DoD awards $17.6M for WTC Barracks Construction, highlighting firm fixed-price contract with 9 bidders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,568,778 ($17.6M)

Contractor: Copper Construction Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-06-09

End Date: 2026-10-12

Contract Duration: 855 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: PN85565 WTC BARRACKS CONSTRUCTION

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BENNING, CHATTAHOOCHEE County, GEORGIA, 31905

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.6 million to COPPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. for work described as: PN85565 WTC BARRACKS CONSTRUCTION Key points: 1. Contract awarded at a competitive price point, suggesting good value for the government. 2. Strong competition with 9 bidders indicates a healthy market for this type of construction. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the Department of Defense. 4. This project supports critical infrastructure needs for the Army, enhancing troop readiness. 5. The contract falls within the broader commercial and institutional building construction sector. 6. Awarded to Copper Construction Company, Inc., a player in the federal construction market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $17.6 million for barracks construction appears reasonable given the scope and the competitive bidding process. Benchmarking against similar military construction projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment, but the presence of 9 bidders suggests that the pricing was likely market-driven and competitive. The firm fixed-price nature of the award further supports a positive value assessment by locking in costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a broad solicitation process that allowed all eligible responsible sources to submit offers. The participation of 9 bidders signifies robust competition, which typically leads to better price discovery and more favorable terms for the government. This level of competition suggests that the market is capable of supporting such projects and that the agency effectively reached a wide range of potential contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: The high number of bidders in this full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down the final contract price and ensured that the government received a competitive offer for the barracks construction.

Public Impact

Troops stationed at the World Trade Center (WTC) barracks will benefit from improved living quarters. The project delivers essential construction services for military infrastructure. The geographic impact is focused on the WTC facility, likely in Georgia based on the 'ST' and 'SN' codes. The construction work will likely create temporary employment opportunities for skilled tradespeople in the local area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for construction delays impacting troop readiness if not managed effectively.
Ensuring compliance with all environmental and safety regulations during construction is crucial.
Long-term maintenance costs for the new barracks should be factored into future budgets.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract minimizes the risk of cost overruns for the government.
Strong competition among 9 bidders suggests a fair and reasonable price was negotiated.
The project addresses a clear need for improved military housing infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the construction industry. Federal spending in this area often supports critical infrastructure for government agencies, including military installations. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale construction projects awarded by the Department of Defense or other federal entities for similar facilities, considering factors like square footage, materials, and location.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside. While there is no direct indication of subcontracting goals for small businesses, large construction contracts often include provisions for small business participation. The absence of a specific set-aside might mean that small businesses would need to compete directly or seek subcontracting opportunities with the prime contractor, Copper Construction Company, Inc.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Army contracting and project management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver the specified work within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General's office may conduct audits or investigations if specific concerns regarding performance, fraud, or waste arise.

Related Government Programs

Military Construction, Army
Barracks and Dormitory Construction
Department of Defense Facilities Management
General Building Construction

Risk Flags

Potential for construction delays
Ensuring contractor's financial stability for project completion
Compliance with environmental and safety standards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.6 million to COPPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.. PN85565 WTC BARRACKS CONSTRUCTION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COPPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, 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 $17.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-09. End: 2026-10-12.

What is the track record of Copper Construction Company, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense?

A thorough review of federal procurement databases would be necessary to fully assess Copper Construction Company, Inc.'s track record. However, being awarded a definitive contract of this magnitude by the Department of the Army suggests they have prior experience and have met the necessary qualifications for federal contracting. Further analysis would involve examining past performance reviews, any history of contract disputes or terminations, and the types and values of previous contracts they have held with the DoD and other federal agencies. This would provide insight into their reliability, quality of work, and ability to manage complex projects within budget and schedule.

How does the awarded price of $17.6 million compare to similar barracks construction projects by the Department of Defense?

Benchmarking this $17.6 million contract against similar Department of Defense barracks construction projects requires access to detailed cost data for comparable projects, considering factors like size (square footage), location, materials used, and specific amenities. Without specific comparable project data, a definitive comparison is difficult. However, the fact that this was a full and open competition with 9 bidders suggests the price is likely competitive and reflects market conditions. A detailed analysis would involve identifying projects of similar scope and scale awarded within the last 1-3 years and comparing their total contract values and potentially cost-per-square-foot metrics.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price construction contract, and how are they being managed?

The primary risk with a firm fixed-price contract is that the contractor may face financial losses if costs exceed the agreed-upon price due to unforeseen issues like material price increases, labor shortages, or unexpected site conditions. However, the government's risk is minimized in terms of cost overruns. Management of these risks by the contractor is crucial and typically involves detailed planning, accurate cost estimation, securing material and labor commitments early, and robust project management. The government's role involves clear contract specifications, diligent oversight of progress, and ensuring timely payments to facilitate the contractor's cash flow.

What is the expected impact of this barracks construction on troop readiness and living conditions?

This contract is expected to significantly improve troop readiness and living conditions by providing modern, safe, and adequate housing facilities. New or renovated barracks reduce overcrowding, enhance privacy, and offer better amenities, which can positively impact morale, health, and overall well-being of service members. Improved living conditions are directly linked to higher retention rates and a more focused, effective fighting force. The construction aims to meet current standards and potentially exceed them, ensuring a supportive environment for personnel stationed at the WTC facility.

What are the historical spending patterns for barracks construction by the Department of the Army in recent years?

Historical spending patterns for barracks construction by the Department of the Army are substantial, reflecting a continuous need to maintain and upgrade military housing across numerous installations. Annual budgets allocated to military construction, including barracks, often run into billions of dollars. Spending fluctuates based on modernization priorities, infrastructure assessments, and congressional appropriations. Analyzing past five to ten years of Army construction budgets and specific barracks projects would reveal trends in project scale, average contract values, and geographic distribution of investments, highlighting the consistent demand for such facilities.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method impact the overall cost-effectiveness of this contract?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method, while seemingly complex, aims to maximize competition while potentially excluding sources that may not be capable or suitable for a specific project. In this case, with 9 bidders participating, it indicates that the exclusion criteria did not unduly limit competition. This approach can be cost-effective because it still leverages the benefits of a broad competitive environment, driving down prices. It differs from 'sole source' or 'limited competition' by ensuring a wider pool of potential offerors, thus increasing the likelihood of receiving the best value offer for the government and taxpayers.

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: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W912HN24B4000

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 410 MCINTOSH ST, VIDALIA, GA, 30474

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,218,393

Exercised Options: $17,568,778

Current Obligation: $17,568,778

Actual Outlays: $115,471

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline