Project Labor Agreement Survey_Ft Polk ISF.pdf

PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS (PLAs)

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS

Information Systems Facility (ISF), Fort Polk, LA W9126G22R0056

Title: W9126G22R0056, Information System Facility, Fort Polk, LA

Fort Worth District Corps of Engineers Soliciting Comments on the Potential Use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs)

The Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District is soliciting comments from the construction community addressing the potential use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for large scale construction projects (exceeding $25 million). This market survey is being posted for the Information Systems Facility (ISF), Fort Polk, LA. A solicitation for a construction contract award will be posted in Fiscal Year 2022. This notice is related to sources sought notice W9126G22R0056

THIS IS A PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT SURVEY ONLY. THIS IS NOT A

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL, REQUEST FOR QUOTE, OR INVITATION FOR BID.

THERE WILL NOT BE A SOLICITATION, SPECIFICATIONS, OR DRAWINGS

AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

Background / Scope Summary:

The Government is seeking qualified, experienced sources capable of constructing a standard fully designed Information Systems Facility. Project includes an information system processing area divided into specified security zones that address special use space for a Data Center, Network Operations Center (NOC), Local Session Controller Node (LSCN), and administration and warehousing. Construction includes redundant mechanical and electrical systems with backup power, secure organizational vehicle parking, loading/service areas, fire protection and alarm systems, Intrusion Detection System (IDS) installation, and Utility Monitoring Control Systems (UMCS) connection. Adherence to TEMPEST security standards will be provided. Low Impact Development Integrated Management Practices (LID-IMPs) and sustainability and energy enhancement measures are included. Supporting facilities include site development, utilities and connections, lighting, paving, parking, walks, curbs and gutters, storm drainage, landscaping, and signage. Heating and air conditioning will be provided by connection to a self-contained system.

Measures in accordance with the Department of Defense (DoD) Minimum Antiterrorism for Buildings standards will be provided. Comprehensive building and furnishings related interior design services are not required as this is a fully designed project. Facilities are designed to a minimum life of 40 years in accordance with DoD's Unified Facilities Code (UFC 1-200-02) including energy efficiencies, building envelope and integrated building systems performance.

Access for individuals with disabilities will be provided. Cooling is estimated at 128 tons for the administrative and support areas, 232 tons for the Data Center, and 245 tons for redundant mechanical systems.

Project Labor Agreement:

A PLA is defined as a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project and is an agreement described in 29 U.S.C. 158(f). Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Policy:

(a) Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is a tool that agencies may use to promote economy and efficiency in Federal procurement. Pursuant to Executive Order 13502, agencies are encouraged to consider requiring the use of project labor agreements in connection with large-scale construction projects.

(b) An agency may, if appropriate, require that every contractor and subcontractor engaged in construction on the project agree, for that project, to negotiate or become a party to a project labor agreement with one or more labor organizations if the agency decides that the use of project labor agreements will

(1) Advance the Federal Governments interest in achieving economy and efficiency in Federal procurement, producing labor-management stability, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing safety and health, equal employment opportunity, labor and employment standards, and other matters; and

(2) Be consistent with law.

Reference: Provision: 52.222-33 Notice of Requirement for Project Labor Agreement Clause 52.222-34 Project Labor Agreement.

In consideration of the above factors, and any others which may be deemed appropriate, the construction community is invited to comment on the use of PLAs. Of particular interest to the Government are responses to the following questions:

a. Should PLAs be executed on selected large dollar contracts within the above referenced location by the Fort Worth District? What other factors should the Corps consider before deciding to include PLA provisions in a Fort Worth District contract? What type of project should or should not be considered for PLA?

b. Is the use of PLAs effective in achieving economy and efficiency in Federal procurement?

What is the estimated relative cost impact, or any other economies or efficiencies derived by the Federal Government, if using PLAs? Will a PLA impact the cost of submitting an offer?

c. Is the use of PLAs effective in producing labor-management stability? Have labor disputes or other labor issues contributed to project delays in the local area?

d. Is the use of PLAs conducive to ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing safety and health, equal employment opportunity, labor and employment standards, and other relevant matters? Are there instances where these standards have not been met on Federal contracts in the local area? Were PLAs used for those specific contracts?

e. Projects will require multiple construction contractors and/or subcontractors employing workers in multiple crafts or trades. Do you foresee any work on projects that may result in both the prime contractor and at least one subcontractor, or two or more subcontractors, employing the same trade?

f. Are there concerns by prime contractors on the availability of skilled construction labor?

Information may reference current apprenticeship statistics and workforce age demographics.

g. Completion of anticipated projects will require an extensive performance periods. Will a PLA impact the completion time? What is the anticipated volatility in the labor market for the trades required for the execution of the project? Would a PLA benefit a project which contains a unique and compelling mission-critical schedule?

h. Where have PLAs been used on comparable projects undertaken by Federal, State, municipal, or private entities in the geographic area of this project?

i. Will the use of PLAs impact the ability of potential Offerors and subcontractors to meet small-business utilization goals?

Please provide your comments via e-mail to the Contract Specialist, Mr. Vernon Valigura at Vernon.N.Valigura2@usace.army.mil and courtesy copy the Contracting Officer, John H.

Rodgers at John.H.Rodgers@usace.army.mil no later than 2:00 p.m., 13 December 2021.

mailto:Vernon.N.Valigura2@usace.army.mil mailto:John.H.Rodgers@usace.army.mil