Interior Department awards $377K contract for architectural services to GWWO, Inc. for National Park Service projects

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $376,676 ($376.7K)

Contractor: Gwwo, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-11-21

End Date: 2026-07-17

Contract Duration: 238 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ACAD/SACR - SCOPING FOR MULTIPLE PROJECTS (DS FUNDED)

Place of Performance

Location: BAR HARBOR, HANCOCK County, MAINE, 04609

State: Maine Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $376,675.86 to GWWO, INC. for work described as: ACAD/SACR - SCOPING FOR MULTIPLE PROJECTS (DS FUNDED) Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for architectural scoping services, especially for multiple projects. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Contract duration of 238 days is appropriate for scoping and design phases. 5. Geographic focus on Maine (ME) indicates specific regional needs. 6. The contract is for architectural services, a common need for federal agencies managing facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $377,000 for architectural scoping for multiple projects seems within a reasonable range for the services described. Benchmarking against similar contracts for architectural services for federal agencies, particularly for National Park Service facilities, would provide a more precise assessment. However, given the scope of work likely involves preliminary design and planning for multiple sites, the price appears to be a fair reflection of the effort required.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified firms were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competition type suggests a robust market for architectural services. This level of competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down prices through market forces and ensures the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The National Park Service will benefit from updated architectural scoping for its facilities in Maine. Services delivered include architectural design and planning, crucial for maintaining and improving park infrastructure. The geographic impact is concentrated in Maine, supporting federal assets within that state. This contract supports the architecture and engineering sector workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating broad market engagement.
Firm fixed-price contract type helps control costs.
Contract duration is defined and appropriate for the scope.
Contractor is GWWO, Inc., which likely has relevant experience in architectural services.

Sector Analysis

The architectural services sector is a critical component of the construction and facilities management industry. Federal agencies, such as the Department of the Interior's National Park Service, frequently contract for these services to design, renovate, and maintain their vast portfolios of buildings and infrastructure. Spending in this sector is driven by the need for specialized expertise in design, engineering, and compliance with federal standards. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other architectural contracts awarded by agencies like GSA, DOD, or other Interior bureaus for similar project scopes.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any small business set-aside. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless GWWO, Inc. utilizes small businesses for subcontracting opportunities, which is not specified.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Interior's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated by contract award databases, though detailed project-specific oversight mechanisms are internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Facility Management
Architectural and Engineering Services
Federal Building Design and Construction

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined upfront.
Risk of delays impacting subsequent project phases.
Ensuring the selected architectural approach aligns with long-term NPS preservation and operational goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $376,675.86 to GWWO, INC.. ACAD/SACR - SCOPING FOR MULTIPLE PROJECTS (DS FUNDED)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GWWO, 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 $376,675.86.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-21. End: 2026-07-17.

What is the track record of GWWO, Inc. in performing federal architectural services, particularly for the National Park Service?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that GWWO, Inc. has a history of securing contracts for architectural and engineering services across various federal agencies. While specific details on their performance for the National Park Service on similar scoping projects would require deeper analysis of past performance reviews and contract close-outs, their presence in the federal market suggests they possess the necessary qualifications. Further investigation into their past performance ratings, any past disputes or challenges, and the types of projects they have completed would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their suitability and reliability for this specific contract.

How does the $377,000 contract value compare to similar architectural scoping contracts for federal projects?

Benchmarking this $377,000 contract against similar architectural scoping contracts requires access to a broader dataset of federal procurements. However, for preliminary design and scoping services for multiple projects, this value appears reasonable. Contracts for detailed architectural design or construction oversight typically command higher values. Factors influencing price include the complexity of the sites, the number of facilities involved, and the specific requirements for environmental or historical preservation reviews. Without more granular data on comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents exceptional value, but it falls within an expected range for the described service.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential scope creep, delays in delivery, and the possibility that the scoping may not fully align with the National Park Service's long-term vision or budget. However, these risks are mitigated by several factors. The contract is firm fixed-price, which limits the government's financial exposure to cost overruns. The defined contract duration (238 days) provides a timeline for delivery. Furthermore, the award was made under full and open competition, suggesting the selection of a qualified contractor. Robust project management and clear communication channels between the National Park Service and GWWO, Inc. will be crucial for successful execution.

What is the expected effectiveness of the architectural scoping services in supporting National Park Service goals?

The effectiveness of these architectural scoping services is expected to be high in supporting National Park Service goals. Proper scoping is the foundational step for any successful facility project, ensuring that designs are feasible, cost-effective, and aligned with the agency's mission and preservation mandates. By providing clear architectural plans and requirements, this contract will enable the National Park Service to make informed decisions about future investments in its Maine facilities, potentially leading to improved visitor experiences, enhanced operational efficiency, and better preservation of historical and natural resources. The clarity gained from this scoping phase is vital for subsequent design and construction phases.

How has federal spending on architectural services for the National Park Service trended historically?

Historical federal spending on architectural services for the National Park Service (NPS) generally fluctuates based on appropriations, infrastructure needs, and specific preservation initiatives. The NPS manages a vast and aging portfolio of assets, necessitating ongoing investment in design and planning services. While specific year-over-year trends for architectural services alone are complex to isolate without detailed category analysis, overall NPS infrastructure spending has seen periods of increase driven by legislative acts like the Great American Outdoors Act, which aims to address deferred maintenance. Contracts for architectural scoping, like this one, represent a portion of that broader investment in facility upkeep and development.

Industry Classification

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

Solicitation ID: 140P2026F0017

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 800 WYMAN PARK DR STE 300, BALTIMORE, MD, 21211

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: $376,676

Exercised Options: $376,676

Current Obligation: $376,676

Actual Outlays: $65,786

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140P2022D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline