National Park Service awards $322K for Tule Lake exhibit fabrication, aiming for completion by June 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,215 ($32.2K)

Contractor: Thomas Rupp

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-09-23

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 645 days

Daily Burn Rate: $50/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: THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) AT TULE LAKE NATIONAL MONUMENT (TULE) HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR FABRICATION OF EXHIBITS. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED AT TULE LAKE NATIONAL MONUMENT, MODOC, CA.

Place of Performance

Location: TULELAKE, SISKIYOU County, CALIFORNIA, 96134

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $32,215 to THOMAS RUPP for work described as: THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) AT TULE LAKE NATIONAL MONUMENT (TULE) HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR FABRICATION OF EXHIBITS. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED AT TULE LAKE NATIONAL MONUMENT, MODOC, CA. Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for specialized exhibit fabrication services. 2. Competition dynamics for this niche service require further investigation. 3. Potential risks include schedule delays and scope creep given the project's nature. 4. Performance will be assessed against the quality and durability of the fabricated exhibits. 5. This contract positions the NPS to enhance visitor experience at Tule Lake. 6. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $322,150 for exhibit fabrication seems within a reasonable range for specialized services. Benchmarking against similar NPS exhibit contracts or museum display fabrication projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price type suggests an effort to establish a clear cost ceiling, which is positive for budget predictability. However, without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to industry standards for similar complexity and scale, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while competition was sought, specific sources may have been excluded for defined reasons. The presence of 3 bidders suggests some level of competition, but the exclusion of other potential sources limits the breadth of market engagement. This approach can sometimes lead to less aggressive pricing than true full and open competition, depending on the justification for excluding sources.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may mean taxpayers did not benefit from the most aggressive pricing possible. However, if the exclusion of sources was justified by specific technical requirements or past performance, it could ensure a more suitable contractor for the specialized nature of exhibit fabrication.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are visitors to Tule Lake National Monument, who will experience enhanced educational and interpretive exhibits. The services delivered involve the fabrication of physical exhibits, likely including display cases, interpretive panels, and potentially interactive elements. The geographic impact is localized to Tule Lake National Monument in Modoc, California. Workforce implications may include employment for skilled fabricators, designers, and installers involved in the exhibit creation process.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen fabrication challenges arise.
Risk of delays in fabrication impacting the planned exhibit opening.
Ensuring the durability and long-term maintenance of fabricated exhibits.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Award to a contractor with relevant industrial design services experience.
Clear delivery and completion dates set expectations for performance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Industrial Design Services sector, specifically catering to the needs of cultural and historical institutions like national parks. The market for specialized exhibit fabrication is often niche, involving firms with expertise in materials, historical accuracy, and visitor engagement. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in museum and visitor center development projects, where costs can vary significantly based on complexity, size, and technological integration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on the small business ecosystem would be through potential subcontracting opportunities, if the awarded contractor engages small businesses for specialized fabrication tasks. Without further information on subcontracting plans, the direct impact on small businesses is unclear.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Park Service contracting officer and project managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified exhibits by the deadline. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though detailed project progress reports may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Visitor Experience Enhancements
Museum and Exhibit Design Services
Cultural Heritage Site Interpretation
Government Exhibit Fabrication Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price discovery.
Contractor's past performance not detailed.
Specific exhibit scope and complexity not fully defined.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $32,215 to THOMAS RUPP. THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) AT TULE LAKE NATIONAL MONUMENT (TULE) HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR FABRICATION OF EXHIBITS. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED AT TULE LAKE NATIONAL MONUMENT, MODOC, CA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THOMAS RUPP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32,215.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-23. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the specific nature and complexity of the exhibits to be fabricated?

The provided data does not detail the specific nature or complexity of the exhibits. However, given the context of Tule Lake National Monument, which has a significant history related to Japanese American internment during World War II, the exhibits are likely to be interpretive and educational. They could range from static displays with historical photographs and text panels to more complex, potentially interactive, installations designed to convey sensitive historical information. The contract's classification under 'Industrial Design Services' suggests a need for specialized design and fabrication expertise beyond simple display cases, potentially involving custom structures, multimedia integration, or historically accurate reproductions.

How does the awarded amount compare to typical costs for similar exhibit fabrication projects?

The awarded amount of $322,150 is a moderate sum for exhibit fabrication. Costs for such projects can vary dramatically based on size, materials, technological integration (e.g., digital screens, audio components), and the level of historical accuracy required. For a national monument, especially one with a complex history like Tule Lake, this budget might cover a significant portion of a main exhibit area or several smaller interpretive stations. Benchmarking against projects at other NPS sites or similar historical museums would be necessary for a precise comparison. Without more specific project scope details, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents high or low value, but it does not appear to be an exceptionally large or small sum for this type of specialized government contract.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract?

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, typical performance indicators for exhibit fabrication contracts include adherence to design specifications, quality of materials and craftsmanship, durability and longevity of the finished product, timely completion of fabrication milestones, and successful installation. The National Park Service will likely evaluate the exhibits based on their interpretive effectiveness, accuracy, and ability to engage visitors. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that meeting the defined scope within the budget is a primary KPI. Post-installation assessments of visitor feedback and exhibit maintenance requirements would also serve as indirect performance measures.

What is the track record of the awarded contractor, Thomas Rupp, in similar projects?

The provided data identifies 'Thomas Rupp' as the contractor (co) but does not offer details on their track record. To assess their suitability and reliability for this project, further investigation into their past performance on similar government contracts or private sector exhibit fabrication projects would be essential. This would involve reviewing past performance evaluations, checking for any history of contract disputes or failures, and examining the complexity and scale of projects they have previously completed. A contractor with a proven history of delivering high-quality exhibits on time and within budget would reduce perceived risk for the NPS.

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

Potential risks include schedule delays due to fabrication complexities or unforeseen site conditions, cost overruns if the fixed price doesn't account for all variables, and quality issues with the fabricated exhibits. Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed contract specifications, regular progress reviews between the NPS and the contractor, and potentially performance bonds. The firm-fixed-price structure itself acts as a mitigation tool against cost overruns for the government, placing more risk on the contractor. The limited competition might also introduce a risk if the chosen contractor lacks the optimal expertise, though the NPS presumably vetted bidders based on capability.

How does this spending align with the National Park Service's broader goals for visitor engagement and interpretation?

This contract directly aligns with the National Park Service's mission to preserve and interpret natural and cultural resources for the public. Investing in high-quality exhibits at Tule Lake National Monument enhances the visitor experience, providing crucial context and educational opportunities about the site's history. Such improvements are vital for fulfilling the NPS's mandate to educate visitors and foster appreciation for the nation's heritage. By updating or creating new exhibits, the NPS aims to make historical sites more accessible and engaging, ensuring that important stories, like those associated with Tule Lake, are effectively communicated to current and future generations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Specialized Design Services › Industrial Design Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140P8424Q0110

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 28175 SINGLELEAF, MISSION VIEJO, CA, 92692

Business Categories: Category Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,215

Exercised Options: $32,215

Current Obligation: $32,215

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline