Department of Defense awards $34.6M contract for administrative facility construction in Maryland

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,591,132 ($34.6M)

Contractor: Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-12-14

End Date: 2010-04-23

Contract Duration: 861 days

Daily Burn Rate: $40.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CO120-CONTRACT - ADMIN FAC 902ND

Place of Performance

Location: FORT GEORGE G MEADE, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 20755

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $34.6 million to COAKLEY & WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION, INC. for work described as: CO120-CONTRACT - ADMIN FAC 902ND Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc. for building construction services. 2. The contract was procured through full and open competition, indicating a broad market search. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and cost control measures. 4. The contract duration of 861 days points to a significant construction project. 5. The project is located in Maryland, potentially impacting the local construction workforce and economy.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $34.6 million for administrative facility construction appears within a reasonable range for a project of this scale and duration. Benchmarking against similar institutional building projects by the Department of Defense or other federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government, but the initial pricing is critical. Without specific details on the scope of work and materials, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that the Department of the Army sought bids from all responsible sources. The presence of 7 bidders indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of construction project. This broad competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures the government receives offers from a diverse range of qualified contractors, potentially leading to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition process likely resulted in a more cost-effective outcome for taxpayers by encouraging multiple firms to submit bids, driving down prices. It also ensures that taxpayer funds are used to secure services from the most capable and competitively priced providers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its personnel who will utilize the new administrative facility. The contract delivers construction services for a new administrative building, enhancing operational capacity. The geographic impact is concentrated in Maryland, supporting local employment and the regional construction industry. The project implies job creation for construction workers, engineers, architects, and related trades in the Maryland area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if the firm fixed-price contract does not adequately account for unforeseen construction challenges.
Risk of delays in project completion impacting the operational readiness of the administrative facility.
Dependence on the financial stability and performance history of Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor has experience in commercial and institutional building construction.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector, particularly for government facilities, is a significant market. This contract falls under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction (NAICS 236220). Federal spending in this area is driven by the need for new infrastructure, upgrades, and maintenance of government buildings across various agencies. The market is characterized by a mix of large general contractors and specialized subcontractors, with competition often influenced by project size, location, and security requirements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates the prime contractor is not a small business. While there is no direct small business set-aside, the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors. The extent of small business subcontracting would need further investigation to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant project management office within the Department of the Army. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and compliance with contract terms are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific project details might be limited.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Construction Contracts
Federal Building Construction
Army Corps of Engineers Projects
Maryland Construction Spending

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns
Risk of project delays
Contractor performance history unknown

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $34.6 million to COAKLEY & WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION, INC.. CO120-CONTRACT - ADMIN FAC 902ND

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COAKLEY & WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION, 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 $34.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-12-14. End: 2010-04-23.

What is the specific scope of work for this administrative facility construction contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for Commercial and Institutional Building Construction (NAICS 236220) awarded to Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc. by the Department of the Army. While the exact scope of work is not detailed in the provided data, typical projects under this NAICS code involve the construction of new buildings or the alteration, repair, and renovation of existing commercial and institutional structures. This could include office buildings, administrative centers, or similar facilities. Further details would likely be found in the contract's statement of work, which outlines specific requirements, design specifications, materials, and deliverables.

How does the awarded amount of $34.6 million compare to similar administrative facility construction projects by the Department of Defense?

Comparing the $34.6 million award requires access to a database of similar Department of Defense (DoD) administrative facility construction projects, including their size, scope, location, and duration. However, for a project spanning approximately 2.5 years (861 days) and involving significant construction, this value is not inherently excessive. Federal construction projects can vary widely in cost due to factors like geographic location (labor and material costs), specific design requirements, security enhancements, and site conditions. A comprehensive benchmark would involve analyzing contracts with similar square footage, complexity, and regional cost indices.

What is the track record of Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense?

The provided data identifies Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc. as the contractor. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their past performance on federal contracts. This includes reviewing contract history for on-time delivery, adherence to budget, quality of work, and any instances of disputes or contract terminations. Information on their experience with the Department of Defense specifically, and similar types of construction projects, would be crucial for evaluating their capability and reliability for this particular award.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for a construction project of this magnitude?

A firm fixed-price (FFP) contract, while beneficial for cost control, carries inherent risks for both the government and the contractor. For the government, the primary risk is that the contractor may cut corners on quality or materials to maintain profitability if costs escalate unexpectedly. For the contractor, the risk is absorbing cost overruns if the initial price was underestimated or if unforeseen issues arise during construction (e.g., unexpected site conditions, material price spikes, labor shortages). Effective risk mitigation involves thorough initial cost estimation, detailed scope definition, and robust government oversight to ensure quality standards are met.

How does the competition level (7 bidders) influence the final price and value for taxpayers?

Having seven bidders for this contract suggests a competitive marketplace for this type of construction service. A higher number of bidders generally leads to more competitive pricing as companies vie for the award. This increased competition can drive down the final contract price, offering better value for taxpayers. It also increases the likelihood that the government will select a contractor offering a strong combination of price, technical capability, and past performance, thereby maximizing the return on public investment.

What is the historical spending pattern for administrative facility construction by the Department of the Army in Maryland?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for administrative facility construction by the Department of the Army in Maryland would require access to historical contract data. This analysis would involve identifying similar projects awarded over previous fiscal years, noting their values, durations, and locations within Maryland. Understanding these patterns can help contextualize the current $34.6 million award, revealing whether it aligns with typical investment levels, indicates an increase or decrease in spending, or suggests a shift in construction priorities for the agency in that region.

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: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: W912DR07R0042

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 16 S SUMMIT AVE STE 300, GAITHERSBURG, MD, 20877

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,591,132

Exercised Options: $34,591,132

Current Obligation: $34,591,132

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline