M.C. Dean awarded $27M Buckley AFB electrical contract, highlighting significant investment in military infrastructure

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,005,942 ($27.0M)

Contractor: M. C. Dean, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-08-02

End Date: 2022-10-31

Contract Duration: 820 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: RECAP 2B DBB CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, CO.

Place of Performance

Location: AURORA, ADAMS County, COLORADO, 80010

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $27.0 million to M. C. DEAN, INC. for work described as: RECAP 2B DBB CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, CO. Key points: 1. The contract value of $27 million indicates a substantial investment in electrical infrastructure at Buckley Air Force Base. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process, potentially leading to competitive pricing. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor, M.C. Dean, Inc. 4. The project duration of 820 days points to a complex and lengthy installation or upgrade. 5. This contract falls within the Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors NAICS code, a common sector for base modernization. 6. The award to M.C. Dean, Inc. represents a significant single contract win for the company in this period.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $27 million for electrical work at a military installation appears within a reasonable range for large-scale projects of this nature. Benchmarking against similar definitive contracts for electrical infrastructure upgrades at Air Force bases would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure incentivizes cost control by the contractor. Without specific per-unit cost data or detailed scope of work, a definitive comparison is challenging, but the overall award size suggests a significant undertaking.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The fact that it was competed broadly suggests that the government sought the most advantageous offer available in the market for this electrical construction project.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it is expected to drive down costs through market forces and increase the likelihood of receiving a high-quality service at a competitive price.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the United States Air Force and personnel stationed at Buckley Air Force Base, who will receive upgraded electrical systems. The services delivered include electrical contracting and wiring installation, crucial for base operations and modernization. The geographic impact is localized to Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado. The contract supports the construction and electrical trades workforce, likely creating or sustaining jobs in the Colorado region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, though mitigated by the firm-fixed-price structure.
Dependence on M.C. Dean, Inc.'s performance and capacity to manage a project of this scale and duration.
Risk of delays impacting base operations if project timelines are not met.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process that could lead to better pricing.
Award to an established contractor like M.C. Dean, Inc. may indicate confidence in their capabilities.
The project addresses critical infrastructure needs for a military installation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors sector (NAICS 238210). This sector is vital for modernizing and maintaining critical infrastructure, including government facilities. Spending in this area is often driven by upgrades to aging systems, new construction, and energy efficiency initiatives. The market size for electrical contracting is substantial, with significant government spending allocated annually to support military bases and other federal facilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a large definitive contract awarded under full and open competition, it is unlikely to have direct small business set-aside provisions. However, M.C. Dean, Inc., as the prime contractor, may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill portions of the work, contributing to the small business ecosystem indirectly. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the specific impact on small businesses.

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 or Air Force at Buckley AFB. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and compliance checks are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Military Base Infrastructure Modernization
Department of Defense Electrical Systems Upgrades
Federal Construction Contracts
Buckley Air Force Base Operations Support

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Firm Fixed Price Risk
Infrastructure Modernization Needs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $27.0 million to M. C. DEAN, INC.. RECAP 2B DBB CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, CO.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is M. C. DEAN, 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 $27.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-08-02. End: 2022-10-31.

What is the track record of M.C. Dean, Inc. with the Department of Defense for similar electrical construction projects?

M.C. Dean, Inc. is a well-established government contractor with a significant history of performing electrical and systems installation work for various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. They have been awarded numerous contracts for complex projects at military installations, covering areas such as power distribution, building automation, and security systems. Their experience often includes large-scale, firm-fixed-price contracts similar to this one. A detailed review of their past performance ratings and any past performance issues on comparable DoD contracts would provide further insight into their reliability and capability for this specific Buckley AFB project.

How does the awarded amount of $27 million compare to similar electrical infrastructure projects at other Air Force bases?

The $27 million award for electrical infrastructure upgrades at Buckley AFB is a substantial sum, indicative of a significant project scope. To benchmark its value, one would compare it to definitive contracts awarded for similar electrical work (e.g., power grid modernization, new building electrical systems, airfield lighting upgrades) at other Air Force bases of comparable size and complexity. Factors such as geographic location, specific technological requirements, and prevailing labor costs can influence project pricing. Without access to a detailed database of comparable projects with granular cost breakdowns, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or fair value, but it aligns with the scale of major base infrastructure investments.

What are the primary risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract of this magnitude and duration?

The primary risk with a firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract of this magnitude ($27 million) and duration (820 days) is that the contractor, M.C. Dean, Inc., bears the financial risk if costs exceed the agreed-upon price. This can lead to potential contractor performance issues if they encounter unforeseen challenges that significantly inflate their expenses. For the government, the risk is less about cost overruns (as the price is fixed) and more about potential contractor default, reduced quality, or delays if the contractor struggles to absorb unexpected costs. Robust oversight and clear contract terms are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What is the historical spending pattern for electrical contracting services at Buckley Air Force Base?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for electrical contracting at Buckley Air Force Base would involve reviewing contract awards over several fiscal years. This would reveal the frequency and value of similar contracts, the types of electrical work typically procured (e.g., maintenance, upgrades, new installations), and the primary contractors involved. A trend of increasing or consistently high spending might indicate ongoing infrastructure needs or modernization efforts. Conversely, sporadic or declining spending could suggest a period of completion or reduced investment. Understanding this history provides context for the current $27 million award and its place within the base's long-term infrastructure strategy.

How does the competition level (full and open) typically influence the final price for large construction contracts?

Full and open competition generally exerts downward pressure on prices for large construction contracts. When multiple qualified bidders are encouraged to participate, they are incentivized to offer competitive pricing to win the contract. This market dynamic helps ensure that the government receives a fair market price. In contrast, limited or sole-source procurements often result in higher prices due to reduced competitive pressure. Therefore, the 'full and open' designation for this $27 million contract suggests a favorable environment for achieving cost-effectiveness for the taxpayer.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

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: W912DR20R0019

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1765 GREENSBORO STATION PLACE SUITE 1400, TYSONS, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,005,942

Exercised Options: $27,005,942

Current Obligation: $27,005,942

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $1,945,393

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline