PLA SURVEY - D/B/B - COLLECTIVE TRAINING BARRACKS - FORT DEVENS, MA

THIS IS A PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT (PLA) SURVEY ONLY.

This is a SPECIAL NOTICE. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District is soliciting comments from the construction community addressing use of a PLA for the upcoming construction of the Collective Training Barracks located at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

***No proposals are being requested or accepted with this PLA notice***

Description:

The Corps of Engineers Louisville District is soliciting comments from the construction community addressing the potential use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for a large-scale construction project ($35 million or more) for the following:

Project scope: Design Bid Build construction of the Collective Training Barracks located at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. This is a Design/Bid/Build project for the construction of a 46,000 SF, 300-bed open-bay Collective Training Enlisted Barracks on Devens Reserve Forces Training Area (RFTA), Massachusetts. The barracks is based on the standard design for an Operational Readiness Training Complex (ORTC) and will consist of open bay sleeping rooms, storage, team rooms, laundry, restrooms, and showers. The project will include information systems, fire protection, alarm systems, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), and Energy Monitoring Control Systems (ECMS). Supporting facilities include site development, utilities and connections, lighting, paving, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, storm drainage, landscaping and signage. Sustainability/Energy and cybersecurity measures are included. All fixtures, furnishings, and equipment will be provided. Antiterrorism force protection and physical security measures will be incorporated into the design including minimum standoff distances from roads, parking areas and vehicle unloading areas. Access for individuals with disabilities will be provided. Facilities will be designed to a minimum life of 40 years in accordance with DoD's Unified Facilities Criteria 1-200-02 including energy efficiencies, building envelope and integrated building systems performance. Demolition of two (2) adjacent buildings is required for this project.

Contract duration is estimated at 720 calendar days.

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:

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.

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:  

• 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
• Be consistent with law.

References:

• 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Identify specific reasons why or how you believe a PLA would advance the Federal Government’s interest in achieving economy and efficiency in Federal procurement.
5. Identify specific reasons why you do not believe a PLA would advance the Federal Government’s interest in achieving economy and efficiency in Federal procurement.
6. Identify any additional information you believe should be considered on the use of a PLA on the referenced project.
7. Identify any additional information you believe should be considered on the non-use of a PLA on the referenced project.
8. What are the likely cost impacts, if any, to your bid/proposal price if a PLA requirement is included in the solicitation?  Please provide as much detail as possible regarding any anticipated cost impacts (positive or negative) of the inclusion of a PLA requirement, including any information you can provide about the magnitude of the anticipated impact.

Please select one of the following:

1. My company will not submit a proposal if PLA is required but is interested in proposing if a PLA is not a requirement.
2. My company plans to submit a proposal whether PLA is required or not.
3. My company only plans to submit a proposal if PLA is required.

In addition to affirmative responses, we are seeking negative responses to identify any potential actions we may take to improve the competitive environment. Please provide a response with feedback including rationale for not wanting to submit a proposal and any recommendations that could promote interest.

Please provide your comments via e-mail to Ryan.M.King2@usace.army.mil no later than 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on 18 November 2025.