DoD's $26.4M F-22 Radar Facility Contract Awarded to Okland Construction for Radar Cross Section Testing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,397,832 ($26.4M)
Contractor: Okland Construction Company, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-05-27
End Date: 2013-07-01
Contract Duration: 1,131 days
Daily Burn Rate: $23.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: F-22 RADAR CROSS SECTION TEST FACILITY, HILL AFB, UT
Place of Performance
Location: HILL AFB, DAVIS County, UTAH, 84056
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $26.4 million to OKLAND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. for work described as: F-22 RADAR CROSS SECTION TEST FACILITY, HILL AFB, UT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized facility construction to support F-22 radar testing. 2. Competition was robust, with 8 bidders vying for the project. 3. The contract utilized a firm fixed-price structure, indicating clear cost expectations. 4. Construction duration was over three years, suggesting a complex project scope. 5. The project is located at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, a key defense installation. 6. No small business set-aside was applied to this procurement.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $26.4 million for a specialized radar cross-section test facility appears reasonable given the complexity and duration of the project. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction projects for defense infrastructure suggests that the pricing is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract also implies that the government secured a defined cost, which is a positive indicator of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with 8 distinct bidders submitting proposals. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures a wide range of contractors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of multiple 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 competitive price for taxpayers, as contractors vied to offer the best value to secure the award.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force and the F-22 program, which will gain enhanced testing capabilities. The project delivers a critical infrastructure component for advanced radar system development and validation. The geographic impact is concentrated in Utah, specifically at Hill Air Force Base. The construction phase likely created temporary employment opportunities in the local Utah workforce.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for construction delays impacting operational readiness of the F-22 testing facility.
- Risk of cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite fixed-price contract.
- Dependency on specialized construction expertise which may limit future contractor availability.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
- Extensive competition suggests a well-vetted and competitive pricing structure.
- Award to an established construction company with experience in large projects.
Sector Analysis
The construction sector for specialized defense facilities is a niche but critical part of the broader construction industry. This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction NAICS code. Spending on such facilities is often driven by specific defense modernization programs, like the F-22's ongoing operational needs. Comparable projects might include other specialized testing ranges or secure facility constructions within military bases, where costs can range significantly based on technological requirements and security mandates.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. The award went to a large construction company, suggesting that the project's scale and technical demands were likely beyond the typical capacity of small businesses in this specialized field.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this definitive contract would typically fall under the purview of the Department of the Army contracting officers and potentially the Air Force personnel at Hill AFB. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver within the agreed-upon cost. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed project oversight reports are not publicly available.
Related Government Programs
- F-22 Raptor Program
- Air Force Base Infrastructure Projects
- Defense Test and Evaluation Facilities
- Radar Technology Development
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule delays impacting F-22 testing capabilities.
- Risk of technical challenges in achieving required radar stealth measurement accuracy.
- Dependency on specialized construction materials and techniques.
Tags
defense, construction, hill-air-force-base, utah, full-and-open-competition, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, f-22-raptor, radar-testing, specialized-facility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $26.4 million to OKLAND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.. F-22 RADAR CROSS SECTION TEST FACILITY, HILL AFB, UT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is OKLAND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $26.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-05-27. End: 2013-07-01.
What is the track record of Okland Construction Company, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?
Okland Construction Company, Inc. has a history of engaging with federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. While specific details on past performance metrics for this particular contract are not provided, their ability to win a competitive bid for a significant project like the F-22 RADAR CROSS SECTION TEST FACILITY suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. Federal procurement databases often track contractor performance, and agencies typically conduct pre-award assessments of a contractor's past performance and financial stability before awarding large contracts. Further investigation into their contract history would reveal the scope and success of their previous federal engagements.
How does the $26.4 million cost compare to similar radar testing facility constructions?
Benchmarking the $26.4 million cost requires comparing it to similar specialized defense construction projects. Factors such as the size of the facility, the complexity of the radar cross-section measurement technology required, site preparation needs, and security specifications significantly influence costs. Projects involving advanced electromagnetic shielding, anechoic chambers, and precise measurement equipment are inherently expensive. Without specific data on comparable facilities, it's challenging to provide a precise benchmark. However, for a facility supporting a major fighter jet program like the F-22, a multi-million dollar investment is expected, and the firm fixed-price nature suggests cost controls were a priority.
What are the primary risks associated with constructing a radar cross-section test facility?
Constructing a radar cross-section (RCS) test facility presents several unique risks. Technical risks include ensuring the facility's design meets stringent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and shielding requirements to prevent external signals from contaminating measurements. Accuracy of the RCS measurements is paramount, demanding highly specialized materials and construction techniques. Environmental risks might involve managing construction impacts on sensitive base operations or ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Schedule risks are common in large construction projects, exacerbated by the need for specialized components and skilled labor. Finally, cost risks, even with a fixed-price contract, can arise from unforeseen site conditions or changes in technical requirements.
What is the significance of this facility for the F-22 program's operational readiness and future development?
This facility is crucial for the F-22 program's ongoing operational readiness and future development by providing a dedicated, state-of-the-art environment for testing and validating the aircraft's stealth characteristics. Radar cross-section is a key measure of an aircraft's survivability and effectiveness against enemy radar detection. Regular testing ensures that the F-22's stealth coatings and airframe integrity are maintained, and allows for the evaluation of any modifications or upgrades. This capability is vital for ensuring the F-22 remains a dominant force in contested airspace and for informing future stealth aircraft designs.
How has federal spending on defense construction facilities evolved over the past decade, and where does this contract fit?
Federal spending on defense construction facilities fluctuates based on modernization needs, geopolitical factors, and budget allocations. Over the past decade, there has been a consistent need for upgrades and new constructions to support advanced platforms like the F-22, F-35, and other next-generation systems. Spending often prioritizes facilities that enhance readiness, testing capabilities, and cybersecurity. This $26.4 million contract for an F-22 RCS test facility represents a specific investment within a broader category of defense infrastructure spending. It aligns with the trend of investing in specialized facilities required for maintaining and developing cutting-edge military technology, particularly in areas like stealth and electronic warfare.
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
Solicitation ID: W9123810R0016
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1978 S WEST TEMPLE, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 84115
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,388,889
Exercised Options: $26,523,889
Current Obligation: $26,397,832
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-05-27
Current End Date: 2013-07-01
Potential End Date: 2013-07-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-10-29
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