SOCOM training support facility, humphreys engineer center (HEC), alexandria, virginia

PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT (PLA) SURVEY

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SOCOM Training Support Facility, HEC, Alexandria, Virginia

PANNAD-21-P-0000 001745

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 construction of SOCOM Training Support Facility, Humphreys Engineer Center (HEC), Alexandria, Virginia.

The project scope includes constructing a Training Support facility to support SOCOM, HEC, Alexandria, Virginia. The new facility will meet all Army standards, the Unified Facilities Criteria and DoD AT/FP regulations.

The new 73,200 SF (6,800 SM) facility will support a unique army special operations unit to enable the unit conduct critical training requirements locally and provide critical training equipment storage.  The facility will support the unit command group, admin space, conference room space, classroom and training space, special storage and warehouse space. The facility will be a controlled access and have several layers of security up to Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). Support spaces will include kitchenette and toilet/shower facilities. Built-in building systems include fire alarm/mass notification, fire suppression, utility management control, telephone, advance communication networks, cable television, and infrastructure for electronic security systems (intrusion detection, closed circuit surveillance, and electronic access control). Project includes the installation of electronic security system equipment (equipment funded by other appropriations). Supporting facilities include all related site-work and utilities (electrical, water, gas, sanitary sewer, and information systems distribution), privately owned vehicle parking, access drives, roads, curb and gutter, sidewalks, storm drainage and treatment structures, signage, landscaping, and other site improvements. Department of Defense principles for high performance and sustainable building requirements will be included in the design and construction of the project in accordance with federal laws and Executive Orders.  Low Impact Development features will be included in the design and construction of this project as appropriate. Access for persons with disabilities will be provided. Comprehensive interior, electronic security systems, and audio-visual design services are included.

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, to construct a new Training Support facility to support SOCOM, HEC, Alexandria, Virginia?
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) February 17, 2021. 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.