GSA awards $8.9M contract for architectural services, with a 5-year performance period

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,896,402 ($8.9M)

Contractor: Superstructures Engineering + Architecture, PLLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2020-03-12

End Date: 2027-05-12

Contract Duration: 2,617 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EO14042: COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10007

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $8.9 million to SUPERSTRUCTURES ENGINEERING + ARCHITECTURE, PLLC for work described as: EO14042: COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the 5-year duration and scope of architectural services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. The contract is a firm-fixed-price type, which transfers risk to the contractor. 4. Performance is located in New York, a major hub for construction and development. 5. The contractor, SUPERSTRUCTURES ENGINEERING + ARCHITECTURE, PLLC, is a specialized firm in this domain. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, indicating a focus on best-value solutions.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $8.9 million over five years averages to about $1.78 million annually. This figure seems within a reasonable range for comprehensive architectural services for federal buildings, especially considering the complexity and potential scale of projects managed by the General Services Administration's Public Buildings Service. Benchmarking against similar large-scale architectural contracts would provide a more precise valuation, but the initial assessment suggests fair pricing for the expected deliverables.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of 13 bids suggests a competitive environment for architectural services within the federal contracting space. A robust number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions, as contractors vie for the award.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down prices and ensured the government received competitive proposals, maximizing the value of federal funds.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring architectural design and engineering services will benefit from the expertise provided under this contract. The services delivered will support the maintenance, renovation, and potentially new construction of federal buildings managed by GSA. The geographic impact is concentrated in New York, where the contractor is based and likely where projects will be executed. The contract supports specialized architectural and engineering jobs within the New York region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if project requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for a significant period could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Ensuring consistent quality across all projects awarded under this contract will require diligent oversight.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract structure shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor.
Full and open competition indicates a strong market and likely competitive pricing.
The contractor specializes in engineering and architecture, suggesting relevant expertise.
A long performance period allows for continuity and potentially deeper project integration.

Sector Analysis

The architectural services sector is a critical component of the construction and public works industry. Federal spending in this area supports the design, planning, and oversight of government infrastructure. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541310 for architectural services encompasses firms providing design, planning, and related professional services. The GSA, as a major procurer of federal building services, represents a significant portion of this market. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large architectural contracts awarded by GSA or other federal agencies for similar scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the most competitive offer from the broader market. While this may limit direct opportunities for small businesses on this specific contract, it doesn't preclude them from participating as subcontractors if the prime contractor chooses to engage them. The overall impact on the small business ecosystem depends on the prime contractor's subcontracting strategy.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically its Public Buildings Service. As a definitive contract, it likely includes specific deliverables, milestones, and reporting requirements that will be monitored. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price structure, which incentivizes the contractor to meet specifications within budget. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS-NG, where contract details are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Buildings Fund
Architectural and Engineering Services Contracts
Public Building Design and Construction
Federal Infrastructure Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not well-defined.
Risk of contractor performance issues impacting project timelines.
Need for robust GSA oversight to ensure quality and compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $8.9 million to SUPERSTRUCTURES ENGINEERING + ARCHITECTURE, PLLC. EO14042: COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SUPERSTRUCTURES ENGINEERING + ARCHITECTURE, PLLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Public Buildings Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-03-12. End: 2027-05-12.

What is the track record of SUPERSTRUCTURES ENGINEERING + ARCHITECTURE, PLLC with federal contracts?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that SUPERSTRUCTURES ENGINEERING + ARCHITECTURE, PLLC has been awarded multiple federal contracts, primarily through the General Services Administration. These contracts often fall within the architectural and engineering services categories. While specific performance details for past contracts are not publicly detailed in summary data, the consistent award of contracts suggests a level of satisfactory performance and capability recognized by federal agencies. Further investigation into contract close-out reports or past performance evaluations, if accessible, would provide a more granular understanding of their federal track record.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar architectural services contracts?

The awarded amount of approximately $8.9 million over a 5-year period, averaging around $1.78 million annually, appears to be within a reasonable range for comprehensive architectural services for federal projects. Large-scale architectural and engineering contracts awarded by the GSA or other agencies for significant building projects can range from several hundred thousand to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, complexity, and duration. Without specific details on the exact nature and scale of the projects this contract will cover, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, considering the firm-fixed-price nature and the 5-year term, the value seems commensurate with market rates for specialized federal architectural services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

Key risks associated with this contract include potential scope creep, where project requirements may expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost or schedule overruns if not managed effectively. Given the firm-fixed-price structure, the contractor bears the primary financial risk of cost overruns, but the government risks receiving substandard work if the contractor attempts to cut corners to maintain profitability. Another risk is the potential for performance issues or delays from the contractor, which could impact the government's building projects. Ensuring diligent oversight, clear communication, and robust contract management by the GSA are crucial to mitigating these risks.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in managing costs for architectural services?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective in managing costs for well-defined architectural services because it shifts the primary financial risk to the contractor. The contractor is obligated to complete the work for a predetermined price, regardless of their actual costs. This incentivizes the contractor to be efficient and control their expenses. For the government, it provides cost certainty, as the total price is known upfront. However, the effectiveness of FFP relies heavily on the accuracy of the initial cost estimates and the clarity of the contract's scope of work. If the scope is poorly defined or unforeseen issues arise, the contractor may face significant losses, or the government might not receive the desired level of service if the contractor prioritizes profit over quality.

What is the historical spending trend for architectural services by the GSA?

Historical spending by the General Services Administration (GSA) on architectural and engineering services has been substantial and relatively consistent, reflecting the agency's role in managing and maintaining federal buildings. Annual spending fluctuates based on infrastructure needs, modernization projects, and new construction initiatives. While specific year-over-year trends require detailed analysis of historical procurement data, the GSA consistently procures these services to ensure the functionality, safety, and efficiency of the federal real estate portfolio. The total amount awarded annually can range from hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars, depending on the economic climate and federal infrastructure priorities.

What are the implications of 'full and open competition' for taxpayer value?

Full and open competition generally leads to greater taxpayer value by fostering a competitive environment where multiple firms vie for the contract. This competition typically drives down prices as contractors offer their best terms to win the bid. It also encourages innovation and efficiency, as companies strive to differentiate themselves through quality, technical approach, and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, a broad competition increases the likelihood that the government will select a contractor offering the best overall value, considering both price and technical merit, rather than simply the lowest bidder. This process helps ensure that federal funds are used efficiently and effectively.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Architectural Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102

Solicitation ID: 47PC0318N0001

Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 32 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, 10013

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,716,490

Exercised Options: $8,896,402

Current Obligation: $8,896,402

Actual Outlays: $5,872,296

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline