Project Labor Agreement Survey

PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS (PLAs) Survey Title: PANSWD-23-P-0000 002457, FY 24 Fort Cavazos UEPH Renovations (Barracks) 91220 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 (Rodney Alexander) Rodney.d.Alexander@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 FY 24 Fort Cavazos UEPH Renovations (Barracks) 91220. This will be a solicitation for a construction contract award for Fiscal Year 2024. 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: EXISTING CONDITIONS: Buildings were originally constructed in the 1996. This is the first major renovation. Existing building has 450 beds at 120 sf each, well under the minimum required by the standard. The barracks rooms and suites are all undersized compared to the current standard. Soffit-installed HVAC units are causing molding issues and are at higher risk of freezing and bursting. Air leak test results showed failing building envelope and substandard building insulation; the HVAC system is inefficient and failing. This has resulted in substantial mold growth due to insufficient humidity control and moisture infiltration. The electrical system throughout the building is old and undersized and the lighting is outdated. The building does not have a fire protection/ mass notification system and the roof is in need of replacement. PROJECT DISCRIPTION: Partial renovation of the Barracks, including new conceptual floorplan to bring the room sizes up to standard. Conceptual floor plan redesign for the CQ/Laundry area has not yet been developed. The intent is to retain exterior walls to the greatest extent possible. Associated parking lots/sitework improvements shall be investigated and included as part of the project where current infrastructure is in need of repair. Travis to develop scope extents. Central Energy Plant Bldg 91227: Replace Motor Control Cabinet. MCC is currently integrated into the building MDP. Upgrade lighting to LED. Install fire protection/mass notification throughout building. This facility will provide 350 living/sleeping rooms after repairs are completed. Because of space limitations and the location of column lines, these barracks will all be 2-bedroom suites. All bedrooms shall be at least 140 square feet and a 32 sf walk-in closet, and each suite shall have shared kitchenette with induction cooktop and space for GFGI convection microwave ovens. Exterior site improvements to improve quality of life for soldiers and provide a pleasant living space and extracurricular opportunities. All components repaired as part of the project shall meet all applicable Army, Federal and Code Requirements. 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, Rodney Alexander at Rodney.d.Alexander@usace.army.mil and courtesy copy the Contracting Officer, Matthew Dickson, matthew.s.dickson@usace.army.mil no later than 2:00 p.m., August 21, 2023.