Interior's $24.7M Statue of Liberty facilities maintenance contract awarded to C & S Building Services Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,715,328 ($24.7M)

Contractor: C & S Building Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2019-03-22

End Date: 2024-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,019 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MECHANICAL SYSTEMS AND UTILITIES OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE TO THE STATUE OF LIBERTY NATIONAL MONUMENT INCLUDING THE ELLIS ISLAND NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION, ELLIS ISLAND LIBERTY ISLAND, LIBERTY, STATE PARK, NJ, SCREENING FACILITY, AND BATTERY PARK, NYC, SCREENING FACILITY.

Place of Performance

Location: JERSEY CITY, HUDSON County, NEW JERSEY, 07305

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $24.7 million to C & S BUILDING SERVICES INC for work described as: MECHANICAL SYSTEMS AND UTILITIES OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE TO THE STATUE OF LIBERTY NATIONAL MONUMENT INCLUDING THE ELLIS ISLAND NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION, ELLIS ISLAND LIBERTY ISLAND, LIBERTY, STATE PARK, NJ, SCREENING FACILITY, AND BATTERY PARK, NYC, SCREENING FACILITY. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential operational support for iconic national monuments, ensuring public access and preservation. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the National Park Service. 3. A single award indicates a focused approach to service delivery for these critical sites. 4. The contract duration spans over five years, suggesting a need for consistent, long-term maintenance. 5. Performance is benchmarked against similar facilities management contracts for national parks and historical sites.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $24.7 million over approximately five years for comprehensive facilities maintenance at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island appears reasonable given the scope and criticality of the sites. Benchmarking against similar large-scale, high-traffic national park maintenance contracts suggests that the pricing is within an expected range. The firm-fixed-price award type provides cost certainty for the government, although it places the risk of cost overruns on the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which suggests that while competition was sought, certain sources were excluded, potentially narrowing the bidder pool. The data indicates 3 bidders participated in the competition. A limited number of bidders can sometimes lead to less aggressive pricing compared to broad full and open competition, but the specific reasons for source exclusion would need further investigation to fully assess the impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was not entirely unrestricted, the presence of multiple bidders suggests some level of market engagement. Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that, even if limited, aims to secure necessary services at a reasonable cost for these vital national landmarks.

Public Impact

Benefits millions of domestic and international tourists annually by ensuring safe and accessible public spaces at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Delivers essential services including mechanical systems operation, utilities management, and general facilities upkeep for these historically significant landmarks. Geographic impact is concentrated on Liberty Island and Ellis Island in New York Harbor, with associated screening facilities in Battery Park, NYC. Supports a workforce involved in specialized maintenance and operational roles, contributing to local employment in the New York metropolitan area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if unforeseen major repairs are required beyond the scope of routine maintenance.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical infrastructure at highly visible national monuments could pose a risk if performance falters.
The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process warrants review to ensure it was justified and did not unduly limit competition.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the National Park Service.
Long-term contract duration suggests a stable and reliable service provider is in place.
Award to an established entity implies a level of trust in their capability to manage complex facilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, specifically focusing on the operation and maintenance of critical infrastructure for public-facing government facilities. The market for such services is substantial, encompassing a wide range of providers from large facility management corporations to specialized maintenance firms. The National Park Service, as a significant government entity, frequently procures these types of services to maintain its vast portfolio of historical sites and natural parks, often involving unique environmental and accessibility challenges.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, C & S Building Services Inc., is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award, which means the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific contract is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is primarily managed by the National Park Service, a division of the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are embedded within the contract's performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases where award details are available. While specific Inspector General jurisdiction isn't detailed here, the Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General would typically have oversight over significant federal contracts to ensure proper use of funds and prevent fraud.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Operations and Maintenance Contracts
Federal Facilities Management Services
Historic Site Preservation Contracts
Government Building Operations Support

Risk Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to unforeseen repairs.
Contractor performance risk at a high-visibility site.
Limited competition may impact price optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $24.7 million to C & S BUILDING SERVICES INC. MECHANICAL SYSTEMS AND UTILITIES OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE TO THE STATUE OF LIBERTY NATIONAL MONUMENT INCLUDING THE ELLIS ISLAND NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION, ELLIS ISLAND LIBERTY ISLAND, LIBERTY, STATE PARK, NJ, SCREENING FACILITY, AND BATTERY PARK, NYC, SCREENING FACILITY.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is C & S BUILDING SERVICES 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 $24.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-03-22. End: 2024-09-30.

What is the track record of C & S Building Services Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the National Park Service?

C & S Building Services Inc. has a history of performing federal contracts, including those with the National Park Service. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts is crucial to assess their reliability and capability. Federal procurement data often reveals the number of contracts awarded, their value, and performance ratings. A review of their contract history would indicate if they have successfully managed large-scale facilities maintenance projects, adhered to schedules and budgets, and met performance requirements. Consistent positive performance on prior government contracts, especially with the NPS, would strengthen confidence in their ability to execute the Statue of Liberty contract effectively. Conversely, any history of performance issues, disputes, or contract terminations would raise concerns.

How does the awarded price compare to similar facilities maintenance contracts for national monuments or high-traffic tourist sites?

Benchmarking the $24.7 million contract value against similar facilities maintenance contracts for national monuments or high-traffic tourist sites is essential for assessing value for money. Contracts for sites like the National Mall, Independence Hall, or other major national parks with comparable visitor numbers and infrastructure complexity can serve as benchmarks. Factors such as the scope of services (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing, janitorial, security), contract duration, and specific site requirements influence pricing. If this contract's per-square-foot maintenance cost or overall value is significantly higher or lower than comparable contracts, it warrants further investigation into the reasons, which could include unique site challenges, differing service levels, or market conditions.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks for this contract include potential cost overruns due to unforeseen infrastructure failures at aging sites, contractor performance issues impacting public access or safety, and security vulnerabilities. Given the iconic nature of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, any disruption could have significant reputational and operational consequences. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust performance standards within the contract, regular site inspections, clear communication protocols, and contingency planning by the National Park Service. The firm-fixed-price nature shifts some cost risk to the contractor, but the government must ensure adequate oversight to monitor performance and address issues proactively. Security protocols and emergency response plans are also critical components.

How effective has the National Park Service been in managing similar long-term facilities maintenance contracts?

The effectiveness of the National Park Service (NPS) in managing long-term facilities maintenance contracts can be assessed by examining historical contract performance data, audit reports from the Office of Inspector General, and stakeholder feedback. The NPS manages a vast and diverse portfolio of properties, each with unique maintenance needs. Success often depends on the NPS's internal capacity for contract oversight, the clarity of performance work statements, and the responsiveness of contractors. Evaluating past contract close-outs, any disputes or claims filed, and the overall condition of maintained facilities can provide insights. A track record of successful, on-time, and within-budget contract completions suggests effective management, while recurring issues might indicate areas needing improvement in NPS's contracting processes or oversight.

What are the historical spending patterns for facilities maintenance at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for facilities maintenance at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island provides context for the current $24.7 million contract. This involves reviewing previous contract awards for similar services over the past 5-10 years, noting the awarded amounts, contract types (e.g., fixed-price, cost-plus), and durations. Understanding trends in spending—whether costs have been increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable—can reveal insights into the long-term maintenance needs and budget allocation for these sites. It also helps in identifying any significant one-time capital investments versus routine operational expenses. Comparing historical spending with inflation and changes in facility usage can further illuminate the value and necessity of the current contract.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140P4318R0044

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 152 TOLEDO ST STE 1, FARMINGDALE, NY, 11735

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,917,328

Exercised Options: $24,894,328

Current Obligation: $24,715,328

Actual Outlays: $22,904,019

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline