Interior's Fish & Wildlife Service Awards $207K for Galena Admin Site NEPA & Design to KPB Architects

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $207,161 ($207.2K)

Contractor: KPB Architects, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-09-17

End Date: 2026-10-02

Contract Duration: 745 days

Daily Burn Rate: $278/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AK GALENA ADMIN SITE NEPA AND DESIGN

Place of Performance

Location: GALENA, YUKON KOYUKUK County, ALASKA, 99741

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $207,160.88 to KPB ARCHITECTS, INC. for work described as: AK GALENA ADMIN SITE NEPA AND DESIGN Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential environmental and design services for the Galena Administrative Site. 2. KPB Architects, Inc. secured the contract, indicating specific expertise in the required services. 3. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a focused scope of work. 4. Competition method indicates a preference for broad participation, potentially leading to better pricing. 5. The project falls under Engineering Services, a sector vital for infrastructure development.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $207,160.88 appears reasonable for NEPA and design services, especially considering the specialized nature of environmental assessments and architectural engineering. Benchmarking against similar, smaller-scale federal design contracts suggests this pricing is within expected ranges.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which implies an initial broad solicitation followed by a specific exclusion, potentially for specialized capabilities or prior work. This method aims for competitive pricing while ensuring the right expertise is engaged.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award process is designed to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary services, with the final price reflecting market conditions.

Public Impact

Enhances environmental planning for federal facilities in Alaska. Supports infrastructure development and operational readiness for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Contributes to compliance with environmental regulations (NEPA). Potential for improved facility management and resource allocation in the Galena area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in NEPA and design phases.
Dependence on a single firm for critical design and environmental review.
Geographic remoteness of Galena could impact project execution and costs.

Positive Signals

Clear definition of services (NEPA and Design).
Competitive award process utilized.
Fixed-price contract type helps control costs.
Defined performance period.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, which is crucial for federal infrastructure projects. Spending in this area is often driven by the need for specialized expertise in planning, design, and environmental compliance, with benchmarks varying significantly based on project scale and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this specific award. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in the bidding process or subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a competitive bidding process, even with exclusions, suggests a degree of oversight. However, ongoing monitoring of project milestones, adherence to NEPA requirements, and budget management by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be critical for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of the Interior Contracting
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen environmental issues in Alaska.
Risk of design changes impacting budget and schedule.
Dependence on contractor's ability to navigate remote logistics.
Effectiveness of the 'exclusion of sources' in securing optimal value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $207,160.88 to KPB ARCHITECTS, INC.. AK GALENA ADMIN SITE NEPA AND DESIGN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KPB ARCHITECTS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $207,160.88.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-17. End: 2026-10-02.

What specific environmental challenges or design requirements in Galena make this contract particularly complex?

The unique environmental conditions of Alaska, including permafrost, remote access, and sensitive ecosystems, likely present significant challenges for both NEPA studies and facility design. These factors necessitate specialized engineering knowledge and thorough environmental impact assessments to ensure sustainable and compliant development.

How does the 'exclusion of sources' clause impact the overall competitiveness and potential for cost savings?

While 'full and open competition' is the base, excluding sources can limit the pool of bidders. If the exclusion was based on specific, justifiable technical requirements or prior performance, it might ensure the best fit but could reduce price competition. If arbitrary, it might inflate costs.

What is the long-term value proposition of this NEPA and design contract for the Galena Administrative Site?

This contract provides the foundational planning and design necessary for future development or improvements at the Galena Administrative Site. Proper NEPA review ensures environmental sustainability, while sound design leads to efficient, cost-effective, and durable facilities, ultimately supporting the long-term operational mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the region.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 40670740

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 500 L ST STE 400, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99501

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $207,161

Exercised Options: $207,161

Current Obligation: $207,161

Actual Outlays: $138,298

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140F0822D0260

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline