DoD awards $32M construction contract for chemical battalion complex at Fort Lewis
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $31,966,258 ($32.0M)
Contractor: Garco Construction, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-08-12
End Date: 2012-08-01
Contract Duration: 1,085 days
Daily Burn Rate: $29.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, FT LEWIS-CONSTRUCT CHEMICAL BATTALION COMPLEX.
Place of Performance
Location: TACOMA, PIERCE County, WASHINGTON, 98433
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $32.0 million to GARCO CONSTRUCTION, INC. for work described as: AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, FT LEWIS-CONSTRUCT CHEMICAL BATTALION COMPLEX. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for construction of a chemical battalion complex, indicating investment in specialized military infrastructure. 2. The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 4. The project duration spans nearly three years, implying a significant construction undertaking. 5. The awardee, Garco Construction, Inc., will be responsible for delivering this specialized facility.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $31,966,258 for the construction of a chemical battalion complex appears reasonable given the scope and duration of the project. Benchmarking against similar military construction projects would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests an effort to manage cost overruns, which is a positive indicator for value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with 10 bids received. This indicates a healthy level of interest and a competitive bidding environment, which typically leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition suggests that taxpayer dollars were likely used efficiently, as multiple contractors vied to offer their best pricing and terms.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Army, specifically units requiring a chemical battalion complex for training and operations. The contract delivers essential infrastructure for military readiness and specialized unit support. The project is geographically located in Washington state, impacting the local economy through construction jobs and related services. The construction activities will likely involve a significant workforce, including skilled trades and project management personnel.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for construction delays impacting military readiness timelines.
- Risk of cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions or material price fluctuations occur, despite fixed-price contract.
- Ensuring compliance with stringent environmental and safety regulations for chemical facilities.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
- Firm fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
- Experienced contractor likely selected through a competitive process.
- Project addresses a specific and critical military infrastructure need.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically for specialized military facilities. The construction industry is a significant part of the U.S. economy, with federal construction spending often focused on infrastructure, defense, and public facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in Department of Defense construction program data.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger firm, and the impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether the prime contractor utilizes small business subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Army contracting office and potentially the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver the specified facility. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific project oversight details are not provided.
Related Government Programs
- Military Construction, Army
- Defense Infrastructure Projects
- Chemical Warfare Defense Facilities
- Fort Lewis Base Operations Support
Risk Flags
- Potential for construction delays
- Environmental and safety compliance risks
- Specialized facility requirements
Tags
construction, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, military-construction, washington, fort-lewis, commercial-and-institutional-building-construction, large-project
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $32.0 million to GARCO CONSTRUCTION, INC.. AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, FT LEWIS-CONSTRUCT CHEMICAL BATTALION COMPLEX.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GARCO 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 $32.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-08-12. End: 2012-08-01.
What is the track record of Garco Construction, Inc. on similar federal contracts?
Garco Construction, Inc. has a history of performing construction contracts, including significant projects for federal agencies. While specific details on their experience with chemical battalion complexes are not immediately available from this data alone, their selection for this substantial project suggests they met the government's requirements for capability and past performance. A deeper dive into their contract history, including any past performance evaluations or disputes, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise in handling complex federal construction projects.
How does the awarded amount compare to similar chemical battalion complex construction projects?
Direct comparison of the $31.97 million award for this chemical battalion complex to similar projects is challenging without access to a broader database of specialized military construction costs. Factors such as location, specific facility requirements (e.g., containment levels, specialized equipment), and prevailing market conditions at the time of award significantly influence project costs. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract and the receipt of 10 bids suggest a competitive process aimed at achieving value. Further analysis would require benchmarking against projects with comparable scope, size, and complexity within the Department of Defense's construction portfolio.
What are the primary risks associated with constructing a chemical battalion complex?
Constructing a chemical battalion complex involves several inherent risks. These include stringent safety and environmental compliance requirements due to the nature of chemical handling and storage, potential for unforeseen geological or site conditions that could impact construction timelines and costs, and the need for specialized materials and construction techniques. Furthermore, ensuring the facility meets all operational and security requirements for military use adds another layer of complexity. The firm fixed-price contract helps mitigate financial risk for the government, but the contractor must effectively manage technical and logistical challenges.
What is the expected impact of this facility on military readiness and operations?
The construction of a chemical battalion complex is directly aimed at enhancing military readiness and operational capabilities. Such facilities are crucial for training personnel in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense, storing specialized equipment, and housing units responsible for these critical functions. By providing a dedicated and modern infrastructure, this complex will enable units to conduct realistic training scenarios, maintain equipment effectively, and improve their overall preparedness to respond to CBRN threats, thereby bolstering the Army's specialized operational capacity.
How has federal spending on military construction evolved in recent years, and where does this contract fit?
Federal spending on military construction has historically fluctuated based on geopolitical conditions, strategic priorities, and budget allocations. The Department of Defense consistently invests in modernizing its infrastructure to support evolving operational needs and technological advancements. This $32 million contract for a chemical battalion complex represents a specific investment in specialized facilities, aligning with the broader trend of maintaining and upgrading military installations. While not a massive standalone expenditure, it is part of a larger, ongoing commitment to ensuring the U.S. military has the necessary infrastructure to conduct its missions effectively across various domains.
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: W912DW09R0017
Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4114 E BROADWAY AVE, SPOKANE, WA, 05
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $31,966,258
Exercised Options: $31,966,258
Current Obligation: $31,966,258
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-08-12
Current End Date: 2012-08-01
Potential End Date: 2012-08-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-09-03
More Contracts from Garco Construction, Inc.
- Cefp Intake, Gate&helix Project, Yakima River Basin Enhancement Project, Integrated Yakima Project, Washington — $88.4M (Department of the Interior)
- Lower Granite Juvenile Fish Facility Phase 1A — $69.2M (Department of Defense)
- 29 6-Plex Bldgs and 6 4-Plex Bldgs — $59.0M (Department of Defense)
- Construction of P856 Manchester Tank Farm Improvements, Manchester, WA — $56.7M (Department of Defense)
- CLE Elum DAM Fish Passage Facility Adult Facility, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, Washington — $55.8M (Department of the Interior)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)