Department of the Army awarded $19.4M contract for culinary school design-build services to Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,439,842 ($19.4M)

Contractor: Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-12-30

End Date: 2012-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,309 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: DESIGN BUILD CULINARY SCHOOLS

Place of Performance

Location: FORT LEE, PETERSBURG CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23801

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.4 million to ALUTIIQ INTERNATIONAL SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: DESIGN BUILD CULINARY SCHOOLS Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process. 2. The contract type is a firm fixed price, which transfers risk to the contractor. 3. Duration of 1309 days suggests a significant, long-term project. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 236220 points to commercial and institutional building construction. 5. The award was made by the Department of the Army, a major component of the Department of Defense. 6. The contractor, Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC, has secured this significant federal contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging without more granular data on the scope of the culinary schools and their specific requirements. The firm fixed-price nature suggests a defined cost expectation. However, the duration and total value indicate a substantial investment. Further analysis would require comparing the cost per square foot or per student capacity against similar educational facility construction projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' which implies that while the competition was broad, there might have been specific reasons for excluding certain sources initially. The presence of 12 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this project, which generally benefits price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process like this one is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to offer their best prices and services, potentially leading to cost savings and a higher quality outcome for the government's investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely military personnel and their families who will utilize the culinary schools. The contract delivers design and construction services for educational facilities, specifically culinary schools. The geographic impact is likely concentrated within a specific military installation or region where the schools are being built. The project will have workforce implications, creating jobs in the construction and potentially in the culinary education sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if the scope of 'design build' is not precisely defined and managed.
Ensuring the quality of construction meets the specific needs of a culinary training environment.
Long-term maintenance and operational costs of the newly constructed facilities are not detailed in this award.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract structure transfers cost risk to the contractor.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market and potentially good value.
The contractor, Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC, has experience in federal contracting, which can imply familiarity with government requirements.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector, particularly for institutional and commercial buildings, is a significant part of the federal contracting landscape. This contract falls under the broader category of construction services, which includes a wide range of activities from new builds to renovations. Federal spending in this area is often driven by the need to maintain and upgrade infrastructure at military bases, government facilities, and other public institutions. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing the cost per square foot for similar educational or specialized facility constructions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this particular award is likely limited unless Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program management office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver the specified design and construction within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific project oversight details are not provided here.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Construction Contracts
Military Base Infrastructure Projects
Federal Educational Facility Construction
Design-Build Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if design requirements are not clearly defined upfront.
Risk of contractor prioritizing cost savings over quality in a firm fixed-price arrangement.
Ensuring adequate oversight to monitor construction quality and adherence to specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.4 million to ALUTIIQ INTERNATIONAL SOLUTIONS, LLC. DESIGN BUILD CULINARY SCHOOLS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALUTIIQ INTERNATIONAL SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-12-30. End: 2012-07-31.

What is the specific scope and location of the culinary schools being designed and built under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact locations or the detailed scope of the culinary schools. The contract is for 'DESIGN BUILD CULINARY SCHOOLS' and falls under NAICS code 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction). To understand the full scope, one would need to consult the contract's statement of work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS). This would detail the size, capacity, specific training facilities required (e.g., kitchens, classrooms, dining areas), and any unique architectural or engineering specifications necessary for a culinary training environment. The location would typically be specified in the contract award details or associated documentation, often tied to a particular military installation.

How does the awarded amount of $19.4 million compare to similar federal contracts for educational facility construction?

Comparing the $19.4 million award requires context regarding the size, complexity, and specific purpose of the culinary schools. Federal contracts for educational facilities can vary widely. For instance, a basic classroom building might cost significantly less per square foot than a specialized facility like a culinary school, which requires extensive, robust kitchen infrastructure, ventilation systems, and specialized plumbing. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify comparable projects (e.g., vocational training centers, other specialized educational facilities) awarded around the same time, considering factors like square footage, location, and the specific features required. Without such direct comparisons, it's difficult to definitively state if $19.4 million represents a high, low, or average cost.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones associated with this design-build contract?

Key performance indicators and milestones for a design-build contract like this are typically outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS). For a design-build project, common milestones include the completion and approval of design documents, procurement of materials, construction phases (foundation, framing, interior work), and final inspection and handover. Performance indicators often focus on adherence to schedule, budget (though less critical for the government in a firm fixed-price contract), quality of workmanship, safety compliance, and meeting all specified technical requirements for the culinary school's functionality. The government would monitor progress against these defined milestones and KPIs throughout the contract duration.

What is the track record of Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC in delivering federal design-build construction projects?

Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC has a history of federal contracting, including work with the Department of Defense. To assess their track record specifically for design-build construction projects, a review of their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) and project history would be necessary. This would reveal their performance on similar projects in terms of quality, timeliness, cost control (where applicable), and overall customer satisfaction. Their ability to secure a $19.4 million firm fixed-price design-build contract suggests they have demonstrated sufficient capability and past performance to be considered a reliable contractor for such endeavors by the Department of the Army.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for a complex design-build project?

While a firm fixed-price (FFP) contract is generally advantageous for the government by capping costs, it carries specific risks, especially for complex design-build projects. The primary risk is that the contractor may cut corners on quality or scope to maintain profitability if unforeseen issues arise during design or construction, or if initial cost estimates were too low. For a design-build project, the integration of design and construction phases can lead to challenges if the design is not fully developed or if changes are required mid-project. The contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which could incentivize them to resist necessary changes or to use less expensive materials if not strictly monitored. The government's risk lies in potentially receiving a product that meets the minimum contract specifications but not necessarily the highest quality or best value if the contractor prioritizes cost containment.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W9123609R0005

Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Afognak Native Corp (UEI: 052089695)

Address: 101 QUALITY CIR NW STE 130, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,748,262

Exercised Options: $20,563,878

Current Obligation: $19,439,842

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline