Partial Building Renovation for Building 59 – National Defense University, Fort McNair, Washington, D. C.

PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT (PLA) SURVEY

to

National Defense University, Building 59 Repairs

Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.

W912DR22R0019

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, is soliciting comments from the construction community addressing the potential use of Project Labor Agreements (PLA) for a large-scale construction project ($25.0M - $100.0M) within the National Capital Region. The project is for the partial renovation of Building 59 at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.

The project scope includes providing Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and renovation services for Eisenhower Hall (Building 59), Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.

Building 59 is a four (4) story building of approximately 130,000 square feet (SF) with a small mechanical basement and crawl space as well as a mechanical penthouse. Currently Building 59 houses 400-450 people and the facility systems run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The facility houses numerous classrooms, study carrels, conference rooms, offices, and two large auditoriums as well as other support functions. Building 59 is within a historic zone and exterior modifications must be reviewed and approved by State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Major upgrades were done in 1996. which includes upgrades major to mechanical systems and other systems.  Original windows were maintained but new storm windows that include a film to provide a level of blast protection were incorporated behind the original windows towards the inside. Blinds were placed between these two window systems without any provision for venting the trapped air. Solar panels were installed on the roof.

The work includes partial building renovation with hazardous material, civil, architectural, building envelope repair, structural, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC upgrades, electrical, telecommunication and audio/visual work, and incidental related work, to include but not limited to a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF).

A PLA is defined as a prehire 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: FAR 52.222-33 Notice of Requirement for Project Labor Agreement Clause FAR 52.222-34 Project Labor Agreement.

The construction community is invited to comment on the use of PLAs. Of particular interest to the Government are responses to the following questions:

1. Should PLAs be executed on selected large dollar contracts, specifically, for construction services for Building 59, Fort McNair, Washington D.C.?
2. Are there concerns by prime contractors on the availability of skilled construction labor?
3. Would a PLA benefit a project which contains a unique and compelling mission-critical schedule?
4. What type of project should not be considered for PLA clauses?
5. What is the time impact to the completion of the contract due to a PLA?
6. What is the cost impact to the bid due to a PLA?
7. What other factors should the Corps consider before deciding to include PLA provisions in a Baltimore Engineer District contract?

Responses shall be submitted via email to Ms. Qiana Bowman at qiana.l.bowman@usace.army.mil no later than 12 noon Eastern Standard Time (EST) April 27, 2022. This is NOT a Request for Proposal and does not constitute any commitment by the Government. Responses to this labor market survey will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. All interested sources must respond to future solicitation announcements separately from responses to this survey.