Independence Hall clock face repair contract awarded to The Tradesmen Group for $399,120

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,912 ($39.9K)

Contractor: THE Tradesmen Group, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-09-20

End Date: 2026-04-03

Contract Duration: 560 days

Daily Burn Rate: $71/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: INDE - INDEPENDENCE HALL CLOCK FACE REPAIR

Place of Performance

Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19106

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $39,912 to THE TRADESMEN GROUP, LLC for work described as: INDE - INDEPENDENCE HALL CLOCK FACE REPAIR Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of historical landmark repair. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a competed contract, suggesting potential for fair pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm-fixed-price contract and a defined scope. 4. Performance context is specific to a unique historical preservation task. 5. Sector positioning is within specialized historical building maintenance and repair.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $399,120 for clock face repair at Independence Hall seems within a reasonable range for specialized historical preservation work. Benchmarking against similar niche historical restoration projects is challenging due to limited public data, but the firm-fixed-price structure suggests cost control. The National Park Service likely engaged in due diligence to ensure fair pricing for this unique service.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders for smaller value procurements. While not full and open competition, SAP aims to streamline the acquisition process for goods and services below certain thresholds. The presence of two bidders suggests some level of market interest and price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP generally leads to more competitive pricing than a sole-source award, though potentially less aggressive than full and open competition.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the visitors and stewards of Independence Hall, ensuring the preservation of a national landmark. The service delivered is the repair and maintenance of the iconic clock face at Independence Hall. The geographic impact is localized to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a site of significant historical importance. Workforce implications involve skilled tradespeople specializing in historical restoration and clock mechanisms.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen historical material issues arise during repair.
Dependence on specialized materials and expertise could lead to delays if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Defined contract duration limits overall project timeline.
Awarded to a contractor with relevant experience in trades.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the specialized construction and maintenance sector, specifically focusing on historical preservation. The market for such services is niche, requiring contractors with expertise in handling delicate historical materials and structures. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of each historical site and its specific preservation needs.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly detailed in the provided data. As this was competed under SAP, it's possible small businesses were encouraged to participate, but specific set-aside goals are not apparent. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the National Park Service's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms and performance period. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice, though detailed project progress reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Preservation Contracts
Historical Landmark Maintenance
Specialized Building Repair Services

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen historical material issues
Dependence on specialized skills and materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $39,912 to THE TRADESMEN GROUP, LLC. INDE - INDEPENDENCE HALL CLOCK FACE REPAIR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE TRADESMEN GROUP, 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 $39,912.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-20. End: 2026-04-03.

What is the track record of The Tradesmen Group, LLC in performing similar historical preservation or clock repair contracts?

A thorough review of The Tradesmen Group, LLC's past performance would be necessary to assess their suitability for this specialized contract. While the award indicates they met the criteria for this specific procurement, their history with similar historical landmark repairs or complex clock mechanisms would provide further confidence. Publicly available contract databases and past performance reviews could offer insights into their reliability, quality of work, and adherence to schedules on previous projects. Without this specific data, the assessment relies on the contracting officer's due diligence during the award process.

How does the awarded price compare to other clock repair or historical facade restoration projects of similar scale?

Directly comparing the $399,120 award for Independence Hall clock face repair to other projects is challenging due to the unique nature of historical preservation. Factors such as the specific materials used in the original clock face, the complexity of its mechanism, the historical significance requiring specialized handling, and the specific restoration techniques needed all influence cost. While this contract was competed under SAP, suggesting some price competition, a precise benchmark against non-historical or less specialized clock repairs would likely show a significant premium for the historical context and required expertise. Further research into specialized historical restoration cost databases might yield more comparable data points.

What are the primary risks associated with repairing a historical clock face at a landmark like Independence Hall?

The primary risks associated with repairing a historical clock face at Independence Hall include the potential for unforeseen damage to original materials during disassembly or repair, leading to increased costs and delays. The need for highly specialized artisans and materials, which may have long lead times or limited availability, poses another risk. Weather-related delays during exterior work are also a concern. Furthermore, ensuring the repair methods are reversible and do not compromise the historical integrity of the structure is a critical, albeit non-monetary, risk. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract aims to mitigate cost overruns, but scope adjustments due to material discoveries could still impact the project timeline.

What is the expected impact of this repair on the visitor experience and historical preservation efforts at Independence Hall?

The repair of the Independence Hall clock face is expected to have a positive impact on both the visitor experience and historical preservation efforts. A functional and aesthetically maintained clock face enhances the authenticity and visual appeal of the landmark, contributing to a more immersive historical experience for visitors. It ensures that a key historical feature remains operational and visually intact, upholding the National Park Service's mission of preserving and interpreting America's significant historical sites. This repair directly supports the long-term preservation goals by addressing potential deterioration and maintaining the structural and aesthetic integrity of this iconic element.

How has federal spending on historical preservation and specialized building maintenance evolved in recent years?

Federal spending on historical preservation and specialized building maintenance has generally seen fluctuations influenced by budget appropriations and national priorities. While specific figures for 'specialized building maintenance' are not always granularly tracked, broader categories like 'historic preservation' within agencies such as the National Park Service and the General Services Administration (GSA) indicate consistent, albeit sometimes variable, investment. Recent years may show increased focus on infrastructure renewal and the preservation of aging federal assets, potentially leading to modest increases in this spending area. However, overall trends are subject to the annual budget process and competing demands for federal funds.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors › Glass and Glazing Contractors

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140P4224Q0121

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8465 RAUSCH DR, PLAIN CITY, OH, 43064

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,912

Exercised Options: $39,912

Current Obligation: $39,912

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline