DOI awards $203K for USPP horse stable design, focusing on rehabilitation and security upgrades

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $203,708 ($203.7K)

Contractor: Gwwo, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2022-09-07

End Date: 2026-08-06

Contract Duration: 1,429 days

Daily Burn Rate: $143/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TITLE I & II ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING (AE) SERVICES TO PLAN, DESIGN AND PREPARE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR THE REHABILITATION OF PADDOCKS AND IMPROVE SITE SECURITY AT THE UNITED STATES PARK POLICE (USPP) H5 HORSE STABLES LOCATED IN WASHINGTO

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20242

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $203,708.13 to GWWO, INC. for work described as: TITLE I & II ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING (AE) SERVICES TO PLAN, DESIGN AND PREPARE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR THE REHABILITATION OF PADDOCKS AND IMPROVE SITE SECURITY AT THE UNITED STATES PARK POLICE (USPP) H5 HORSE STABLES LOCATED IN WASHINGTO Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized architectural and engineering services. 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. Project duration aligns with typical design and documentation timelines for construction. 5. Geographic concentration in DC may indicate specific regional needs or existing infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $203,708 for architectural and engineering services for the USPP horse stables appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized design work. Benchmarking against similar contracts for facility design and rehabilitation, especially for government-specific needs like law enforcement stables, would provide a more precise assessment. However, the scope of planning, design, and preparation of construction documents for rehabilitation and security improvements suggests a fair price point given the complexity and regulatory requirements.

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 had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the procurement method suggests a competitive environment. This approach generally leads to better price discovery and ensures the government receives proposals from a wide range of capable contractors, potentially resulting in more innovative solutions and cost-effective pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it fosters a competitive market, driving down prices and ensuring the government secures the best value for its investment in essential services.

Public Impact

The United States Park Police (USPP) will benefit from improved horse stable facilities, enhancing the operational capacity and well-being of their mounted units. Services delivered include architectural and engineering design, planning, and preparation of construction documents for rehabilitation and site security. The project's geographic impact is concentrated in Washington, D.C., specifically at the H5 Horse Stables. Workforce implications may include opportunities for architects, engineers, and construction professionals involved in the design and potential future construction phases.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if rehabilitation needs are more extensive than initially assessed.
Dependence on timely approvals and feedback from the National Park Service and USPP.
Risk of unforeseen site conditions impacting design or construction costs if not fully identified during planning.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type limits financial risk for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potential for competitive pricing.
Clear project scope focused on rehabilitation and security upgrades provides defined objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Architectural and Engineering Services sector, specifically related to government facility design and rehabilitation. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms specializing in public infrastructure and specialized facilities. The total federal spending on architectural and engineering services is substantial, encompassing a wide range of projects from small renovations to large-scale infrastructure development. This contract represents a small but critical component of maintaining essential operational infrastructure for law enforcement.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. Therefore, small businesses would have had the opportunity to compete directly. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award, but it is common practice for larger prime contractors to engage small businesses for specialized services or support roles in such projects.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the National Park Service, an agency within the Department of the Interior. 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 through federal procurement databases where contract awards are publicly reported. The Inspector General for the Department of the Interior may have jurisdiction for audits or investigations if any irregularities arise.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Facility Management
US Park Police Operations Support
Federal Law Enforcement Infrastructure
Architectural and Engineering Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting scope.
Dependence on timely government approvals.
Risk of contractor performance issues if not adequately managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $203,708.13 to GWWO, INC.. TITLE I & II ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING (AE) SERVICES TO PLAN, DESIGN AND PREPARE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR THE REHABILITATION OF PADDOCKS AND IMPROVE SITE SECURITY AT THE UNITED STATES PARK POLICE (USPP) H5 HORSE STABLES LOCATED IN WASHINGTO

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 $203,708.13.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-07. End: 2026-08-06.

What is the track record of GWWO, Inc. with the Department of the Interior and similar agencies?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that GWWO, Inc. has a history of receiving contracts from various federal agencies, including those within the Department of the Interior and other entities involved in architectural and engineering services. Their past performance typically involves design and planning for facilities, often with a focus on renovation, preservation, or specialized structures. Analyzing the specific types of projects and their success rates (e.g., on-time and within-budget completion) would provide a clearer picture of their reliability for this particular contract. Without direct access to performance evaluations or detailed project histories, it's difficult to provide a definitive assessment, but their continued award of contracts suggests a generally satisfactory performance history.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar architectural and engineering design contracts for specialized facilities?

The awarded amount of approximately $203,708 for architectural and engineering services for the USPP horse stables is considered moderate for specialized facility design. Similar contracts for planning, design, and preparation of construction documents for unique government facilities, such as animal care facilities, law enforcement installations, or historical site renovations, can range significantly based on scope, complexity, and location. Contracts for smaller-scale renovations or preliminary studies might be lower, while comprehensive design packages for new, large-scale facilities could easily exceed this amount by several multiples. Given the specific requirements for rehabilitation and security at an existing stable, this value appears to be a fair reflection of the specialized expertise and detailed documentation required.

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 if unforeseen issues arise during the assessment of the existing stables, leading to increased design requirements. Another risk is the potential for delays in government review and approval processes, which could impact the project timeline. Furthermore, the accuracy of the initial site assessment and the contractor's ability to translate needs into constructible documents are critical. Mitigation strategies are in place: the contract is firm fixed-price, which caps the government's financial exposure and incentivizes the contractor to manage scope effectively. The full and open competition process likely selected a contractor with demonstrated experience in similar projects, reducing the risk of poor technical execution. Clear communication protocols and defined milestones within the contract also help manage timelines and expectations.

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

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective in ensuring value for money for projects with well-defined scopes, such as the design and documentation services for the USPP horse stables. Under an FFP contract, the contractor assumes the majority of the risk for cost overruns, providing a strong incentive to control expenses and deliver the project within the agreed-upon price. This shifts the burden of cost management to the contractor, allowing the government to budget with greater certainty. For the National Park Service, this means they know the maximum cost for the design services upfront. The value is realized if the contractor successfully completes the required design deliverables to the specified quality standards within the fixed price, avoiding unexpected increases that could strain taxpayer funds.

What are the historical spending patterns for architectural and engineering services by the National Park Service or US Park Police?

Historical spending patterns for architectural and engineering (A&E) services by the National Park Service (NPS) and the US Park Police (USPP) typically reflect their operational needs and infrastructure maintenance requirements. The NPS, responsible for managing numerous historical sites, parks, and visitor facilities, consistently allocates funds for design and planning services related to preservation, rehabilitation, and new construction. USPP spending would likely focus on facilities supporting their law enforcement operations, such as stables, vehicle maintenance areas, and administrative buildings. Analyzing past contract awards for similar projects (e.g., facility upgrades, security enhancements, specialized structure designs) would reveal trends in contract values, types of services procured, and the agencies or contractors most frequently engaged. This specific contract for horse stable upgrades aligns with the ongoing need for specialized facility maintenance within these agencies.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFP0040583979

Offers Received: 1

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: $238,000

Exercised Options: $203,708

Current Obligation: $203,708

Actual Outlays: $175,162

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140P3020D0015

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline