How to Win the $15 Billion C2E Contract for Construction and Engineering Services

Introduction

The U.S. Air Force is seeking industry feedback on its plan to acquire construction and engineering support services through a procurement vehicle worth potentially $15 billion over a 10-year ordering period. The planned Comprehensive Construction & Engineering contract, or C2E, will consist of a five-year base period and five one-year options. The C2E program is a strategic initiative to modernize and sustain the Air Force’s infrastructure and facilities across the world. This article will provide an overview of the C2E program, its historical background, its RFP description, who should participate, and the challenges involved.

Historical Background

The C2E program is the successor of two existing contract vehicles that provide construction and engineering services to the Air Force: the Regional Engineering and Construction (RE&C) and the Worldwide Engineering and Construction (WE&C) IDIQ contracts. The RE&C contract covers projects within the continental United States, while the WE&C contract covers projects outside the continental United States. Both contracts were awarded in 2016 and have a combined ceiling value of $7.4 billion. The current RE&C contract holders are AECOM Technical Services Inc., Aptim Federal Services LLC, CH2M Hill Constructors Inc., Environmental Chemical Corp., Fluor Intercontinental Inc., Perini Management Services Inc., and URS Group Inc. The current WE&C contract holders are AECOM Technical Services Inc., Aptim Federal Services LLC, CH2M Hill Constructors Inc., ECC International LLC, Fluor Intercontinental Inc., Perini Management Services Inc., and URS Group Inc.

RFP Description

The C2E program will consolidate the RE&C and WE&C contracts into one single contract vehicle that will cover both domestic and international projects. The C2E program will be managed by the 772nd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron (ESS) on behalf of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC). The C2E program will provide a full range of construction and engineering support services, such as sustainment, maintenance, repair, restoration, modernization, demolition, design-build, design-bid-build, and other related services. The C2E program will support various types of facilities and infrastructure, such as airfields, hangars, barracks, offices, warehouses, utilities, roads, bridges, fences, security systems, environmental remediation, and disaster recovery. The C2E program will also require contractors to comply with various standards and regulations, such as safety, quality, security, environmental, energy conservation, sustainability, accessibility, historic preservation, and socio-economic programs.

The C2E program is expected to be awarded in 2024. The solicitation number is 772ESSPKAC2E2023RFI. The duration of the term is 5 year(s) base plus 5 x 1 year(s) option(s). The estimated value is $15 billion. The C2E program will use a best value trade-off source selection process to evaluate proposals based on technical capability, past performance, small business participation, and price.

Who Should Participate

The C2E program is open to any contractor that can demonstrate relevant experience and qualifications in providing construction and engineering support services to the Air Force or other federal agencies. Contractors should have a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. Contractors should also have a robust team of qualified personnel and subcontractors that can meet the diverse and complex requirements of the C2E program. Contractors should also have a strong understanding of the Air Force’s mission and vision, as well as its culture and values.

The C2E program is an excellent opportunity for contractors to expand their market share and revenue in the federal government sector. The C2E program will offer a steady stream of task orders for various types of projects across the world. The C2E program will also enable contractors to build long-term relationships with the Air Force and other federal agencies that may need similar services in the future.

Challenges

The C2E program is not without challenges. Contractors will face several risks and uncertainties in pursuing this opportunity. Some of the challenges include:

• Competition: The C2E program is expected to attract many competitors, including the incumbent RE&C and WE&C contractors. Contractors will need to differentiate themselves from their rivals by showcasing their unique value proposition and competitive advantages.
• Compliance: The C2E program will require contractors to adhere to numerous standards and regulations that may vary by location and project type. Contractors will need to ensure that they have adequate systems and processes in place to comply with all applicable rules and requirements.
• Performance: The C2E program will demand high levels of performance from contractors in terms of quality, timeliness, cost-effectiveness, safety, customer satisfaction, and innovation. Contractors will need to demonstrate their ability to deliver consistent and exceptional results across all task orders and locations.
• Communication: The C2E program will involve multiple stakeholders, such as the Air Force, other federal agencies, local authorities, subcontractors, suppliers, and end-users. Contractors will need to establish effective communication channels and mechanisms to coordinate and collaborate with all parties involved.
• Contingency: The C2E program will expose contractors to various types of risks and uncertainties, such as changes in scope, schedule, budget, requirements, regulations, market conditions, security threats, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events. Contractors will need to develop and implement contingency plans and mitigation strategies to deal with any potential issues or disruptions.

Conclusion

The C2E program is a strategic and lucrative opportunity for contractors that can provide construction and engineering support services to the Air Force. The C2E program will consolidate the RE&C and WE&C contracts into one single contract vehicle that will cover both domestic and international projects. The C2E program will have a 10-year ordering period and a $15 billion ceiling value. The C2E program will use a best value trade-off source selection process to evaluate proposals based on technical capability, past performance, small business participation, and price.

To win the C2E contract, contractors will need to overcome several challenges, such as competition, compliance, performance, communication, and contingency. Contractors will also need to demonstrate relevant experience and qualifications, as well as a strong understanding of the Air Force’s mission and vision.

If you are interested in bidding for the C2E contract, contact us today at www.gdicwins.com and learn how we can help you in winning the opportunity.