DoD's $91.9M McChord Airfield Bridge Repair contract awarded to Brice Civil Constructors, Inc. for airfield infrastructure

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $91,937,317 ($91.9M)

Contractor: Brice Civil Constructors, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-05-29

End Date: 2021-10-30

Contract Duration: 519 days

Daily Burn Rate: $177.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: MCCHORD AIRFIELD BRIDGE REPAIR, JBLM

Place of Performance

Location: JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCHORD, PIERCE County, WASHINGTON, 98433

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $91.9 million to BRICE CIVIL CONSTRUCTORS, INC. for work described as: MCCHORD AIRFIELD BRIDGE REPAIR, JBLM Key points: 1. Contract value of $91.9M for bridge repair at McChord Airfield. 2. Awarded to Brice Civil Constructors, Inc. under a fixed-price incentive contract. 3. Competition was open after exclusion of sources, indicating specific circumstances for limited bidding. 4. Contract duration of 519 days, spanning from May 2020 to October 2021. 5. Project located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington state. 6. The contract falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction NAICS code. 7. This project addresses critical infrastructure needs for military aviation operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $91.9 million for bridge repair appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale infrastructure projects would be necessary to definitively assess value for money. The fixed-price incentive structure suggests an attempt to control costs while allowing for adjustments based on performance, but the final cost-effectiveness depends on the incentive outcomes and any potential overruns. Without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to industry standards for airfield bridge repairs of this magnitude, a precise value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This specific procurement method suggests that while the intent was to compete, certain sources were excluded, potentially due to specific qualifications, past performance, or other criteria. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated, but the 'exclusion of sources' implies a narrower field than a truly open competition. This could lead to less competitive pricing compared to a scenario with numerous bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may have resulted in a higher price for taxpayers than if a broader range of qualified contractors had been able to bid. It necessitates careful review to ensure the selected contractor offered the best value under the circumstances.

Public Impact

Benefits military aviation operations by ensuring the structural integrity and usability of a critical bridge at McChord Airfield. Supports the logistical capabilities of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a key military installation. Ensures the safety of personnel and equipment transiting the repaired bridge. Contributes to the maintenance of essential defense infrastructure. The project likely involved a significant number of construction workers and related support staff in Washington state.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to the fixed-price incentive contract type if incentives are not structured effectively.
Limited competition may have restricted price discovery, potentially leading to a less favorable price for the government.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause requires scrutiny to ensure it was justified and did not unduly limit competition.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical infrastructure repair poses a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical infrastructure need for military operations at McChord Airfield.
The fixed-price incentive contract aims to balance cost control with performance.
Awarded to a specific contractor, implying they met necessary qualifications for this specialized work.
Project completion within the specified timeframe (519 days) would indicate successful execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader construction sector, specifically focusing on infrastructure repair. The market for large-scale civil engineering and construction projects, particularly those supporting government and military installations, is substantial. Companies like Brice Civil Constructors, Inc. operate in a segment that requires specialized expertise in heavy construction, adherence to stringent government regulations, and the capacity to manage complex projects. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other major airfield or bridge repair projects undertaken by the Department of Defense or other federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Brice Civil Constructors, Inc. is likely a larger entity capable of undertaking projects of this scale. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. Without specific subcontracting goals or reporting, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear, though large prime contracts often involve some level of subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Army and potentially the Department of Defense's Inspector General. Mechanisms likely include contract performance reviews, site inspections, and financial audits. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Accountability rests with the contracting officer and the contractor's adherence to the contract terms and conditions. The fixed-price incentive structure itself provides a form of accountability by linking payment to performance and cost targets.

Related Government Programs

Military Construction
Airfield Operations Support
Infrastructure Maintenance
Department of Defense Procurement
Fixed-Price Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Justification
Potential for Cost Overruns
Contractor Performance Monitoring
Infrastructure Criticality Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $91.9 million to BRICE CIVIL CONSTRUCTORS, INC.. MCCHORD AIRFIELD BRIDGE REPAIR, JBLM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRICE CIVIL CONSTRUCTORS, 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 $91.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-05-29. End: 2021-10-30.

What is the track record of Brice Civil Constructors, Inc. with the Department of Defense?

Brice Civil Constructors, Inc. has a history of securing contracts with the Department of Defense, as evidenced by this $91.9 million award for bridge repair. Analyzing their complete contract portfolio with the DoD would reveal the types of projects they undertake, their performance history on those projects, and their overall value to the department. A deeper dive into past performance reviews, any documented disputes or contract terminations, and the total value of contracts awarded would provide a comprehensive understanding of their reliability and capability as a DoD contractor. This specific contract's success, measured against its fixed-price incentive goals, would be a key indicator.

How does the $91.9 million cost compare to similar airfield bridge repair projects?

Benchmarking the $91.9 million cost against similar airfield bridge repair projects is crucial for assessing value. Without access to a database of comparable projects (e.g., size, complexity, location, materials, specific structural requirements), a direct comparison is difficult. However, large-scale infrastructure projects, especially those in specialized environments like military airfields, tend to be costly due to stringent safety, security, and operational requirements. Factors such as the specific structural deficiencies of the bridge, the need for expedited repair to minimize operational disruption, and the chosen construction methods would influence the final price. A thorough value analysis would require comparing cost per square foot, cost per linear foot of bridge, or cost relative to the criticality of the asset.

What are the primary risks associated with this fixed-price incentive contract?

The primary risks with this fixed-price incentive (FPI) contract revolve around cost control and contractor performance. For the government, the risk is that the final cost could exceed initial estimates if the contractor incurs higher-than-expected costs and the incentive structure doesn't adequately mitigate this. If the target cost is set too high or the sharing ratio is unfavorable, the government might end up paying significantly more. For the contractor, the risk lies in managing costs effectively to meet the target cost and earn the maximum incentive fee. Poor performance or unforeseen technical challenges could lead to cost overruns for the contractor, potentially impacting project quality or schedule if they seek to cut corners. The 'exclusion of sources' also introduces a risk of suboptimal pricing due to limited competition.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method for ensuring value?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method is a nuanced approach that aims to balance broad competition with specific needs. Its effectiveness in ensuring value depends heavily on the justification for excluding sources. If sources are excluded based on objective, necessary criteria (e.g., highly specialized capabilities, unique past performance on similar critical infrastructure), it can lead to a competition among the most qualified bidders, potentially resulting in good value. However, if the exclusion criteria are subjective, overly restrictive, or not well-documented, it can artificially limit competition, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced value for taxpayers. The effectiveness hinges on transparency and rigorous justification for the exclusions.

What are the potential long-term implications for McChord Airfield's operational readiness?

The successful and timely completion of the McChord Airfield bridge repair project has significant positive implications for operational readiness. A structurally sound bridge is essential for the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies, directly supporting flight operations and ground support activities. Failure or degradation of this bridge could severely disrupt flight schedules, ground logistics, and emergency response capabilities. Therefore, this repair ensures that a critical piece of infrastructure remains functional, thereby maintaining and enhancing the airfield's overall operational readiness and its ability to support its mission requirements.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: W912DW20R0012

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE (L)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Brice Civil Constructors Inc

Address: 3800 CENTERPOINT DRIVE SUITE B423, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $91,937,317

Exercised Options: $91,937,317

Current Obligation: $91,937,317

Actual Outlays: $21,636,249

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline