USDA ARS Awards $57.7M Design-Bid-Build Contract to Swinerton Builders for R&D Center Construction
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $57,747,242 ($57.7M)
Contractor: Swinerton Builders
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-07-26
End Date: 2026-11-11
Contract Duration: 838 days
Daily Burn Rate: $68.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) AGRICULTURE RESEARCH SERVICES (ARS) RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT (R&D) CENTER, DESIGN-BID-BUILD (DBB) CONSTRUCTION
Place of Performance
Location: DAVIS, YOLO County, CALIFORNIA, 95616
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $57.7 million to SWINERTON BUILDERS for work described as: US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) AGRICULTURE RESEARCH SERVICES (ARS) RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT (R&D) CENTER, DESIGN-BID-BUILD (DBB) CONSTRUCTION Key points: 1. The contract value of $57.7 million is significant for a single R&D center construction project. 2. Swinerton Builders is a large, established construction firm, indicating a competitive landscape for major projects. 3. The project carries risks associated with large-scale construction, including potential cost overruns and schedule delays. 4. The sector is Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, a vital area for infrastructure development.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $57.7 million appears reasonable for a large R&D center construction project of this scope and duration (838 days). Benchmarking against similar government construction contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. The use of a firm-fixed-price contract aims to control costs for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process is expected to yield a fair price, maximizing taxpayer value for this essential research infrastructure.
Public Impact
Enhances critical research capabilities for the USDA. Supports economic activity through construction jobs and material procurement. Provides modern facilities for scientific advancement in agriculture. Potential for long-term benefits in agricultural innovation and food security.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for construction delays impacting research timelines.
- Risk of unforeseen site conditions affecting final costs.
- Dependence on a single prime contractor for overall project success.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
- Experienced contractor selected.
- Project supports vital agricultural research.
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, which is crucial for developing specialized facilities like R&D centers. Government spending in this area often involves large, complex projects requiring significant investment.
Small Business Impact
While the prime contractor is a large firm, opportunities for small businesses likely exist as subcontractors for specialized trades and material supply, though this contract does not explicitly mention small business set-asides.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense's involvement suggests robust oversight mechanisms are in place for managing large construction projects. The firm-fixed-price contract also incentivizes contractor performance and cost control.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule overruns.
- Risk of unforeseen site conditions.
- Dependence on prime contractor's management.
- Inflationary pressures on material costs.
- Availability of skilled labor.
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $57.7 million to SWINERTON BUILDERS. US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) AGRICULTURE RESEARCH SERVICES (ARS) RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT (R&D) CENTER, DESIGN-BID-BUILD (DBB) CONSTRUCTION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SWINERTON BUILDERS.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $57.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-07-26. End: 2026-11-11.
What is the estimated cost per square foot for this R&D center compared to similar facilities?
Without specific details on the facility's size and features, a precise cost per square foot benchmark is difficult. However, for large institutional buildings, costs can range significantly based on location, complexity, and specialized equipment. A detailed comparison would require access to the facility's square footage and specific design elements to ensure fair market value.
What are the primary risks associated with the 838-day construction timeline, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risks include potential weather delays, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages, all of which could extend the 838-day timeline. Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed scheduling, contingency planning for material sourcing, and proactive labor management by Swinerton Builders. The firm-fixed-price contract incentivizes the contractor to manage these risks effectively to avoid cost overruns.
How will the effectiveness of the new R&D center be measured post-construction?
Effectiveness will likely be measured by the center's ability to support advanced agricultural research, leading to innovations in crop yields, pest resistance, and sustainable farming practices. Key performance indicators could include the number of research projects initiated, scientific publications, patents filed, and the successful transfer of research findings to agricultural stakeholders.
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: W9123824R0008
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2001 CLAYTON RD FL 7TH, CONCORD, CA, 94520
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $57,747,242
Exercised Options: $57,747,242
Current Obligation: $57,747,242
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-07-26
Current End Date: 2026-11-11
Potential End Date: 2026-11-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-09
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