JOCJOBORDER (Contracting)

What is JOCJOBORDER (Contracting)?

A Job Order Contract (JOCJOBORDER) is a unique type of construction contract used extensively by government agencies. It is a long-term, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract that enables agencies to quickly and efficiently procure a wide variety of construction, repair, and alteration projects through pre-established pricing. JOCJOBORDER aims to reduce procurement lead times and administrative burdens associated with traditional contracting methods.

Definition

A JOCJOBORDER is essentially a master agreement between an agency and a contractor. Instead of bidding each individual project, contractors bid on adjustment factors or coefficients applied to a pre-priced catalog of construction tasks. Once awarded a JOCJOBORDER, the contractor becomes the on-call resource for a specified period (typically one to three years), capable of executing multiple task orders or job orders within the scope of the contract. The legal and regulatory basis for JOCJOBORDERs can be found in various federal procurement regulations, depending on the agency and specific circumstances; however, they are generally structured within the framework of IDIQ contracts under FAR Part 16. JOCJOBORDER matters because it offers a streamlined way for agencies to execute numerous small to medium-sized construction and maintenance projects with speed and efficiency.

Key Points

• Pre-Priced Task Catalogs: The foundation of a JOCJOBORDER is a comprehensive catalog containing descriptions and unit prices for common construction tasks.
• Coefficient Bidding: Contractors bid on coefficients that will be applied to the pre-priced tasks, reflecting overhead, profit, and local market conditions. Lower coefficients often win the contract.
• Task Order Process: When a project arises, the agency issues a task order specifying the work required. The contractor prepares a detailed cost proposal based on the pre-priced catalog and agreed-upon coefficient.
• Reduced Procurement Lead Times: The JOCJOBORDER process significantly reduces the time required to procure construction services, as the contractor is already selected and pricing is largely pre-negotiated.

Practical Examples

1. Military Base Maintenance: A military base needs ongoing repairs to its facilities. A JOCJOBORDER allows the base to quickly issue task orders for plumbing repairs, electrical work, or painting without going through a full competitive bidding process each time.
2. School District Renovations: A school district has multiple schools requiring various renovations, such as new flooring, updated lighting, and accessibility improvements. A JOCJOBORDER provides a streamlined mechanism for awarding these projects to a qualified contractor.
3. Federal Building Upgrades: A federal agency needs to upgrade the HVAC system in one of its buildings. Utilizing a JOCJOBORDER, the agency can quickly solicit a proposal from the JOCJOBORDER contractor and begin work, minimizing disruption to building operations.