State Department Awards $20.6M for Kinshasa NEC Bridging Architectural Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,597,762 ($20.6M)
Contractor: Shop Architects, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2020-09-09
End Date: 2028-09-13
Contract Duration: 2,926 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: KINSHASA NEC BRIDGING
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $20.6 million to SHOP ARCHITECTS, INC. for work described as: KINSHASA NEC BRIDGING Key points: 1. Significant contract value for architectural services. 2. Full and open competition indicates a competitive market. 3. Long duration (8 years) may present scope creep risks. 4. Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $20.6 million for architectural services over 8 years appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale architectural projects for diplomatic facilities would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. This method generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield fair pricing, maximizing taxpayer value for essential infrastructure services.
Public Impact
Enhances diplomatic infrastructure in Kinshasa. Supports U.S. foreign policy objectives through facility modernization. Creates jobs in the architectural and construction sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
- Potential for scope creep over the 8-year period.
- Reliance on a single firm for an extended period.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed price contract limits cost uncertainty.
- Full and open competition suggests competitive pricing.
- Clear service description for architectural services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Architectural Services sector (NAICS 541310). Spending in this sector is driven by infrastructure development and modernization needs across government agencies. The value is substantial for a single project.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to SHOP ARCHITECTS, INC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of State is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight will be crucial to manage the long duration and ensure the project stays within scope and budget.
Related Government Programs
- Architectural Services
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration (8 years)
- Potential for scope creep
- Reliance on a single contractor for an extended period
- Need for robust oversight
Tags
architectural-services, department-of-state, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $20.6 million to SHOP ARCHITECTS, INC.. KINSHASA NEC BRIDGING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SHOP ARCHITECTS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $20.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-09-09. End: 2028-09-13.
What specific architectural services are included in the 'KINSHASA NEC BRIDGING' project, and how do they align with the agency's mission?
The 'KINSHASA NEC BRIDGING' project likely involves architectural design, planning, and potentially oversight for new or renovated facilities critical to the U.S. Embassy's operations in Kinshasa. These services directly support the Department of State's mission by ensuring secure, functional, and modern diplomatic infrastructure, which is essential for effective foreign policy execution and personnel safety.
What are the primary risks associated with the 8-year duration of this contract, and how can they be mitigated?
The primary risks include scope creep, potential for outdated designs due to technological advancements, and contractor performance degradation over time. Mitigation strategies involve strict change control processes, regular performance reviews, incorporating flexibility for technological updates, and maintaining open communication channels to address issues proactively.
How does the firm fixed price contract structure impact the government's ability to achieve value for money on this long-term project?
The firm fixed price structure provides significant cost certainty for the government, protecting against cost overruns on the defined scope. However, it places the risk of cost increases on the contractor. For value, it relies heavily on the initial pricing accuracy and the contractor's efficiency. The government must ensure the initial scope is well-defined to realize optimal value.
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
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 233 BROADWAY 11TH FL, NEW YORK, NY, 10279
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,597,762
Exercised Options: $20,597,762
Current Obligation: $20,597,762
Actual Outlays: $7,621,633
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 19AQMM19D0071
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-09-09
Current End Date: 2028-09-13
Potential End Date: 2028-09-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-01
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