Fort Bliss, Texas is seeing a lot of activity these days, in part due to its convenient location near Biggs Army Airfield and White Sands Missile Range. In addition to hosting the US Army’s Center for Air Defense, Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas will be relocating Brigade Combat Teams from their previous posts in Europe. One of those brigades will then assume a role as the Evaluation Brigade Combat Team tasked with testing and training with systems from the Future Combat Systems program. The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) 2005 process added impetus to this expansion.
As one might gather, that means a lot of construction work etc. over at Fort Bliss, TX. This article shines a spotlight on announced contracts from September 2006 to the present day, adding contracts that have been issued since October 2008.
Schedule & Contracts
Fort Bliss is going to be about the busiest base in the Army over the next few years, as new Brigade Combat Teams activate and others relocate:
* FY 2009: 44th BCT activates
* FY 2010: Fires brigade activates
* FY 2011: 48th BCT activates (canceled)
* FY 2011: “Sustainment brigade” activates
* Sept/11: 1st Armored Division relocates from Germany
* FY 2012: FY 2008 BCT started in Germany relocates (now TBD)
Many of the infrastructure contracts below are related to those efforts, while others are part of the base’s normal maintenance and functioning. All are chronicled below, beginning in September 2006. Unless otherwise specified, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District in Fort Worth, TX issues the contracts.
Each TEMFS will provide a complex with repair and maintenance bays, equipment and parts storage, administrative offices, secure vaults, oil storage buildings, hazardous material storage, and other supporting facilities such as organizational storage buildings. Work is to be performed in Fort Bliss, TX, with an estimated completion date of Dec 30/11. Bids were solicited via World Wide Web, with 4 bids received.
March 11/10: Sundt Construction, Inc. in Tempe, AZ wins a $5.5 million firm-fixed-price contract. This task order is consisting of providing materials, equipment, and labor for the construction of the Combat Aviation Brigade Hot Refuel Facility at Fort Bliss, TX.
Work includes clearing and grubbing; earthwork; site work; concrete roadway paving; storm drainage systems; water distribution systems; sanitary sewer collection system; concrete fueling apron and taxiways; airfield and roadway striping and marking; airfield electrical; fueling control building; above ground storage tanks; fuel piping systems; electrical distribution systems and duct banks; communication duct bank system; erosion control; temporary access roadways; traffic control; signage; and other items specified in the contract documents.
Work is to be performed in El Paso, TX, with an estimated completion date of Dec 31/10. Five bids were solicited, with 2 bids received (W9126G-09-D-0004).
Jan 29/10: Venegas Engineering Management and Construction in El Paso, TX won a $9.4 million firm-fixed-price contract to build the Fort Bliss brigade staging area complex in El Paso, TX. This project includes repairing War Road and intersections/ curves/turning lanes at Dona Ana Base Camp, and the repair/resurfacing of the roadway and shoulders.
Work is to be performed in Fort Bliss, TX, with an estimated completion date of Feb 25/11. Bids were solicited on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with 8 bids received (W9126G-10-C-0002).
Dec 4/09: Tug Hill Construction, Inc. in Watertown, NY won a $15.9 million firm-fixed-price contract to create a a 28-foot wide roadway with adequate shoulders and associated drainage structures for track and wheeled vehicles for approximately 35 miles. This will involve raising trail profiles to improve drainage conditions, and placement of compacted base course and gravel surface course materials.
Work will be performed in Fort Bliss, TX, with an estimated completion date of April 2011. Bids were solicited on the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 5 bids received (W9126G-09-D-0006).
Oct 5/09: KIC Development LLC in El Paso, TX received a $15.6 million firm fixed-price contact to undertake design, construction, repairs and renovation related to Company Headquarters Building 2419; Battalion HQ Building 2419; Battalion HQ Buildings 2441, 2454, 2470, 2910, 2912, 2914, 2917, & 2920; and TAC shop building 2680 on Biggs Airfield at Fort Bliss, TX.
Work is to be performed in Fort Bliss, TX, with an estimated completion date of July 31/11. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web, with 1 bid received (W9126G-09-C-8251).
Sept 30/09: Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC in Dallas, TX, won a $13.4 million firm-fixed-price contract for design/build services covering the Patriot Battalion company operations facility in Fort Bliss, TX. Alutiq IS is a subsidiary of the Native Alaska Corporation, Alutiiq LLC.
Work is to be performed in Fort Bliss, Texas., with estimated date of Jan. 30, 2011. Four bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District-CESPA-CT, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-D-0024).
Sept 14/09: The Ross Group Construction Corp. in Tulsa, OK won a $36.2 million firm-fixed-price contract to build a Digital Multipurpose Range Complex, (DMPRC) at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. The DMPRC training range will include stationary and moving infantry and armor targets, machine gun bunkers, urban cluster, aggregate course roads, including crossover and service roads, concrete turning pads, range limit markers, camera towers, defilades, ammo loading pads, covered bleachers, one and two story facades and a vehicle staging area. An operation and storage building with storm drainage, earthwork, erosion control, clearing and grubbing are also included, along with downrange electrical communications.
Work is to be performed in El Paso, TX, with an estimated completion date of April 30/11. Two bids were solicited, with 2 bids received (W9126G-08-D-0008).
July 7/09: RQ Construction, Inc. in Carlsbad, CA won a $35.7 million firm-fixed-price contract to design and build a new single story, pre-engineered, repair facility for a variety of aircraft power components.
Work is to be performed in Fort Bliss, TX, with an estimated completion date of Sept 31/10. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web, with 16 bids received by the U.S. Army Engineer District in Sacramento, CA (W9123-09-C-0012).
June 2/09: The Secretary of the Army announces that in accordance with the President’s budget, the Army has halted the plan to build 3 additional brigade combat teams (BCTs) at Fort Bliss, TX; Fort Carson, CO; and Fort Stewart, GA, dropping the total number of BCTs from 48 to 45. This decision will not affect the Army’s authorized end strength of 547,400.
With this announced change, the total population at Fort Bliss, TX is projected to grow from 13,742 (2003) to 36,069 (2013); Fort Carson from 15,199 – 25,003; and Fort Stewart from 20,512 – 24,970. The Army will reach its target of 45 BCTs in fiscal 2010 with the activation of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, TX, though HQ stand-ups, sustainment brigade stand-ups, and relocations will continue beyond that date.
This announcement does not involve the re-stationing of the 2 heavy BCTs scheduled to return from Europe in FY 2012 – 2013. Those are being examined as part of the ongoing Quadrennial Defense Review, but it is clear that White Sands Missile Range, NM, will no longer receive a BCT from Europe in FY 2013 as originally planned. Pentagon release.
May 27/09: Venegas Engineering Management & Construction Inc. El Paso, TX received an $8.6 million firm-fixed-price construction contract to construct of an 84,550 square foot training support center (TSC) and storage shed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. The TSC will support tactical units being stationed at Fort Bliss and is required to support increases in virtual live training. Supporting facilities include utilities, electric service, fire protection, storm drainage, information system, and landscaping and site improvement. The building is being designed to allow for future expansion, and access for individuals with disabilities will also be provided.
Work is to be performed in El Paso, TX with an estimated completion date of July 31/01. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, TX solicited 200 bids, with 6 bids received (W9126G-09-C-0040).
May 14/09: Ledoor Construction in Richardson, TX received $20.3 million firm-fixed-price construction contract for the construction of Fort Bliss Commissary, with an estimated completion date of May 9/11. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web, with 5 bids received by the U.S. Army Engineer District in Little Rock, AK (W9127S-09-C-6002).
March 27/09: Ramtech Building Systems Inc. in Mansfield, TX received a $6.5 million firm-fixed-contract to expand and renovate the Directorate of Information Management/Information Processing Center facility at Fort Bliss, TX.
Work is to be performed at El Paso, TX with an estimated completion date of June 30/10. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web, with 1 bid received by the U.S. Army Engineer District in Sacramento, CA (W912HN-08-D-0019).
March 2/09: Sundt Construction, Inc. in Tempe, AZ received a $123 million firm-fixed-price contract for Project 71200 and Project 71206 in Fort Bliss, TX. Work includes the design and construction of:
* A 159,870 square foot (SF) Vehicle Maintenance Shop
* A 2,820 SF Oil Storage Building
* A 42,300 SF Organizational Storage Building.
* 1,399,598 SF Organizational Vehicle Parking
* A 2,820 SF HAZMAT Storage Building
* A 9,000 SF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Hanger
* A 8,000 SF Distro Company Storage
* A 4,005 SF Distro Open Secure Storage.
Supporting facilities implicitly include, but are not limited to: electrical, water, sewer, gas and storm drainage service; paving, walks, curb and gutter; site improvement and anti terrorism measures that will include a future mass notification system. Special foundations are also required, due to soil conditions. Site improvements will minimize impact on undeveloped land and promote the use of renewable and recycled resources. Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, TX with an estimated completion date of Mar 7/11. The U.S. Army Engineer District Tulsa in Tulsa, OK solicited 14 bids, with 6 bids received (W912HN-09-D-0020).
Feb 10/09: The Ross Group Construction Corp. in Tulsa, OK received a $17.5 million firm-fixed-price construction contract to build a Digital Multipurpose Training Range at Fort Bliss, TX, consisting of 1 lane with 2 course roads with cross over capability.
Primary facilities include the Range Operations Control Area that includes Range Operations Center, After Action Review Building, Operations and Storage Building, General Instruction Building, Latrine, Covered Mess Shelter, Ammo Loading Docks, Unit staging area, Bleacher Enclosure, site development improvements, information systems, security lighting and fencing. Downrange target systems include, stationary armor and infantry targets, moving armor and infantry targets, battle positions, course roads, target maintenance access roads, site development, improvements and drainage, electrical power and target data cabling.
Supporting facilities will include an electric service, access road and associated site development and improvements. Work is to be performed at Fort Bliss, TX with an estimated completion date of May 31/10. The U.S. Army Engineer District in Fort Worth, TX solicited 2 bids, with 2 bids received (W912G-08-C-0008).
Feb 2/09: Sundt Construction, Inc. in Tempe, AZ received an $87.2 million task order firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a barracks for single enlisted personnel; otherwise known as Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Light) Complex 2, PN 68961, Fort Bliss, TX. This project is permament housing, and will include laundry facilities, and other amenities.
Work is being performed at Fort Bliss, TX with an estimated completion date of Oct 23/10. The U.S. Army Engineer District in Fort Worth, TX solicited and received 3 bids for this task order (W9126G-09-D-0011, #0001).
Dec 31/08: Au Authum Ki, Inc. in Chandler, AZ received a $17.3 million firm-fixed-price contract for a task order against a multiple award task order in support of the Center of Standardization for dining facilities effort, whose primary focus of this task order will be work at Fort Bliss, TX. The contractor will design and build 2 Infantry Brigade Combat Team Army standard dining facilities, to include furniture and Government Furnished Government Installed Equipment. Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, TX with an estimated completion date of Dec 31/10. The U.S. Army Engineer District in Norfolk, VA solicited and received 3 bids (W91236-08-D-0067).
Oct 7/08: Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC of Dallas, TX (a subsidiary of the Alaskan native-owned firm) received a $7 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity firm-fixed-price contract to design and build modular buildings for the 5th Armored Brigade at Fort Bliss, TX, near Chaparral, NM. The work will be performed there and will be complete by June 30/09. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District in Little Rock, AR manages this contract (W9127S-08-C06006).
Oct 3/08: Ross Group Construction Corp. in Tulsa, OK won a $22.1 million firm-fixed-price contract for all work required to build a Combined Arms collective training facility in Fort Bliss. The estimated completion date is Sept 30/10. Two bids were solicited and 2 bids were received (W9126G-08-D-0008).
Oct 3/08: Walton Construction Co. in Dallas TX won a $42.6 million firm-fixed-price contract to design and build a consolidated family care and troop medical clinic facility at Fort Bliss. The estimated completion date is May 31/10. A total of 175 bids were solicited, and 5 bids were received (W9126G-08-C-0075).
Oct 2/08: Caddell Corp., Co., LLC in Montgomery, L received an $18.7 million firm-fixed-price contract to design and build Fires Brigade combined brigade/battalion headquarters facilities in Fort Bliss. The estimated completion date is Feb 28/10. One bid was solicited and one bid was received by the U.S. Army Engineer District in Sacramento, CA (W91238-06-D-0032).
Oct 2/08: Walbridge Aldinger in Detroit, MI received an $11.4 million firm-fixed-price contract. This modification is a task order to design and build the Fires Brigade, Phase I, Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facilities. Work will be performed in Fort Bliss, with an estimated completion date of Jan 1/10. One bid was solicited and one bid was received by the U.S. Army Engineer in Tulsa, OK (W912BV-07-D-2051, 0003).
Oct 1/08: Tug Hill in Watertown, NY received a $22.6 million firm-fixed-price contract to provide materials, equipment and labor to build the Fires Brigade, Phase I Infrastructure. This includes cleaning and grubbing, earthwork, site work, concrete roadway paving, and concrete parking lot paving. Work will be performed in Fort Bliss, with an estimated completion date of Oct 31/09. Four bids were solicited and 3 bids were received (W9126G-06-D-0032).
Sept 25/08: Lakeshore Engineering Services Inc in Detroit, MI won a $7.2 million firm-fixed-price contract to build a child development center at Bliss Elementary in Ft. Bliss, TX. This is a task order of an indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity design/build services contract for the Southwestern Region for Child Development Center/Youth Activity Center. The estimated completion date is May 31/10. Bids were solicited via the World Wide Web, and 7 bids were received by the US Army Engineer District in Little Rock, IL (W9127S-07-D-6002).
Sept 22/08: Alutiiq International Solutions LLC in Dallas, TX (a subsidiary of the Alaskan native-owned firm) won a $19.5 million firm-fixed-price contract to build a Physical Fitness Center, and Brigade Combat Team Community Center in Fort Bliss. The estimated completion date is Jan 22/10. Bids were solicited via the Web, and 3 bids were received by the U.S. Army Engineer District in Little Rock, AR (W9127S-08-C-6005).
Sept 8/08: Caddell Construction Co. Inc in Montgomery, AL received a $6 million firm-fixed-price contractto build a brigade and/or battalion headquarters at Fort Bliss. Work has an estimated completion date of July 23/10. Bids were solicited sole source, and one bid was received by the U.S. Army Corp Engineering District in Sacramento, CA (W91238-06-D-0032).
July 8/08: Tug Hill Construction in Watertown, NY won a $15 million firm-fixed price contract for materials, equipment and labor to build Combat Aviation Brigade infrastructure in Fort Bliss. Work is expected to be complete by Dec 31/10. Five bids were solicited on Feb 22/08, and 3 bids were received (W9126G-06-D-0032).
June 27/08: MBH Ventures in San Antonio, TX received a $9.4 million firm-fixed-price contract to build parking lots for the Brigade Combat Team 2 Complex at Fort Bliss. The work includes grading, asphaltic and concrete pavement structures, signage, storm drainage, pavement markings, lighting, site utilities, and erosion control. Work is expected to be complete by Dec 30/09. Bids were solicited on the Web, with 2 bids received by the U.S. Army Engineer District in Galveston, TX (W912HY-07-D-0004).
April 2/08: Jacobs/Huitt-Zollars in St. Louis, MO received an $8.6 million firm-fixed price contract for “design implementation and integration services for the site infrastructure and brigade combat teams projects” at Fort Bliss. Work is expected to be complete by Sept 30/08. One bid was solicited on March 21, 2008 (W9126G-06-D-0011).
March 27/08: Lakeshore Engineering Services, Inc., won an $11.2 million firm-fixed price contract to design and build a child development center and youth center at Fort Bliss. Work is expected to be complete by May 31/10. Bids were solicited on Aug 4/06, and 7 bids were received by the U.S. Army Engineer District in Little Rock, AR (W9127S-07-D-6002).
March 26/08: Urban Associates LP in El Paso, TX received a firm fixed price contract for $8.4 million for the design and construction of a close combat tactical trainer facility at Fort Bliss. Estimated completion date is June 15/09. 210 Bids were solicited beginning Oct 30/07, and 9 bids were received (W912G-08-C-0009).
March 17/08: J.D. Abrams, LLP, of Austin, TX won a $55 million firm fixed-price task order contract to provide materials, equipment, and labor for the construction of the Brigade Combat Team-3 infrastructure at Biggs Airfield, Fort Bliss, TX. This includes the clearing and grubbing, earthwork, site work, temporary access roads, concrete paving, asphalt paving, storm drainage systems, water distribution system, sanitary sewer collection system and duct banks, communications duct bank system, elevated water storage tank, welded steel ground storage tank, fencing, erosion control, reinforced concrete tank trails and other items defined in the Contract Documents. Estimated completion date is May 31/09 (W9126G-06-D-0030).
Oct 5/07: Small business qualifier STC/BHT Joint Venture in El Paso, TX received a $10.6 million firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Centralized Vehicle Wash Facility at Fort Bliss, TX, which is expected to be completed by Oct 16/08. Bids were solicited via the World Wide Web on April 3/07, and 3 bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0062).
Oct 5/07: Small business qualifier MAPCO, Inc. in San Antonio, TX won the full delivery order amount of a $6.7 million firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a multipurpose Machine Gun Range and Urban Assault Course at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 29, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four bids solicited on Aug. 27, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-D-0025).
Oct 3/07: Banes General Contractors in El Paso, TX won a $10.2 million firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Dental Clinic at Fort Bliss, TX. Work is expected to be completed by Feb 5/09. There were 189 bids solicited on March 6/07, and 5 bids were received (W9126G-07-C-0049).
Oct 3/07: Small business qualifier PentaCon L.L.C. in Catoosa, OK received a delivery order amount of $5,985,971 as part of a $6 million firm-fixed-price contract for execution of various force protection projects at Fort Bliss, TX. work is expected to be completed by Sept 5/08. There were 3 bids solicited on Sept 6.07, and 3 bids were received (W9126G-06-D-0046).
Oct 1/07: Wallbridge Aldinger in Detroit, MI received a delivery order amount of $18.3 million as part of a $250 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of Combat Aviation Brigade and Tactical Maintenance Facilities at Fort Bliss, TX. Work is expected to be complete by June 30/09. Bids were solicited via the World Wide Web on June 4/07, and 3 bids were received (W912BV-07-D-2051).
Sept 20/07: Small business qualifier Alutiiq International Solutions LLC in Aurora, CO received a delivery order amount of $10.6 million as part of a $28.6 million firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of company operations facilities at Fort Bliss, TX. Work is expected to be complete by Sept 17/10. There were 12 bids solicited on June 1/07, and 2 bids were received by the U.S. Army Engineer District in Albuquerque, NM (W912PP-07-D-0021).
Sept 13/07: MCC Construction Corp. in Greenwood Village, CO received the full delivery order amount of $7.5 million on a firm-fixed-price contract for design, construction, and renovations to barracks buildings at Fort Bliss, TX. Work is expected to be completed by June 30/08. Bids were solicited via the World Wide Web on July 24/06, and 4 bids were received (W9126G-06-D-0041).
Sept 7/07: Hensel Phelps Construction Co. in Austin, TX received a delivery order amount of $28.2 milliuon as part of a $56.3 million firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of Combat Aviation Brigade Hangars at Fort Bliss, TX. Work is expected to be complete by July 31/11. Bids were solicited via the World Wide Web on July 19/06, and 8 bids were received by the U.S. Army Engineer District in Little Rock, AK (W9127S-07-D-6003).
April 17/07: Tug Hill in Watertown, NY received the full delivery order amount of $19.1 million as part of its firm-fixed-price contract for work on Sergeant Major Boulevard and base utilities at Fort Bliss, TX. Work is expected to be completed by May 1/08. There were 3 bids solicited on March 10/07, and 3 bids were received (W9126G-06-D-0032).
April 4/07: Small business qualifier STC Constructors L.P. in San Antonio, TX won a $7.3 million firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an Air Support Operations Squadron and weather facility at Fort Bliss, TX. Work is expected to be complete by Nov 30/08. There were 173 bids solicited on Nov 8/06, and 5 bids were received (W9126G-07-C-0012).
Nov 1/06: Small business qualifier Urban Associates L.P. in El Paso, TX won an $11.7 million firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a general instructional facility at Fort Bliss, TX. Work is expected to be complete by March 30, 2008. There were 168 bids solicited on Sept 13/06, and 3 bids were received (W9126G-07-C-0001).
Sept 20/06: Small business qualifier SGS LLC in Oklahoma City, OK received a delivery order amount of $6.9 million as part of a $51.2 million firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Brigade Combat Team complex and enlisted personnel dining facility. at Fort Bliss, TX. Work is expected to be complete by Aug. 1, 2009. Bids were solicited via the World Wide Web on Feb. 17, 2006, and 8 bids were received by the U.S. Army Engineer District in Little Rock, AZ (W9127S-06-D-6000).
Sept 6/06: Hensel Phelps Construction Co. in Austin, TX received a delivery order amount of $30.7 million as part of a $165 million firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of the Brigade Combat Team complex and tactical equipment maintenance facilities at Fort Bliss, Texas. Work is expected to be complete by July 31, 2008. Bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Feb. 17, 2006, and 10 bids were received by the U.S. Army Engineer District in Tulsa, OK (W912BV-06-D-2019).
Sept 6/06: Hensel Phelps Construction Co. in Austin, TX received a delivery order amount of $45.3 million as part of a $74.9 million firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of barracks buildings. Work will be performed at Biggs Airfield, Fort Bliss, TX and is expected to be complete by May 3, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 4 bids solicited on March 3, 2006, and 4 bids were received by the U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, TX (W9126G-06-D-0039).
Sept 6/06: J.D. Abrams L.L.P. in Austin, TX received the full delivery order amount of $57.9 million as part of a firm-fixed-price contract for providing the materials, equipment, and labor for the construction of the BCT-1 infrastructure at Biggs Airfield, Fort Bliss, TX. Work is expected to be complete by March 30, 2007. There were 5 bids solicited on Aug. 1, 2006, and 3 bids were received by the U.S. Army Engineer District in Fort Worth, TX (W9126G-06-D-0030).