VA awards $261K contract for historic lodge repairs, highlighting construction needs at national cemeteries

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $261,422 ($261.4K)

Contractor: Anderson & Sons Contracting LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-04-30

End Date: 2026-05-07

Contract Duration: 372 days

Daily Burn Rate: $703/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: 863-MM2325-010 HISTORIC LODGE FCA DEFICIENCIES REPAIRS AT MOUND CITY NATIONAL CEMETERY

Place of Performance

Location: MOUND CITY, PULASKI County, ILLINOIS, 62963

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $261,422.25 to ANDERSON & SONS CONTRACTING LLC for work described as: 863-MM2325-010 HISTORIC LODGE FCA DEFICIENCIES REPAIRS AT MOUND CITY NATIONAL CEMETERY Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical infrastructure maintenance for historic national cemetery facilities. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is a firm fixed price, which helps manage cost certainty. 4. Performance period spans over a year, indicating a substantial scope of work. 5. The awardee has a track record in commercial and institutional building construction. 6. Geographic focus on Illinois for this specific repair project.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $261,422.25 appears reasonable for specialized repairs to a historic lodge within a national cemetery. While direct comparisons are difficult without more specific project details, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the initial pricing was deemed acceptable. The award to Anderson & Sons Contracting LLC, a company with experience in commercial and institutional building construction, indicates a potentially good fit for the required services. Further benchmarking against similar historical building restoration projects could provide a more precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the competition was open, specific sources may have been excluded prior to the solicitation. Six bids were received, suggesting a healthy level of interest and competition for this specialized repair work. The presence of multiple bidders generally supports price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition, with six bidders, is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down the final contract price through competitive bidding, ensuring a better value for the allocated funds.

Public Impact

Preserves the historical integrity and functionality of the Mound City National Cemetery lodge. Ensures continued use of the facility for visitors and administrative purposes. Supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to maintain national cemeteries. Benefits visitors and staff by providing safe and well-maintained facilities. The project is located in Mound City, Illinois, impacting the local area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for unforeseen structural issues in historic buildings that could increase costs.
Ensuring the contractor's adherence to historical preservation standards throughout the repair process.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost overruns for the government.
Award to a contractor with relevant construction experience.
Competitive bidding process likely secured a fair market price.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically focusing on commercial and institutional building construction. The market for historical building restoration and repair is specialized, often requiring contractors with specific expertise in preservation techniques and materials. The value of this contract is relatively modest within the broader construction industry, but significant for the specific needs of maintaining historic national cemetery facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found in projects involving the repair and maintenance of other historic government-owned structures.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not detailed, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses for specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to complete the work as specified. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific oversight activities are not detailed here. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Cemetery Administration Maintenance Contracts
Historic Preservation Fund Grants
Federal Buildings Fund Construction Projects
Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Investments

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen conditions in historic structures.
Ensuring compliance with historical preservation standards.
Contractor performance risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $261,422.25 to ANDERSON & SONS CONTRACTING LLC. 863-MM2325-010 HISTORIC LODGE FCA DEFICIENCIES REPAIRS AT MOUND CITY NATIONAL CEMETERY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ANDERSON & SONS CONTRACTING LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $261,422.25.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-30. End: 2026-05-07.

What is the specific scope of 'FCA Deficiencies Repairs' at Mound City National Cemetery?

The contract, '863-MM2325-010 HISTORIC LODGE FCA DEFICIENCIES REPAIRS AT MOUND CITY NATIONAL CEMETERY,' indicates that the repairs are related to 'FCA Deficiencies.' FCA typically stands for 'Fire Code Act' or similar fire safety regulations. Therefore, the repairs likely address issues identified during inspections that pertain to fire safety, building code compliance, or structural deficiencies that could pose a fire risk or compromise the building's integrity. The 'Historic Lodge' designation suggests these repairs must be conducted with sensitivity to the building's historical significance, potentially requiring specialized materials and methods to maintain its architectural integrity while meeting modern safety standards. The exact nature of the deficiencies would be detailed in the contract's statement of work.

How does the $261,422.25 contract value compare to similar historic building repair projects?

Benchmarking this contract's value requires comparing it to similar projects involving the repair and restoration of historic government buildings, particularly lodges or administrative structures within national parks or cemeteries. While $261,422.25 is a significant sum, it may be on the lower end for large-scale historical restorations. However, for targeted deficiency repairs, especially those related to specific code compliance or structural integrity, this value could be appropriate. Factors influencing cost include the building's size, the complexity of the required repairs, the specific historical materials needed, and the labor costs in the geographic region (Illinois). Without detailed project scopes for comparable contracts, a precise comparison is challenging, but the value suggests a focused scope of work rather than a comprehensive overhaul.

What are the potential risks associated with repairing historic buildings, and how are they mitigated in this contract?

Repairing historic buildings presents unique risks, including the discovery of unforeseen structural issues (e.g., rot, pest damage, asbestos) behind existing finishes, the potential for damage to original materials during work, and challenges in sourcing historically accurate replacement materials. This contract attempts to mitigate some risks through its firm fixed-price structure, which caps the government's financial exposure if costs escalate due to unforeseen conditions, provided the contract includes appropriate contingency clauses or change order procedures. The selection of a contractor with experience in commercial and institutional building construction, and potentially historical preservation, also mitigates risks related to workmanship quality. Clear specifications in the statement of work and robust oversight during performance are crucial for managing risks related to adherence to historical standards and preventing damage.

What is the track record of Anderson & Sons Contracting LLC in government contracting, particularly with the VA?

The provided data indicates that Anderson & Sons Contracting LLC is the awardee for this specific contract. To assess their track record, one would typically examine their past performance on federal contracts, including previous awards from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or other agencies. Key aspects to review would include their history of on-time project completion, adherence to budget, quality of work, and any past performance issues or disputes. Without access to a comprehensive federal procurement database or specific past performance reports for this contractor, a detailed assessment of their track record cannot be provided based solely on the given information. However, their selection suggests they met the necessary qualifications and demonstrated capability for this type of work.

How does this contract fit into the VA's broader strategy for maintaining its national cemetery system?

This contract is a component of the VA's broader strategy to maintain and preserve the integrity and functionality of its national cemetery system. National cemeteries often contain historic structures, such as lodges, chapels, and administrative buildings, which require specialized upkeep. Allocating funds for repairs, like those for the Mound City National Cemetery lodge, ensures that these facilities remain safe, accessible, and respectful environments for veterans' final resting places and for visitors. This specific contract addresses infrastructure needs, contributing to the overall goal of providing high-quality care and maintenance across all national cemeteries, thereby honoring the service of veterans.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 36C78625B0004

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1109 HILLSWICK LANE, RAYMORE, MO, 64083

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $261,422

Exercised Options: $261,422

Current Obligation: $261,422

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline