State Department awards $16.7M contract for river house restoration, highlighting need for specialized building finishing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,741 ($16.7K)

Contractor: UMA Constructions

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-04-19

Contract Duration: 18 days

Daily Burn Rate: $930/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: EXTERNAL RESTORATION WORKS AT RIVER HOUSE (CG RESIDENCE)

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $16,740.66 to UMA CONSTRUCTIONS for work described as: EXTERNAL RESTORATION WORKS AT RIVER HOUSE (CG RESIDENCE) Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized restoration work, though detailed cost breakdowns are needed for full assessment. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially efficient price discovery process given the contract type. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price structure and a short performance period. 4. Performance context suggests a focus on timely completion of critical infrastructure. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader federal construction and facilities maintenance landscape.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $16.7 million award for restoration work at the River House (CG Residence) seems aligned with specialized construction projects. Benchmarking against similar federal restoration contracts would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm fixed-price structure suggests the contractor assumes cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator of predictable spending. However, without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to market rates for similar specialized services, a definitive assessment of pricing efficiency is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for awards below certain thresholds. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP generally encourages multiple offers, leading to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government. The fact that it was competed suggests that multiple firms were capable of performing the required restoration services.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award under SAP helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering price competition among qualified contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of State and its personnel who will utilize the restored River House. The services delivered include essential restoration and finishing work for a government residence. Geographic impact is localized to the specific site of the River House. Workforce implications involve skilled tradespeople and construction professionals employed by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen structural issues arise during restoration.
Dependence on timely delivery of specialized materials for restoration.
Ensuring compliance with historical preservation standards if applicable to the River House.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty for the government.
Short performance period suggests a focused and efficient execution plan.
Competitive bidding process likely secured a reasonable price.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the federal construction and facilities maintenance sector, specifically focusing on building finishing and restoration. The federal government is a significant spender in this area, contracting for a wide range of projects from new construction to the upkeep of existing infrastructure. Awards like this are common for maintaining government-owned or leased properties, ensuring their operational integrity and aesthetic standards.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which often include provisions to encourage small business participation. However, without specific details on set-asides or subcontracting plans, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem. Further investigation into the bidding process and awarded subcontracting goals would clarify the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program officials within the Department of State. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring completion to specifications. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, though detailed cost breakdowns may not always be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building and Facilities Maintenance
Government Residence Construction and Renovation
Department of State Facilities Management
Specialized Building Finishing Services

Risk Flags

Short performance duration relative to contract value may indicate high risk of delays or scope limitations.
Need for further analysis to confirm value for money and competitive pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $16,740.66 to UMA CONSTRUCTIONS. EXTERNAL RESTORATION WORKS AT RIVER HOUSE (CG RESIDENCE)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UMA CONSTRUCTIONS.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16,740.66.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-04-19.

What is the track record of UMA CONSTRUCTIONS in performing similar federal restoration projects?

Information regarding UMA CONSTRUCTIONS' specific track record with federal restoration projects is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would involve examining past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), previous contract awards, and any reported issues or successes on similar government contracts. Understanding their experience with projects of comparable scope, complexity, and value is crucial for assessing their capability to successfully execute this restoration work and manage potential risks effectively.

How does the $16.7 million award compare to market rates for similar restoration projects?

Direct comparison to market rates for this specific restoration project is challenging without more granular data on the scope of work, materials, and labor involved. However, the $16.7 million figure for specialized restoration of a significant government residence (CG Residence) suggests a substantial undertaking. Benchmarking against publicly available data for similar federal or large-scale private sector restoration projects, considering factors like square footage, historical significance, and complexity of repairs, would be necessary to determine if the price is competitive and represents good value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with this restoration contract?

The primary risks associated with this restoration contract include potential unforeseen structural issues discovered during the renovation process, which could lead to scope creep and cost overruns, despite the firm fixed-price nature. Delays in material procurement, especially for specialized restoration components, could impact the 18-day performance period. Additionally, ensuring the restoration meets all relevant building codes, safety standards, and any historical preservation requirements adds a layer of complexity and risk. The short duration also implies a need for highly efficient project management and execution.

How effective is the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) process in ensuring competitive pricing for this type of contract?

The Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed to streamline the procurement process for acquisitions below certain dollar thresholds, aiming to increase efficiency and encourage competition. For a contract valued at $16.7 million, which falls within the SAP range, the process typically involves soliciting quotes from multiple sources. This competition helps in price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government compared to non-competitive awards. However, the effectiveness is contingent on the number of capable vendors solicited and their willingness to submit competitive bids.

What is the historical spending pattern for 'Other Building Finishing Contractors' by the Department of State?

Historical spending data for 'Other Building Finishing Contractors' by the Department of State would require a detailed analysis of federal procurement databases over several fiscal years. This contract, valued at $16.7 million, represents a significant award within this category. Understanding the typical volume and value of such contracts awarded by the State Department would provide context on whether this award is an outlier, a regular occurrence, or indicative of increased investment in facilities maintenance and restoration.

What are the implications of the short 18-day duration for the restoration work?

The 18-day duration for the restoration work at the River House (CG Residence) is exceptionally short for a project valued at $16.7 million. This suggests that the scope of work is highly defined and likely involves specific, critical tasks rather than a comprehensive overhaul. It implies a need for intense, focused effort, potentially involving multiple shifts or a highly specialized team working concurrently. The risk of delays is amplified due to the tight schedule, and any unforeseen complications could significantly impact timely completion.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Finishing Contractors › Other Building Finishing Contractors

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 JAYAMMAL STREET, CHENNAI

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,741

Exercised Options: $16,741

Current Obligation: $16,741

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 191N6024D0065

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline