GSA awards $5.4M contract for roof repairs at Pittsburgh's Weis Courthouse, utilizing a unique competition method

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,408 ($5.4K)

Contractor: Raven Services JV LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-08-10

Contract Duration: 124 days

Daily Burn Rate: $44/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INCORPORATES RAVENS PROPOSAL, DATED 3/23/26, FOR ROOF SHOCK REPAIRS AT THE WEIS COURTHOUSE IN PITTSBURGH, PA.

Place of Performance

Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15219

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $5,407.6 to RAVEN SERVICES JV LLC for work described as: INCORPORATES RAVENS PROPOSAL, DATED 3/23/26, FOR ROOF SHOCK REPAIRS AT THE WEIS COURTHOUSE IN PITTSBURGH, PA. Key points: 1. The contract leverages a specific proposal from Raven Services JV LLC, indicating a tailored approach to the repair needs. 2. The procurement method, 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggests a potentially complex justification for limiting initial bidders. 3. The fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs for the specified roof shock repairs. 4. The project duration of 124 days is relatively short, suggesting a focused scope of work. 5. The contract falls under Facilities Support Services, a broad category with many potential providers. 6. The award amount of $5.4 million is a significant investment for a single building's roof repair.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific roof repair contract is challenging without detailed cost breakdowns or comparable project data. The $5.4 million price tag for roof shock repairs at a single courthouse appears substantial. However, the final price is dependent on the specific materials, labor, and the extent of the 'shock' damage requiring repair. Without more granular cost information or data on similar large-scale courthouse roof repairs, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult. The fixed-price nature provides some cost certainty, but the initial price point warrants scrutiny.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This unusual designation implies that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources were initially excluded, and then the competition was opened more broadly. This could indicate a prior solicitation or a specific technical requirement that initially narrowed the field. The exact number of bidders after the exclusion is not specified, making it difficult to fully assess the breadth of competition and its impact on price discovery. The rationale behind the initial exclusion is key to understanding the competition dynamics.

Taxpayer Impact: The 'Exclusion of Sources' element raises questions about whether taxpayers received the most competitive pricing possible from the outset. While the competition was eventually opened, the initial restriction may have limited the pool of potential offerors, potentially impacting the final negotiated price.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the occupants and users of the Weis Courthouse in Pittsburgh, PA, who will benefit from a secure and weather-tight facility. The services delivered include critical roof shock repairs, essential for maintaining the structural integrity and operational continuity of the courthouse. The geographic impact is localized to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, ensuring the preservation of a key federal building in that region. The contract supports the facilities maintenance workforce, likely involving skilled tradespeople for the repair work.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'Exclusion of Sources' procurement method requires careful justification to ensure it did not unduly restrict competition and lead to higher costs.
The substantial cost of $5.4 million for roof repairs necessitates a thorough review of the cost breakdown and justification.
Lack of detailed public information on the specific 'roof shock' issues makes it difficult to independently assess the scope and necessity of the repairs.
The limited competition aspect, even if eventually opened, could mean fewer bids than a truly open process, potentially impacting price competitiveness.

Positive Signals

The use of a fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The award is for essential maintenance of a federal facility, ensuring its continued operation and preservation.
The contract specifies a clear completion date, indicating a defined project timeline.
The General Services Administration (GSA) is overseeing the project, a federal agency with experience in managing public buildings.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, a broad category encompassing maintenance, repair, and operational services for buildings. The market for these services is large and diverse, with numerous companies capable of performing roof repairs. The specific nature of 'roof shock repairs' might require specialized expertise, potentially narrowing the field of highly qualified contractors. Comparable spending benchmarks for large-scale federal building roof repairs can vary significantly based on building size, age, material, and the severity of damage, but $5.4 million represents a significant investment for a single structure.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside consideration for this award (ss: false, sb: false). The prime contractor, Raven Services JV LLC, is a joint venture, which can sometimes involve small business participation, but this is not explicitly stated here. The subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not detailed in the provided data. Without specific subcontracting plans or set-aside goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this particular contract is unclear, though larger projects often do flow down work to smaller firms.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for overseeing this contract through its Public Buildings Service. Oversight mechanisms would typically include contract administration, performance monitoring, and quality assurance checks to ensure the repairs meet specifications and are completed on time. Accountability is established through the firm-fixed-price contract terms, which obligate the contractor to complete the work for the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed cost breakdowns and justifications for procurement methods may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
GSA Facilities Management
Public Building Renovations
Roofing Repair Services
Infrastructure Modernization Projects

Risk Flags

Procurement method requires further justification.
High contract value for specialized repair.
Potential for unforeseen conditions impacting cost/schedule.
Limited public detail on 'roof shock' specifics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $5,407.6 to RAVEN SERVICES JV LLC. INCORPORATES RAVENS PROPOSAL, DATED 3/23/26, FOR ROOF SHOCK REPAIRS AT THE WEIS COURTHOUSE IN PITTSBURGH, PA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAVEN SERVICES JV LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5,407.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-08-10.

What is the specific nature of the 'roof shock repairs' and what led to this condition?

The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the 'roof shock repairs' or the events that caused the damage. 'Roof shock' is not a standard industry term and could refer to damage from extreme weather events (like high winds, hail, or seismic activity), structural stress, or a specific type of system failure. Understanding the root cause is crucial for assessing the necessity and scope of the repairs. Without this information, it's difficult to determine if the repairs are preventative, reactive to a specific incident, or addressing a long-term degradation issue. Further investigation into GSA maintenance records or incident reports related to the Weis Courthouse would be necessary to clarify this.

How does the $5.4 million cost compare to similar large-scale roof repair projects on federal courthouses or comparable public buildings?

Benchmarking the $5.4 million cost for roof shock repairs is challenging without more specific details about the Weis Courthouse's roof size, materials, and the exact scope of work. However, for large federal buildings, significant roof repair or replacement projects can easily run into millions of dollars. Factors such as historical building preservation requirements, complex architectural features, and the need for specialized materials can drive up costs. If 'roof shock' implies extensive structural damage or the need for a complete system overhaul, $5.4 million might be within a reasonable range for a building of significant size. Conversely, if it's a more localized repair, the cost could be considered high. A detailed cost breakdown from the contractor and comparison with GSA's historical data on similar projects would be needed for a precise valuation.

What is the justification for the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' procurement method?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' (F&O CAES) method is an unusual procurement strategy. Typically, 'Full and Open Competition' means all responsible sources are permitted to submit offers. The 'Exclusion of Sources' part implies that initially, certain potential contractors were deliberately excluded, perhaps due to specific technical requirements, prior performance issues, or a belief that only a limited number of firms possessed the necessary expertise. After this initial exclusion, the competition was then opened more broadly. The justification for excluding sources in the first place is critical. Agencies use this method when they believe it's necessary to achieve a specific objective, such as ensuring specialized capabilities or addressing unique project needs. However, it requires strong justification to avoid perceptions of impropriety or limiting competition unnecessarily, which could impact price.

What is Raven Services JV LLC's track record with GSA or similar federal agencies for facilities maintenance and repair contracts?

Information regarding Raven Services JV LLC's specific track record with the GSA or other federal agencies for facilities maintenance and repair contracts is not detailed in the provided data. As a joint venture (JV), its operational history might be a composite of its member companies or a newer entity. To assess their reliability and performance history, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past performance evaluations, contract awards, and any reported issues. Understanding their experience with similar-sized projects, their on-time delivery rates, and their quality of work on previous government contracts would be essential for evaluating the risk associated with this award.

What are the potential risks associated with a 124-day fixed-price contract for complex roof repairs?

The primary risks associated with a 124-day fixed-price contract for complex roof repairs include potential scope creep, unforeseen site conditions, and contractor performance issues. While fixed-price contracts offer cost certainty, they can incentivize contractors to cut corners on quality if not closely monitored, especially if unforeseen complexities arise that were not fully accounted for in the initial bid. If the 'roof shock' damage is more extensive than initially assessed, the contractor may face challenges completing the work within budget and schedule, potentially leading to disputes or delays. Conversely, if the contractor significantly overestimates the work, the government might overpay. Effective government oversight, clear communication, and a well-defined scope are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does this contract fit into the GSA's broader strategy for maintaining federal building infrastructure in the region?

This contract represents a specific, localized investment in maintaining the Weis Courthouse, a key piece of federal infrastructure in Pittsburgh. It aligns with the GSA's overarching mission to provide cost-effective, secure, and sustainable facilities for federal agencies. Such repair contracts are essential components of the GSA's asset management strategy, ensuring the longevity and operational readiness of its building portfolio. The decision to award this contract suggests that the Weis Courthouse's roof integrity is a priority, potentially part of a larger lifecycle maintenance plan or a response to a specific identified need. The scale of the investment indicates a significant commitment to preserving this particular federal asset.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: EQPMAD-26-0171

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9626 CENTER ST STE 200, MANASSAS, VA, 20110

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,408

Exercised Options: $5,408

Current Obligation: $5,408

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PD0317D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline