for federal facilities suggests that the pricing is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price structure further enhances value by capping potential cost increases for the government, provided the scope remains controlled.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, with four distinct bidders participating. This level of competition is generally positive, as it encourages multiple firms to offer their best pricing and technical solutions to win the contract. The presence of four bidders suggests a healthy market for this type of specialized construction service.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition for this contract likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario. It ensures that the government is not overpaying due to a lack of alternatives.

Public Impact

Veterans and their families will benefit from improved and expanded facilities at Barrancas National Cemetery. The contract delivers essential design and construction services for a significant national cemetery. The project's geographic impact is focused on Florida, specifically Pensacola. The construction activities will likely create jobs in the local and regional workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in a multi-phase design-build project, which could impact final costs.
Ensuring timely completion within the nearly 4-year duration is critical to avoid extended disruption and potential cost increases.
Coordination between design and build phases requires diligent oversight to maintain quality and budget.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition with multiple bidders suggests a competitive market and potentially better pricing.
The contract is awarded to a specific contractor, indicating a selection based on qualifications and price.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, a broad category encompassing large-scale infrastructure and construction projects. The market for federal cemetery construction and expansion is specialized, often involving specific design requirements and adherence to national standards. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar VA or Department of Defense construction projects of this scale would typically range in the tens of millions, making this award consistent with sector norms.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether the prime contractor utilizes small businesses for subcontracting opportunities, which is not explicitly detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and project management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver the specified scope within the agreed price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific oversight reports from an Inspector General would depend on whether any issues were flagged or investigated.

Related Government Programs

National Cemetery Administration Construction Projects
Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Investments
Federal Design-Build Contracts
Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction Services

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in design-build projects.
Contract duration of nearly 4 years requires sustained oversight.
Coordination risks between design and construction phases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $26.0 million to C & C CONTRACTORS LLC. IGF::OT::IGF BARRANCAS NATIONAL CEMETERY - TWO-PHASE DESIGN-BUILD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is C & C CONTRACTORS 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 $26.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-03-02. End: 2021-05-19.

What is the track record of C & C CONTRACTORS LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing the track record of C & C CONTRACTORS LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requires a review of their past contract history. While this specific contract is for $26 million, understanding their performance on previous VA projects, including their success in meeting deadlines, budget adherence, and quality standards, is crucial. Information from contract databases and performance evaluations (if publicly available) would shed light on their reliability and expertise in delivering services for the VA. A history of successful, on-time, and within-budget completions would indicate a lower risk for this current project, whereas past issues might warrant closer scrutiny of their project management capabilities.

How does the $26 million award compare to other VA cemetery construction projects?

The $26 million award for the Barrancas National Cemetery design-build project can be benchmarked against other similar projects undertaken by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or other federal agencies for national cemeteries. The VA's National Cemetery Administration undertakes various construction and expansion projects, ranging from columbarium construction to new burial sections and infrastructure upgrades. The cost of such projects can vary significantly based on location, scope, and complexity. A $26 million figure for a two-phase design-build project suggests a substantial undertaking, likely involving significant site work, new construction, and potentially complex design elements. Comparing this to other recent VA cemetery projects of similar scale and scope would help determine if the pricing is competitive and reflects fair market value for the services rendered.

What are the primary risks associated with a multi-phase design-build contract of this magnitude?

Multi-phase design-build contracts, especially those valued at $26 million, carry inherent risks that require careful management. Key risks include potential scope creep, where the project's requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns and schedule delays. Coordination challenges between the design and construction phases are also significant; a breakdown in communication or integration can result in errors, rework, and increased costs. Furthermore, unforeseen site conditions (e.g., geological issues, environmental concerns) can arise during construction, necessitating change orders and budget adjustments. The firm fixed-price nature of this contract aims to mitigate cost escalation, but it places a greater burden on the contractor to accurately estimate and manage these risks. Robust project oversight and clear communication protocols are essential to address these potential issues.

How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in controlling costs for this project?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered one of the most effective contract types for controlling costs when the scope of work is well-defined and unlikely to change significantly. For this $26 million design-build project at Barrancas National Cemetery, the FFP structure places the primary cost risk on the contractor, C & C CONTRACTORS LLC. This incentivizes the contractor to manage their expenses efficiently and to accurately estimate all costs associated with design and construction. However, the effectiveness of FFP can be diminished if unforeseen circumstances necessitate significant contract modifications or change orders, which could lead to cost increases despite the contract type. Diligent oversight by the VA to prevent scope creep and manage any necessary changes is crucial to ensure the FFP structure truly delivers cost control.

What is the historical spending pattern for cemetery construction and maintenance by the VA?

Historical spending patterns for cemetery construction and maintenance by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reveal a consistent and significant investment in its National Cemetery Administration (NCA). The VA allocates substantial funds annually towards the development, expansion, and upkeep of its cemeteries nationwide to accommodate the growing needs of veterans and their families. This includes capital construction projects like the one awarded to C & C CONTRACTORS LLC, as well as ongoing maintenance, landscaping, and operational costs. Analyzing past VA budget allocations and contract awards for similar projects can provide context for the $26 million figure, indicating whether this represents a typical investment level or an outlier. Trends in spending often reflect the VA's strategic goals, such as increasing burial capacity or modernizing existing facilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: VA101-16-R-0142

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 209 LYON ST, NOTASULGA, AL, 36866

Business Categories: Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,036,789

Exercised Options: $26,036,789

Current Obligation: $26,036,789

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline