National Park Service awards $27.2M contract for Old Courthouse renovations, highlighting construction sector activity

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,231,423 ($27.2M)

Contractor: Tarlton Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2022-11-18

End Date: 2025-01-31

Contract Duration: 805 days

Daily Burn Rate: $33.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: OLD COURTHOUSE PHASE 2 RENOVATIONS, GATEWAY ARCH NATIONAL PARK (GANP 242900/253127), (FORMERLY JEFFERSON NATIONAL EXPANSION MEMORIAL (JEFF 199879)), ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS CITY County, MISSOURI, 63102

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $27.2 million to TARLTON CORP for work described as: OLD COURTHOUSE PHASE 2 RENOVATIONS, GATEWAY ARCH NATIONAL PARK (GANP 242900/253127), (FORMERLY JEFFERSON NATIONAL EXPANSION MEMORIAL (JEFF 199879)), ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI Key points: 1. Contract value of $27.2 million for renovations at Gateway Arch National Park. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, given the project's scope and duration. 4. Performance context involves significant historical building restoration. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within commercial building construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $27.2 million for the Old Courthouse Phase 2 Renovations appears reasonable for a project of this scale and complexity, involving historical building restoration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale commercial and institutional building construction projects suggests that the pricing is within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps to control costs and provides predictability for the National Park Service.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of two bidders, while not a large number, indicates some level of competition. A full and open process generally leads to better price discovery and ensures that the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through competitive bidding, ensuring that public funds are used efficiently for the renovation of a significant national landmark.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are visitors to Gateway Arch National Park, who will experience improved facilities at the Old Courthouse. Services delivered include comprehensive renovations to a historic structure, preserving its architectural integrity and enhancing its functionality. Geographic impact is concentrated in St. Louis, Missouri, a key tourist destination. Workforce implications include job creation for construction workers, tradespeople, and project management professionals in the St. Louis area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen structural issues arise during renovation of a historic building.
Delays in project completion could impact visitor access and park operations.
Coordination challenges between various construction trades and historical preservation requirements.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits financial risk for the government.
Experienced contractor likely selected through a competitive process.
Clear project scope and defined deliverables for the renovation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the U.S. economy. The National Park Service, as a major federal agency, frequently engages in construction and renovation projects to maintain its vast network of historical sites and facilities. Spending in this sector is influenced by infrastructure needs, historical preservation efforts, and public access requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks for large-scale historical renovations can vary widely based on location, historical significance, and the extent of work required.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data does not indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor, Tarlton Corp, will likely manage the majority of the work, with potential for subcontracting to larger firms or specialized service providers rather than a deliberate effort to engage the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the National Park Service, likely through contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver the specified renovations within the agreed-upon budget and timeline. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, though detailed project progress reports may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Facility Renovations
Historic Preservation Projects
Federal Building Construction Contracts
Gateway Arch National Park Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen conditions in historic building renovations.
Risk of project delays impacting park operations.
Complexity of integrating modern systems into historic structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $27.2 million to TARLTON CORP. OLD COURTHOUSE PHASE 2 RENOVATIONS, GATEWAY ARCH NATIONAL PARK (GANP 242900/253127), (FORMERLY JEFFERSON NATIONAL EXPANSION MEMORIAL (JEFF 199879)), ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TARLTON CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-11-18. End: 2025-01-31.

What is Tarlton Corp's track record with federal contracts, particularly with the National Park Service?

Tarlton Corp has a history of performing construction work, including projects for government entities. While specific details on their track record with the National Park Service for similar large-scale historical renovations would require deeper analysis of federal procurement data, their selection for this significant project suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. A review of past performance evaluations and contract awards would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and success rate on comparable federal projects. Their involvement in projects like the Old Courthouse renovations indicates a capacity to handle complex construction challenges within historical contexts.

How does the $27.2 million contract value compare to similar historical building renovation projects managed by federal agencies?

The $27.2 million contract value for the Old Courthouse Phase 2 Renovations is within the expected range for substantial historical building restoration projects undertaken by federal agencies. Large-scale renovations of significant historical structures, especially those requiring specialized preservation techniques and materials, can incur substantial costs. Factors such as the building's size, architectural complexity, current state of disrepair, and the scope of work (e.g., structural repairs, HVAC upgrades, interior restoration) heavily influence the final price. Benchmarking against projects like the restoration of other national monuments or historic federal buildings would reveal that this figure is commensurate with the undertaking, reflecting the specialized nature of preserving national heritage assets.

What are the primary risks associated with renovating a historic structure like the Old Courthouse, and how are they mitigated?

Renovating historic structures like the Old Courthouse presents unique risks, primarily related to unforeseen structural issues, the discovery of hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos, lead paint), and the challenge of integrating modern systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) without compromising historical integrity. Mitigation strategies typically include thorough pre-construction surveys, historical research, and contingency planning. The firm-fixed-price contract structure helps manage financial risk, but the National Park Service likely has provisions for change orders to address unexpected discoveries. Employing specialized historical architects and construction firms experienced in preservation is crucial for mitigating risks related to maintaining authenticity and structural stability.

What is the expected impact of these renovations on the visitor experience at Gateway Arch National Park?

The renovations are expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience at Gateway Arch National Park by improving the functionality, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal of the Old Courthouse. Phase 2 renovations likely address critical infrastructure and interior spaces, ensuring the building is safe, comfortable, and engaging for visitors. Improved climate control, updated exhibits, better lighting, and potentially enhanced accessibility features will make the historical context of the Old Courthouse more enjoyable and informative. Ultimately, these upgrades aim to preserve a vital piece of American history while providing a modern and welcoming environment for the millions who visit the park annually.

How has federal spending on historical building renovations evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending on historical building renovations has generally remained consistent, driven by the mandate to preserve national heritage sites managed by agencies like the National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and General Services Administration. While specific aggregate data requires detailed analysis, funding often fluctuates based on congressional appropriations and the identification of critical preservation needs. This $27.2 million contract for the Old Courthouse represents a significant, targeted investment within this category. It aligns with ongoing efforts to maintain and restore iconic federal properties, ensuring their long-term viability and public accessibility, and reflects a commitment to preserving significant historical landmarks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140P2022R0159

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5500 W PARK AVE, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63110

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,231,423

Exercised Options: $27,231,423

Current Obligation: $27,231,423

Actual Outlays: $27,231,423

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 23

Total Subaward Amount: $14,769,583

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline