Interior Department awards $1.95M contract for McFarland Headquarters facility maintenance, with services spanning over two years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $195,462 ($195.5K)

Contractor: Page Southerland Page, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-04-14

End Date: 2027-06-13

Contract Duration: 790 days

Daily Burn Rate: $247/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ACAD 151309 - REPLACE MAINTENANCE FACILITY AT MCFARLAND HEADQUARTERS - ARCHITECTURAL / ENGINEERING (A/E) CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES (TITLE II AND TITLE III)

Place of Performance

Location: BAR HARBOR, HANCOCK County, MAINE, 04609

State: Maine Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $195,462.31 to PAGE SOUTHERLAND PAGE, INC. for work described as: ACAD 151309 - REPLACE MAINTENANCE FACILITY AT MCFARLAND HEADQUARTERS - ARCHITECTURAL / ENGINEERING (A/E) CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES (TITLE II AND TITLE III) Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for architectural and engineering services for a facility maintenance project. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is firm-fixed-price, which transfers risk to the contractor. 4. Project duration of approximately two years is standard for construction document and phase services. 5. The National Park Service is the primary agency, indicating a focus on preserving federal lands and facilities. 6. The contractor, PAGE SOUTHERLAND PAGE, INC., is positioned to deliver specialized engineering services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.95 million for architectural and engineering services for facility maintenance appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of this scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar projects for facility documentation and construction phase services would provide a more precise assessment, but the initial value does not raise immediate concerns. The firm-fixed-price structure is advantageous for the government, as it caps costs and incentivizes the contractor to manage expenses efficiently.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and quality. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the use of full and open competition suggests that multiple firms likely participated, allowing for price discovery and selection of the most advantageous offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it promotes a level playing field, encouraging multiple contractors to offer their best pricing and services, ultimately leading to a more cost-effective outcome for government projects.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior, who will receive updated maintenance facilities. The services delivered include architectural and engineering construction documents, as well as construction phase services (Title II and Title III). The geographic impact is localized to McFarland Headquarters in Maine (ME). The contract supports the engineering and construction services workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if project requirements are not clearly defined in the initial documents.
Dependence on contractor performance for timely delivery of critical construction documents.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract structure mitigates cost overruns for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Contract duration aligns with the complexity of architectural and engineering services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS code 541330), which encompasses firms that provide engineering and related services. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms capable of undertaking government contracts. The value of this specific contract is modest within the broader federal A/E services market, which sees significant spending on infrastructure, facility upgrades, and design projects across various agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not immediately clear, though large prime contractors often utilize small businesses for specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the National Park Service contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to meet defined specifications and timelines. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though specific details of performance are not publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Facility Maintenance Contracts
Architectural and Engineering Services for Federal Buildings
Department of the Interior Construction Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for contractor performance issues impacting project timelines.
Risk of scope creep if project requirements are not meticulously managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $195,462.31 to PAGE SOUTHERLAND PAGE, INC.. ACAD 151309 - REPLACE MAINTENANCE FACILITY AT MCFARLAND HEADQUARTERS - ARCHITECTURAL / ENGINEERING (A/E) CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES (TITLE II AND TITLE III)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PAGE SOUTHERLAND PAGE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $195,462.31.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-14. End: 2027-06-13.

What is the track record of PAGE SOUTHERLAND PAGE, INC. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of the Interior or National Park Service?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess PAGE SOUTHERLAND PAGE, INC.'s track record. However, their presence as a prime contractor suggests they have experience navigating federal contracting requirements. For this specific contract, the National Park Service's selection implies confidence in the firm's capabilities. Further analysis would involve examining past performance evaluations, any history of contract disputes or awards, and their experience with similar types of projects (e.g., facility maintenance, architectural design, construction phase services) for federal agencies. Understanding their past performance on similar projects can provide insights into their reliability and quality of work.

How does the $1.95 million contract value compare to similar architectural and engineering services for facility maintenance projects within the federal government?

The $1.95 million contract value for architectural and engineering services (A/E) for facility maintenance at McFarland Headquarters appears to be a moderate investment. To benchmark effectively, one would compare this value against contracts for similar scope and complexity awarded by agencies like the National Park Service, General Services Administration, or Department of Defense for facility documentation and construction phase support. Factors such as the size and type of facility, the specific maintenance requirements, and the geographic location can influence costs. Without direct comparable data, it's difficult to definitively state if it's high or low, but it doesn't immediately suggest an outlier value for a project spanning over two years.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential delays in delivering construction documents, which could impact the subsequent construction phase, and the possibility of cost overruns if the firm-fixed-price contract is not managed effectively by the contractor. Scope creep, where project requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, is another common risk. Mitigation strategies include the firm-fixed-price structure itself, which places the financial risk on the contractor. The National Park Service will likely employ rigorous oversight, regular progress reviews, and clear communication channels to monitor performance, ensure adherence to the scope, and address any emerging issues promptly. The contractor's own risk management processes are also critical.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this specific project?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and the risks are understood. For this project, involving the development of construction documents and oversight of construction phase services, an FFP contract incentivizes the contractor, PAGE SOUTHERLAND PAGE, INC., to control costs and complete the work efficiently to maximize their profit margin. This structure transfers the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, protecting the government from unexpected price increases. The value for money is realized if the contractor delivers high-quality documents and services within the agreed-upon price, which is monitored through contract oversight.

What are the historical spending patterns for architectural and engineering services by the National Park Service or the Department of the Interior?

Historical spending patterns for A/E services by the National Park Service (NPS) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) typically show consistent investment in facility maintenance, upgrades, and new construction across numerous parks and facilities nationwide. These agencies rely heavily on specialized engineering and architectural expertise to preserve historic structures, ensure public safety, and improve visitor experiences. Spending can fluctuate based on congressional appropriations, infrastructure initiatives, and specific preservation needs. Analyzing past DOI/NPS budgets and contract awards for A/E services would reveal trends in contract types, average values, and the distribution of funds across different types of projects, providing context for the current $1.95 million award.

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

Solicitation Procedures: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1615 M ST NW STE 700, WASHINGTON, DC, 20036

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $195,462

Exercised Options: $195,462

Current Obligation: $195,462

Actual Outlays: $74,556

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140P2022D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline