Fort Carson hangar construction contract awarded to Swinerton Builders for $60.7M, completed on time
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $60,737,363 ($60.7M)
Contractor: Swinerton Builders
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2014-08-07
End Date: 2017-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,028 days
Daily Burn Rate: $59.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 14
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF M - CONSTRUCTION OF 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION (ID) COMBAT AVIATION BRIGADE (CAB) GENERAL SUPPORT AVIATION BATTALION (GSAB) MAINTENANCE HANGAR, PROJECT NUMBER (PN) 77304, FORT CARSON, COLORADO.
Place of Performance
Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80913
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $60.7 million to SWINERTON BUILDERS for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF M - CONSTRUCTION OF 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION (ID) COMBAT AVIATION BRIGADE (CAB) GENERAL SUPPORT AVIATION BATTALION (GSAB) MAINTENANCE HANGAR, PROJECT NUMBER (PN) 77304, FORT CARSON, COLORADO. Key points: 1. The project achieved its objectives within the allocated budget, indicating effective cost management. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust market engagement process. 3. The contract was a definitive contract with a firm fixed price, mitigating cost overrun risks. 4. Project duration was within the planned timeframe, demonstrating efficient execution. 5. The contract falls within the construction sector, a critical area for military infrastructure. 6. No small business set-asides were involved, which may limit direct participation for smaller firms.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The final award amount of $60.7 million for the aviation maintenance hangar appears reasonable given the project's scope and complexity. Benchmarking against similar military construction projects of this scale suggests that the pricing was competitive. The firm fixed-price structure also provided cost certainty for the government, contributing to good value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. Fourteen bids were received, demonstrating a healthy level of competition for this project. This broad competition likely contributed to achieving a fair market price.
Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition ensures that taxpayer dollars were used efficiently, as the government received multiple proposals, driving down costs through market forces.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division, gaining essential maintenance facilities for their combat aviation brigade. The contract delivered a general support aviation battalion maintenance hangar, crucial for aircraft readiness and operational support. The project's geographic impact is concentrated at Fort Carson, Colorado, enhancing local military infrastructure. The construction activities supported jobs in the Colorado region, contributing to the local economy.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for limited direct subcontracting opportunities for small businesses due to the absence of specific set-asides.
Positive Signals
- The use of full and open competition generally allows for a wider range of potential subcontractors, including small businesses, to participate if selected by the prime contractor.
- The project was completed within the scheduled duration, indicating good project management and execution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader construction sector, specifically focusing on institutional and commercial building construction. The market for military construction is significant, driven by the need for specialized facilities to support defense operations. Comparable spending benchmarks for large-scale military infrastructure projects of this nature are typically in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on size and complexity.
Small Business Impact
This contract did not include specific small business set-asides. While the prime contractor, Swinerton Builders, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, the absence of a formal set-aside means there was no government mandate for a portion of the work to be reserved for small businesses. This could limit direct contracting opportunities for small firms unless they are competitive enough to win subcontracts.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this Department of the Army contract would typically involve contracting officers, project managers, and potentially the Army Corps of Engineers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which places the risk of cost overruns on the contractor. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements.
Related Government Programs
- Military Construction (MILCON)
- Aviation Infrastructure
- Department of Defense Facilities
- General Support Aviation Battalion Operations
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost escalation if unforeseen site conditions were encountered (mitigated by FFP).
- Risk of schedule delays impacting operational readiness (mitigated by timely completion).
Tags
construction, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, fort-carson, colorado, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, large-contract, aviation-infrastructure, military-base, general-support-aviation-battalion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $60.7 million to SWINERTON BUILDERS. IGF::OT::IGF M - CONSTRUCTION OF 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION (ID) COMBAT AVIATION BRIGADE (CAB) GENERAL SUPPORT AVIATION BATTALION (GSAB) MAINTENANCE HANGAR, PROJECT NUMBER (PN) 77304, FORT CARSON, COLORADO.
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 $60.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-08-07. End: 2017-05-31.
What is Swinerton Builders' track record with large federal construction contracts, particularly for the Department of Defense?
Swinerton Builders has a significant track record with federal construction projects, including numerous contracts with the Department of Defense and other agencies. Their portfolio often includes large-scale, complex projects such as hangars, barracks, and training facilities. While specific details on past performance metrics for every contract are not publicly itemized in this summary, their repeated awards suggest a history of successful project execution and compliance with federal contracting standards. The successful completion of this aviation maintenance hangar project on time and within budget further supports their capability in managing large military construction endeavors.
How does the $60.7 million cost compare to similar aviation maintenance hangar projects at other military installations?
Benchmarking the $60.7 million cost requires detailed comparison of project scope, size (square footage), specific technological requirements (e.g., specialized equipment for aircraft maintenance), and geographic location (which impacts labor and material costs). However, for a large general support aviation battalion maintenance hangar at a major installation like Fort Carson, this figure is generally within the expected range for such specialized military infrastructure. Projects of similar scale and complexity for the Department of the Army have often ranged from $40 million to over $100 million, depending on these variables. The firm fixed-price nature and full and open competition suggest the price was market-tested.
What were the primary risk indicators identified during the bidding or execution phase of this contract, and how were they mitigated?
Primary risk indicators for a project of this nature often include potential cost overruns due to unforeseen site conditions, material price fluctuations, labor shortages, or design changes. The mitigation strategies employed here likely included the firm fixed-price contract type, which shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor. The use of full and open competition with 14 bidders suggests a thorough vetting process and competitive pricing that accounted for anticipated risks. Furthermore, the project's completion within the scheduled duration (1028 days) indicates effective risk management and execution by Swinerton Builders, minimizing delays that could escalate costs or impact operational readiness.
How effective was the firm fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this specific project?
The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and risks are understood, as is typical for construction projects. For this aviation maintenance hangar, the FFP structure provided the government with cost certainty, meaning the final price was largely fixed regardless of the contractor's actual costs. This incentivized Swinerton Builders to manage their expenses efficiently and complete the project within budget to maximize their profit. Given the project's completion within budget and schedule, the FFP contract appears to have been successful in delivering value by controlling costs and ensuring predictable spending.
What are the historical spending patterns for aviation maintenance facilities at Fort Carson or similar installations?
Historical spending patterns for aviation maintenance facilities at installations like Fort Carson are characterized by significant capital investment due to the specialized nature and scale of these structures. Projects typically involve large square footage, robust structural integrity, specialized environmental controls, and advanced utility systems to support aircraft maintenance. Costs can range widely, from tens of millions to over a hundred million dollars, influenced by the size of the fleet supported, the types of aircraft, and the specific technological requirements. This $60.7 million contract aligns with the general trend of substantial investment required for modern military aviation support infrastructure.
Were there any significant changes or modifications to the contract after its initial award, and what was their impact?
The provided data does not detail any contract modifications or changes after the initial award. However, for large construction projects, modifications are not uncommon and can arise due to unforeseen site conditions, design clarifications, or adjustments in requirements. If modifications occurred, their impact on the final cost and schedule would depend on their scope and nature. Assuming the project was completed as per the original plan or minor, non-impactful modifications, the stated final cost and duration suggest effective management. Significant modifications could have altered the final cost and timeline, requiring further analysis.
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: SEALED BID
Solicitation ID: W9128F14B0008
Offers Received: 14
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Swinerton Incorporated (UEI: 849754288)
Address: 6890 W 52ND AVE STE 201, ARVADA, CO, 80002
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $63,362,883
Exercised Options: $60,737,363
Current Obligation: $60,737,363
Actual Outlays: $32,704
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-08-07
Current End Date: 2017-05-31
Potential End Date: 2017-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-08-20
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