The Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command – Rock Island (ACC-RI), acting on behalf of the Project Director Joint Services (PD JS) and Joint Munitions Command (JMC), has issued the Army DB Construction MATOC, an essential contract designed to modernize critical ammunition manufacturing facilities. This initiative provides substantial opportunities for contractors with expertise in design-build, construction, and commissioning, tailored explicitly for Government Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) and Government Owned Government Operated (GOGO) facilities throughout the United States.

Scope and Importance of the Army DB Construction MATOC

The Army DB Construction MATOC aligns with the Army’s ambitious modernization plan for Army Ammunition Plants (AAP), addressing strategic goals such as enhancing manufacturing safety, isolating hazardous materials from personnel, and ensuring resilience in operations. This contract underscores the Army’s commitment to flexibility, sustainability, and cost-effective modernization, offering a diverse range of projects including energetic material production lines, ammunition loading and packing facilities, and commissioning processes for new manufacturing lines.

Facilities and Locations Under the MATOC

The scope of the Army DB Construction MATOC extends to several key facilities, each with unique operational roles:

  • Radford AAP, Virginia: Specializing in propellants vital for artillery and missile systems.
  • Iowa AAP, Iowa: Key for Load, Assemble, and Pack (LAP) ammunition production.
  • Holston AAP, Tennessee: Primary producer of explosives like RDX and HMX.
  • Scranton AAP, Pennsylvania: Specializing in large-caliber metal projectiles.
  • Lake City AAP, Missouri: Small caliber ammunition production.
  • Quad Cities Cartridge Case Facility, Illinois: Steel cartridge manufacturing.

Additionally, the MATOC covers demilitarization facilities including Letterkenny, Hawthorne, Anniston, McAlester, Tooele, and Crane, crucial for the safe disposal and recycling of ammunition.

Key Requirements and Contractor Capabilities

Contractors engaging with the Army DB Construction MATOC must demonstrate comprehensive capability in architecture-engineering (A/E) services, full-service design-build, construction proficiency, and rigorous adherence to federal, energetic, and chemical safety standards. Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is also highly desirable, reflecting the Army’s push towards sustainability.

All design work under this MATOC is supervised by registered professionals licensed in architecture and engineering, emphasizing the technical rigor and compliance demanded by federal standards and Unified Facilities Criteria.

Detailed Insight into MATOC Project Types

The MATOC accommodates various project types, reflecting a flexible approach to facility modernization:

  • Advance Existing Design and Build Projects: Contractors will advance preliminary designs into fully executable construction documents and complete comprehensive construction and commissioning activities.
  • Design-Build Projects: From concept to execution, contractors manage complete architectural and engineering design services, material procurement, construction permitting, and commissioning to ensure smooth operational readiness.
  • Facility Commissioning: A crucial part of the process involves planning, documenting, testing, and verifying new facilities operate in full compliance with project specifications.

These activities necessitate close collaboration with facility operating contractors, requiring adept coordination and efficient management strategies.

Proposal Submission and Evaluation Factors

To compete effectively, contractors must submit comprehensive proposals detailing bonding capacities, safety records (EMR), and extensive prior experience in industrial construction disciplines. Specific emphasis is placed on proven capability in chemical/petroleum projects, energetic material handling, substantial material handling automation systems, and compliance with strict safety regulations including Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Explosive Safety Site Plans (ESSP).

Contractors must also demonstrate previous successful projects involving environmental permitting and seamless integration of new construction into active operating environments.

Quality and Compliance Expectations

A stringent Quality Control (QC) program is mandatory, ensuring compliance with rigorous safety standards outlined by OSHA and the Army’s safety regulations, including EM385-1-1 USACE Safety and Health Requirements. Contractors are expected to provide highly qualified key personnel such as Contract Managers, Project Managers, Safety Managers, and Operational Security Coordinators, whose roles are pivotal in meeting the project’s demanding technical and safety benchmarks.

Financial and Auditing Preparedness

Financial compliance in managing federal contracts is critical, involving pre-award financial audits, indirect cost rate reviews, incurred cost audits, and compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). Maintaining stringent financial oversight ensures robust project execution and mitigates risks associated with federal compliance demands. Read about our Federal Financial Compliance services.

Maximizing Your Potential for MATOC Participation

Understanding the intricate requirements of the Army DB Construction MATOC is key to positioning effectively for these substantial contracts. Contractors must not only demonstrate technical capability but also superior managerial, operational safety, and financial compliance capacities. Engaging specialized financial compliance services to support contract administration and auditing preparedness further positions contractors advantageously in this highly competitive field.

Take Advantage of this Strategic Opportunity

The Army DB Construction MATOC represents a significant opportunity for contractors in the federal construction sector. Given the complexity and comprehensive requirements of these projects, contractors are encouraged to leverage specialized expertise in both technical execution and regulatory compliance.

By understanding and meticulously preparing for these contracts, qualified contractors can contribute substantially to national defense infrastructure, enhance their market presence, and achieve long-term growth in federal construction contracting.