The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Louisville District Soliciting Comments on the Potential Use of Project Labor Agreements (PLA) at Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin
Solicitation Number: W912QR24R0002
Description: The Corps of Engineers Louisville District is soliciting comments from the construction community addressing the potential use of Project Labor Agreements (PLA) for a large-scale construction project (exceeding $25 million) for the following:
Construct a new four-story, 400-person open bay, Collective Training Enlisted Barracks at approximately 65,000 SF. Barracks floorplan will be based on the standard design for an Operational Readiness Training Complex, however, will be adapted to match Fort McCoy's current, standardized barracks floorplan (approved by the Barracks Center of Standardization). The Fort McCoy standard design barracks incorporates the contingency for lockable, fully functional modular bays. Each modular bay will include open bay barracks area, showers, bathrooms, and laundry capabilities. These modular bays will maximize the number of usable beds within the facility and accommodate the fluctuating, non-standardized numbers of transient Soldiers by providing male/female separation and unit integrity. The facility will be deactivated and/or taken off-line during the winter months when necessary. When Fort McCoy is not stood-up as a mobilization platform, its primary mission is to support the seasonally driven requirement(s) of transient training. Deactivation of barracks buildings during the winter months conserves energy and saves utility dollars. Project will include information systems, fire protection and alarm systems, video surveillance system installation, and Energy Monitoring Control Systems (EMCS) connection. Supporting facilities include site development, utilities and connections, lighting, paving, parking, walks, curbs and gutters, storm drainage, information systems, landscaping and signage. Heating and air conditioning will be provided by self-contained system. Comprehensive building and furnishings related interior design services are required. Accessibility for the disabled will be provided. Antiterrorism force protection and physical security measures will be incorporated into the design including maximum stand-off distances from roads, parking areas and vehicle unloading areas. Sustainability/Energy measures will be provided. Facilities will be designed to a minimum life of 40 years in accordance with DoD's Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC1-200-02) including energy efficiencies, building envelope and integrated building systems performance.
A 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) 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: 52.222-33 Notice of Requirement for Project Labor Agreement Clause 52.222-34 Project Labor Agreement.
In consideration of the above factors, and any others which may be deemed appropriate, the construction community is invited to comment on the use of PLAs. Of particular interest to the Government are responses to the following questions:
a. Do you have knowledge that a PLA has been used in the local area on projects of this kind? If so, please provide supporting documentation.
b. Are you aware of skilled labor shortages in the area for those crafts that will be needed to complete the referenced project? If so, please elaborate and provide supporting documentation where possible.
c. Are you aware of time sensitive issues/scheduling requirements that would affect the rate at which the referenced project should be completed? If so, please elaborate and provide supporting documentation where possible.
d. Identify specific reasons why or how you believe a PLA would advance the Federal Governments interest in achieving economy and efficiency in federal procurement.
e. Identify specific reasons why you do not believe a PLA would advance the Federal Governments interest in achieving economy and efficiency in federal procurement.
f. Identify any additional information you believe should be considered on the use of a PLA on the referenced project.
g. Identify any additional information you believe should be considered on the non-use of a PLA on the referenced project.
Please provide your comments via e-mail to Bonny.C.Dylewski@usace.army.mil no later than 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on 27 October 2023.
