Project labor agreement (PLA) market survey: raven rock mountain complex

Y- PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT (PLA) MARKET SURVEY: RAVEN ROCK MOUNTAIN COMPLEX

PANNAD-20-P-0000-008500                                                                                                                                   

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, is soliciting comments from the construction community addressing the potential use of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for a large-scale construction project (exceeding $25 million) located Raven Rock Mountain Complex facilities within the Pennsylvania and Maryland areas, as well as other facilities within the National Capital Region.

Project Description: 

This project will be for the renovation and upgrade of the Raven Rock Mountain Complex facilities within the Pennsylvania and Maryland areas, as well as other facilities within the National Capital Region.  In accordance with DFARS 236.204 – Disclosure of the magnitudes of construction projects, the magnitude of this project is $100,000,000.  The North American Industry Classification System code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 236220 – Commercial and Institutional Building Construction with a size standard of $39,500,000.00. 

The scope of this contract will encompass Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build renovation and new construction projects. It may also include a broad variety of minor repair, modification, rehabilitation and/or alterations of existing buildings. The salient characteristics of these projects include: Vertical construction, full complement of construction disciplines to include: foundation, infrastructure, site utilities, superstructure, building systems; features of work include, but not be limited to: interior/ exterior mechanical/ electrical/ fire protection / HVAC/ architectural finishes/ furniture/ concrete/ plumbing/ carpentry/ roofing. It may also include, but not be limited to: demolition, geo-technical investigation, infrastructure projects, interior fit-up, communications, asbestos abatement, and security and force protection (AT/FP) projects.

PLA Background Information:

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 Acquisitions Regulation (FAR) 22.503, Policy states: 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.  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 agreements will (1) advance the Federal Government’s 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: 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 PLA’s by responding to the following questions:

1. Do you have knowledge that a PLA has been used in the local areas on projects of this kind?  If so, please provide supporting documentation.
2. Are you aware of skilled labor shortage in the areas for those crafts that will be needed to complete the referenced project?  If so, please elaborate and provide supporting documentation where possible.
3. Are you aware of time sensitive issues/scheduling requirements that would affect the rate at which the referenced project should be completed?  If so, please elaborate and provide supporting documentation where possible.
4. Identify specific reasons why or how you believe a PLA would advance the Federal Governments interest in achieving economy and efficiency in federal procurement.
5. Identify specific reasons why you do not believe a PLA would advance the Federal Governments interest in achieving economy and efficiency in federal procurement.
6. Identify any additional information you believe should be considered on the use of a PLA on the referenced project.
7. Identify any additional information you believe should be considered on the non-use of a PLA on the referenced project. 

The information gathered in this exercise should include the following information on projects completed in the last 2-5 years:

1. Project Name and Location
2. Detailed Project Description
3. Initial Cost Estimate vs. Actual Final Cost
4. Was the project completed on time?
5. Number of craft trades present on the project
6. Was a PLA used?
7. Were there any challenges experienced during the project?

Responses are to be sent via email to Punatoto Taamu at punatoto.v.taamu@usace.army.mil no later than 1:00 PM (EST) on 12 February 2021.  Responses are limited to seven (7) pages

This is NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL and does not constitute any commitment by the Government.  Reponses 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.