National Park Service awards $19.8M contract for architectural services to support ravine stabilization at Fort Washington National Park

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,837 ($19.8K)

Contractor: AECOM Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-09-27

End Date: 2026-08-04

Contract Duration: 676 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: TITLE III ARCHITECT/-ENGINEER (A-E) CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE CONSTRUCTION OF ON THE STABILIZATION OF RAVINE AREA C PROJECT, FORT WASHINGTON NATIONAL PARK (FOWA), PMIS #235874

Place of Performance

Location: FORT WASHINGTON, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20744

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $19,836.61 to AECOM SERVICES, LLC for work described as: TITLE III ARCHITECT/-ENGINEER (A-E) CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE CONSTRUCTION OF ON THE STABILIZATION OF RAVINE AREA C PROJECT, FORT WASHINGTON NATIONAL PARK (FOWA), PMIS #235874 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to AECOM SERVICES, LLC for architectural and engineering services. 2. Project aims to stabilize a ravine area at Fort Washington National Park. 3. Contract duration is 676 days, ending August 4, 2026. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating a set cost for the services. 5. This is a Delivery Order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. The contract was awarded through full and open competition.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.8 million for architectural and engineering services appears reasonable for a project of this nature, involving stabilization of a national park feature. Benchmarking against similar large-scale park infrastructure projects would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the scope and associated costs, which can be beneficial for budget predictability. However, without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to other bids, a definitive value-for-money assessment is limited.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized architectural and engineering services. This process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives competitive offers, potentially leading to better pricing and quality.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive bidding process, which aims to secure the best possible price and service for the stabilization project, ensuring funds are used efficiently for park preservation.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the visitors and staff of Fort Washington National Park, who will experience improved safety and park accessibility. The project will deliver essential architectural and engineering services for the stabilization of a critical ravine area. The geographic impact is localized to Fort Washington National Park in Maryland. The contract supports the preservation and maintenance of a national historic site, ensuring its long-term viability. While primarily a service contract, it may indirectly support local architectural and engineering firms through subcontracting opportunities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen geological conditions require extensive design changes.
Dependence on the contractor's expertise for accurate assessment and effective stabilization solutions.
Risk of delays if permitting or environmental reviews are more complex than anticipated.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor, AECOM SERVICES, LLC, likely has relevant experience in large-scale infrastructure projects.
The project addresses a critical need for park infrastructure stabilization, enhancing safety and preservation.

Sector Analysis

The architectural and engineering services sector is a critical component of infrastructure development and maintenance. This contract falls within the broader construction and engineering services market, which is substantial and competitive. The National Park Service, like other federal agencies, relies on specialized A-E firms to manage complex projects that require specific technical expertise. Spending in this sector is often driven by infrastructure needs, preservation efforts, and new development projects across various federal lands and facilities.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate a specific small business set-aside. As it was awarded through full and open competition, there is a possibility for small businesses to participate as subcontractors to the prime contractor, AECOM SERVICES, LLC. The extent of small business subcontracting will depend on the prime contractor's strategy and the specific needs of the project. Further analysis would be needed to determine the specific impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Park Service contracting officers and project managers. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver the specified services within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, and any significant issues or disputes would typically be handled through established contractual dispute resolution processes. Inspector General involvement would be contingent on allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Infrastructure Projects
Architectural and Engineering Services Contracts
Federal Land Management Projects
Construction Administrative Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not clearly defined.
Risk of schedule delays due to unforeseen site conditions.
Contractor performance risk for specialized technical services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $19,836.61 to AECOM SERVICES, LLC. TITLE III ARCHITECT/-ENGINEER (A-E) CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE CONSTRUCTION OF ON THE STABILIZATION OF RAVINE AREA C PROJECT, FORT WASHINGTON NATIONAL PARK (FOWA), PMIS #235874

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AECOM SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19,836.61.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-27. End: 2026-08-04.

What is AECOM SERVICES, LLC's track record with the National Park Service and similar agencies?

AECOM SERVICES, LLC is a large, well-established firm with extensive experience in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, including significant work with government agencies. While specific contract history with the National Park Service for projects of this exact scope requires detailed database review, AECOM has a broad portfolio that includes infrastructure, environmental, and design services for federal, state, and local governments. Their track record typically involves managing complex projects, adhering to regulatory requirements, and delivering technical solutions. A deeper dive into their past performance ratings and any past performance issues on similar federal contracts would provide a more precise assessment of their suitability for this specific project.

How does the $19.8 million contract value compare to similar ravine stabilization projects in national parks?

Benchmarking the $19.8 million contract value against similar ravine stabilization projects in national parks is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of comparable projects and their costs. Factors such as the scale of the ravine, geological complexity, environmental considerations, and the specific engineering solutions required can significantly influence project costs. However, for large-scale infrastructure and stabilization efforts within national parks, which often involve specialized engineering and environmental compliance, a multi-million dollar contract is not uncommon. The value should be assessed in the context of the project's scope, duration, and the technical expertise required, rather than a direct dollar-for-dollar comparison to unrelated projects.

What are the primary risks associated with this architectural and engineering services contract?

Key risks for this contract include potential scope creep if unforeseen geological conditions or environmental factors necessitate significant design modifications beyond the initial assessment. There's also a risk related to the contractor's ability to accurately assess the ravine's stability and propose the most effective and cost-efficient stabilization methods. Delays in obtaining necessary permits or completing environmental reviews could impact the project timeline and budget. Furthermore, reliance on specialized technical expertise means that any issues with the contractor's performance or the proposed solutions could have significant consequences for the project's success and the long-term integrity of the park feature.

How effective are firm fixed-price contracts in ensuring value for money in architectural services?

Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts are generally considered effective in ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and understood. For architectural services, this means that the requirements, deliverables, and performance standards are clearly articulated upfront. In such cases, FFP provides cost certainty for the government, shifting the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. This encourages the contractor to manage costs efficiently. However, if the scope is inherently uncertain or prone to change (e.g., complex geological surveys), an FFP contract might lead the contractor to build in higher contingencies, potentially increasing the initial price, or it could lead to disputes if changes are required. For this project, the stabilization of a ravine suggests some inherent uncertainties, making the clarity of the initial scope critical for FFP effectiveness.

What is the historical spending trend for architectural and engineering services by the National Park Service?

Historical spending by the National Park Service (NPS) on architectural and engineering (A-E) services typically fluctuates based on infrastructure needs, preservation initiatives, and congressional appropriations. The NPS consistently invests in maintaining and improving its vast network of parks, which includes historic structures, visitor facilities, and natural resource management projects. Spending on A-E services is a crucial component of these investments, covering design, planning, and oversight for construction and rehabilitation projects. While specific annual figures vary, the NPS generally allocates significant resources to A-E contracts to ensure the proper stewardship of national park resources. Trends often reflect priorities such as deferred maintenance, climate adaptation, and visitor experience enhancements.

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: 140P3024R0049

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: AECOM

Address: 3101 WILSON BLVD STE 900, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,837

Exercised Options: $19,837

Current Obligation: $19,837

Actual Outlays: $13,465

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140P3020D0011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline