Project_Labor_Agreement_B551_B561.pdf

Title: W9126G20B0031, Repair Buildings 551 & 561, RRAD, Texas

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

U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth ATTN: CESWF-CT (Kimberly Bass) Kimberly.e.bass@usace.army.mil Post Office Box 17300 or 819 Taylor Street (2A17) (if using express mail) Fort Worth, TX 76102-0300

The Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District is soliciting comments from the construction community addressing the potential use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) from large scale construction projects (exceeding $25 million). This market survey is being posted for the Repair Buildings 551 & 561, RRAD, Texas. This will be a solicitation for a construction contract award for Fiscal Year 2020.

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 purpose of this project is to provide restoration to the failed and failing building components and correct regulatory code deficiencies for both building 551 and 561. The renovations will increase wall height but will not replace the building walls. Existing walls shall be reinforced to accommodate for the renovations. Buildings 551 and 561, each provide 91k SF of depot level rebuild operation space capable of supporting multiple depot programs, including MaxxPRO, Military All-Terrain Vehicle (MATV), Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), Cougar, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), and Trailers for Army, Navy, Marines, and Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS).

B551:

1. The following equipment items shall be removed and stored for reinstallation in the building:

radiant heaters, HVLS fans, blue “turbo” fans, hose reels, and electrical cord reels.

2. The existing fire alarm system components shall be removed and stored for reinstallation in the building.

3. The existing air compressors (located on the west and south sides of the building) and associated equipment and canopy shall remain for reconnection to the building.

4. Portions of walls shall be selectively demolished for the installation of new roll-up doors.

5. Repair structural components in failing state and provide a standing seam metal roof.

6. Provide a code compliant electrical distribution system.

7. Provide a code compliant fire sprinkler system.

8. Provide a code-compliant fire alarm/mass notification system for each building, utilizing the reclaimed components to the greatest extent practical.

9. Provide exhaust fans, HVLS fans, and column/wall mounted fans in each building, utilizing the reclaimed fans to the greatest extent practical.

10. Provide a compressed air distribution system and accessories in each building.

11. Provide overhead lifting in each building.

B561:

1. The following items shall be removed and stored for reinstallation in the RM building: radiant heaters, HVLS fans, blue “turbo” fans, yellow “cool zone” fans, and LED light fixtures.

2. The existing material handling equipment (3-ton floor-mounted bridge cranes and 1- and 3-ton floor mounted jib boom cranes) shall be removed and returned to the government for disposition.

3. The existing fire alarm system components shall be removed and stored for reinstallation in the building.

4. The existing air compressor (located on the south end of the building) and its associated equipment and canopy shall remain for reconnection to the building.

5. The following existing facilities shall remain for reconnection to the building:

a. 14’x44’ restrooms, 2 each, one at the northwest corner and one at the southwest corner

b. 26’x42’ break room on the east side

c. 12’x40’ office on the east side

6. Portions of walls shall be selectively demolished for the installation of new roll-up doors.

7. Repair structural components in failing state and provide a standing seam metal roof. The standing seam metal roof system will protect the integrity of the structural components in the existing structural system.

8. Provide a code compliant electrical distribution system.

9. Provide a code compliant fire sprinkler system.

10. Provide a code-compliant fire alarm/mass notification system for each building, utilizing the reclaimed components to the greatest extent practical.

11. Provide exhaust fans, HVLS fans, and column/wall mounted fans in each building, utilizing the reclaimed fans to the greatest extent practical.

13. Provide a compressed air distribution system and accessories in each building.

14. Provide overhead lifting in each building.

Abatement of asbestos-containing materials shall be accomplished in both buildings, particularly in the renovated areas. B551 asbestos materials are roofing, caulking, foundation tar, fire doors, and the exterior wall coating (beneath paint). B561 asbestos materials are roofing, caulking, and fire doors.

Project Labor Agreement:

A Project Labor Agreement (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) 22.503 Policy provides that:

(a) PLAs are 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.

Some of the factors that may be considered regarding their use are:

a.) The involvement of multiple contractors and/or subcontractors working in multiple crafts or trades.

b.) The complexity of the project.

c.) Shortage of skilled labor in the region.

d.) Completion of the project will require an extended period of time.

e.) The use of PLA's on other comparable projects.

f.) The promotion of the Governments long term programs interests such as training of skilled workforce for future projects.

g.) The possibility of labor disputes that threaten timely completion.

h.) Additional costs from use of PLAs may be cost prohibitive.

In consideration of the above factors, and any others which may be deemed appropriate, the construction community is invited to comment on the potential use of PLAs for the aforementioned project. 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 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, Ms. Kimberly Bass at Kimberly.e.bass@usace.army.mil and courtesy copy the Contracting Officer, John H. Rodgers at john.h.rodgers@usace.army.mil no later than 9:00 a.m., 28 July 2020.