Department of Defense awards $10.3M contract for Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation infrastructure, highlighting civil engineering needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,274,773 ($10.3M)

Contractor: Maverick Constructors, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-09-27

End Date: 2015-04-20

Contract Duration: 570 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: BIG CYPRESS SEMINOLE INDIAN RESERVATION BASIN 2 AND SIPHON 2

Place of Performance

Location: CLEWISTON, HENDRY County, FLORIDA, 33440

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.3 million to MAVERICK CONSTRUCTORS, LLC for work described as: BIG CYPRESS SEMINOLE INDIAN RESERVATION BASIN 2 AND SIPHON 2 Key points: 1. Contract value of $10.3M for heavy civil engineering construction. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate selection process. 3. Contract duration of 570 days indicates a medium-term project. 4. The project is located in Florida, potentially impacting local resources and workforce. 5. The firm fixed price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 6. Maverick Constructors, LLC is the awarded contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $10.3 million for heavy civil engineering construction appears within a reasonable range for a project of this scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar Department of Defense civil engineering projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed price contract type suggests an effort to manage cost overruns, but the final value is fixed regardless of actual costs incurred by the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources may have been excluded based on predefined criteria. The number of bidders (3) is relatively low for a full and open competition, which could suggest a specialized nature of the work or limited market capacity for such projects. A low number of bidders can sometimes lead to less aggressive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competition level, while broad in intent, resulted in a limited number of bidders. This suggests that taxpayers may not have benefited from the most competitive pricing possible, as a wider pool of bidders could have driven prices down further.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the residents and operations on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, who will see improved infrastructure. The services delivered include heavy and civil engineering construction, essential for maintaining and upgrading critical facilities. The geographic impact is localized to the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in Florida. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for skilled construction labor in the Florida region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Low number of bidders (3) in a 'full and open' competition could indicate potential market limitations or specialized requirements that restrict participation.
The 'after exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation to understand the rationale behind excluding potential bidders.
The firm fixed price contract, while good for cost control, might incentivize the contractor to cut corners on quality if not rigorously overseen.

Positive Signals

The use of 'full and open competition' aims to ensure a broad search for qualified contractors.
The firm fixed price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The project addresses critical infrastructure needs, which is a positive indicator of responsible resource allocation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, a critical component of national infrastructure development. The market for such specialized construction services, particularly those involving government contracts and specific geographic locations like Indian reservations, can be niche. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other large-scale civil engineering projects undertaken by the Department of Defense or other federal agencies in similar environments.

Small Business Impact

The contract indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside consideration, as the 'sb' field is false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. This suggests that the primary contractor, Maverick Constructors, LLC, may not be mandated to subcontract a significant portion of the work to small businesses, potentially limiting opportunities for the small business ecosystem on this specific contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed price contract structure, which holds the contractor responsible for delivering the specified work within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where basic award information is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Civil Engineering Projects
Infrastructure Development on Federal Lands
Heavy Construction Contracts
Seminole Tribe of Florida Projects

Risk Flags

Limited competition (3 bidders)
Potential for unforeseen site conditions
Logistical challenges in remote location
Contractor may cut corners on quality due to FFP

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.3 million to MAVERICK CONSTRUCTORS, LLC. BIG CYPRESS SEMINOLE INDIAN RESERVATION BASIN 2 AND SIPHON 2

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MAVERICK CONSTRUCTORS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-09-27. End: 2015-04-20.

What is the track record of Maverick Constructors, LLC with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

A review of Maverick Constructors, LLC's federal contract history would be necessary to assess their track record. This would involve examining past performance on similar projects, including their success in meeting deadlines, staying within budget, and adhering to quality standards. Specific attention should be paid to any past issues, disputes, or negative performance reviews. Understanding their experience with firm fixed-price contracts and civil engineering projects of comparable scale would provide crucial context for evaluating their capability to successfully execute the Big Cypress Reservation contract. Without access to detailed performance data, it is difficult to definitively assess their reliability.

How does the awarded price of $10.3 million compare to similar heavy civil engineering construction contracts awarded by the Department of Defense?

To benchmark the value, one would need to compare this $10.3 million contract against a portfolio of similar Department of Defense heavy civil engineering projects. Key comparison factors include the scope of work (e.g., type of construction, materials used), geographic location, contract duration (570 days), and the specific economic conditions at the time of award. If comparable projects in similar regions cost significantly less or more, it would indicate whether this contract represents good or questionable value. The firm fixed price nature also means the $10.3 million is the ceiling, but actual costs could be lower, making direct price comparison complex without understanding the contractor's cost structure.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract, considering its location and scope?

Key risks for this contract include environmental challenges inherent in construction on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, potential for unforeseen site conditions (e.g., soil stability, water management), and logistical complexities related to accessing the remote location. Given the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' and only three bidders, there's a risk of limited contractor capacity or specialized expertise, potentially leading to delays or cost escalations if issues arise. The firm fixed price contract also carries risk for the contractor if costs exceed estimates, which could incentivize shortcuts if oversight is insufficient. Workforce availability and potential labor disputes in the region could also pose risks.

How effective are the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' and 'firm fixed price' contract types in ensuring program effectiveness for infrastructure projects?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' aims to balance broad market reach with specific requirements, potentially leading to effective outcomes if the exclusion criteria are well-justified and the remaining competition is robust. The 'firm fixed price' (FFP) contract type is generally effective in controlling costs and providing budget certainty for the government, as it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. This can drive efficiency and timely completion. However, for complex infrastructure projects where unforeseen conditions are common, an FFP contract might disincentivize the contractor from proactively addressing potential issues if it means incurring additional costs, potentially impacting long-term effectiveness or quality if not managed with strong government oversight.

What are the historical spending patterns for heavy and civil engineering construction by the Department of the Army in Florida?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for heavy and civil engineering construction by the Department of the Army in Florida would involve examining contract awards over several fiscal years. This would reveal trends in contract values, types of projects undertaken (e.g., base infrastructure, environmental remediation, specific facility construction), and the primary contracting firms. Understanding these patterns can help contextualize the $10.3 million award for the Big Cypress Reservation, indicating whether it aligns with typical investment levels or represents a significant deviation. It can also highlight any recurring issues or successful strategies employed in managing such contracts within the state.

What is the significance of the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' NAICS code (237990) in the context of federal contracting?

The NAICS code 237990, 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction,' encompasses a broad range of construction activities not classified elsewhere under heavy and civil engineering. This includes projects like marine construction, dams, reservoirs, tunnels, bridges, and specialized infrastructure. For federal contracting, this code signifies that the project requires specialized engineering expertise and significant project management capabilities. Contracts under this code often involve large dollar values and long durations, requiring contractors with substantial resources and experience. The Department of Defense frequently utilizes this code for projects related to military base infrastructure, port facilities, and other critical engineering endeavors.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering 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: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W912EP13B0006

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 18932 N DALE MABRY HWY STE 101, LUTZ, FL, 33548

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,274,773

Exercised Options: $10,274,773

Current Obligation: $10,274,773

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline