GSA awards $175K for elevator modernization at Pittsburgh Federal Building, with full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $175,382 ($175.4K)

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: $1.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INCORPORATES RAVENS PROPOSAL, DATED 4/3/26, FOR THE ELEVATOR RE-ROPE REPLACEMENT ON CARS 8,10, AND 17, AT THE MOORHEAD FED BLD IN PITTSBURGH, PA.

Place of Performance

Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15222

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $175,381.8 to RAVEN SERVICES JV LLC for work described as: INCORPORATES RAVENS PROPOSAL, DATED 4/3/26, FOR THE ELEVATOR RE-ROPE REPLACEMENT ON CARS 8,10, AND 17, AT THE MOORHEAD FED BLD IN PITTSBURGH, PA. Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for elevator re-roping services on three cars. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is relatively short, indicating a focused scope of work. 4. The fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor. 5. This award falls within facilities support services, a common government need. 6. The awardee, Raven Services JV LLC, is a relatively new entity.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $175,381.80 for re-roping three elevator cars seems within a reasonable range for specialized building maintenance. Benchmarking against similar projects for elevator modernization in federal buildings of comparable size and complexity would provide a more precise value assessment. However, given the scope, the price appears to be a fair reflection of the work required, especially considering the fixed-price nature which typically incorporates contractor risk.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while initial solicitations might have had limitations, the final award was made after a broad competitive process. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to submit proposals, fostering price discovery and potentially leading to a more competitive outcome.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to offer their best pricing and service, ultimately driving down costs and ensuring the government receives good value for its investment.

Public Impact

Federal employees and visitors at the Moorhead Federal Building in Pittsburgh, PA, will benefit from improved elevator functionality and safety. The services delivered include the critical re-roping of three specific elevator cars. The geographic impact is localized to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The contract supports jobs within the facilities maintenance and elevator services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The awardee, Raven Services JV LLC, is a joint venture, and its long-term performance history and financial stability may require further monitoring.
The specific details of the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process are not fully elaborated, which could warrant further inquiry into the initial stages of solicitation.

Positive Signals

The use of 'Full and Open Competition' is a positive signal for achieving competitive pricing.
The contract is a firm-fixed-price type, which clearly defines costs and shifts performance risk to the contractor.
The project addresses essential building infrastructure maintenance, ensuring operational continuity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, a broad category encompassing maintenance, repair, and operational support for government buildings. The market for these services is substantial, with numerous providers ranging from large corporations to specialized small businesses. This specific award for elevator modernization is a common requirement for maintaining aging federal infrastructure, ensuring safety and accessibility.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the competition was open to all qualified offerors, and the primary awardee is not obligated to engage small businesses for a defined portion of the work under this specific contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Public Buildings Service, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms would typically include contract administration, performance monitoring, and payment verification. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases, and any significant issues would likely fall under the purview of the GSA's Office of Inspector General.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
Elevator Modernization Projects
Facilities Support Services
General Services Administration Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited performance history of the specific joint venture awardee.
Potential for unforeseen technical challenges during elevator work.
Need for clear definition of 'exclusion of sources' in competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $175,381.8 to RAVEN SERVICES JV LLC. INCORPORATES RAVENS PROPOSAL, DATED 4/3/26, FOR THE ELEVATOR RE-ROPE REPLACEMENT ON CARS 8,10, AND 17, AT THE MOORHEAD FED BLD 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 $175,381.8.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of Raven Services JV LLC in performing similar federal contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of Raven Services JV LLC for federal contracts is limited, as it appears to be a joint venture. Joint ventures are often formed for specific projects, and their performance history can be a composite of the parent companies involved or a nascent record of the JV itself. Further investigation into the constituent members of the joint venture and any prior performance data associated with them would be necessary to fully assess their capabilities and reliability for this elevator re-roping project. Without more granular data on the JV's operational history or the established performance records of its partners on similar GSA or federal building projects, a comprehensive assessment of their track record is challenging.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for elevator re-roping services?

The awarded price of $175,381.80 for re-roping three elevator cars is difficult to benchmark precisely without detailed specifications of the elevators and the scope of work (e.g., type of ropes, complexity of access, specific components replaced). However, for specialized elevator maintenance on multiple cars within a federal building, this figure appears to be within a plausible range. Industry estimates for elevator modernization can vary significantly, but costs for re-roping alone can range from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars per car, depending on the factors mentioned. Given the fixed-price nature, the contractor has likely factored in all anticipated costs and a reasonable profit margin. A more precise comparison would require access to detailed project requirements and bids from other potential contractors.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in project completion, unforeseen technical issues during the re-roping process, and contractor performance below expectations. Mitigation strategies are embedded in the contract structure and oversight. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract shifts the financial risk of cost overruns to the contractor, Raven Services JV LLC. The relatively short duration (124 days) also helps to limit the window for delays. The General Services Administration (GSA) will likely employ standard contract administration procedures, including site visits, progress reviews, and quality checks, to monitor performance and address any emerging issues promptly. Clear performance standards and acceptance criteria in the contract are crucial for ensuring the work meets requirements.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' in ensuring value for taxpayers?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' is intended to maximize value for taxpayers by ensuring a broad range of potential contractors can compete, thereby driving down prices and improving service quality. While 'full and open' implies a wide solicitation, the 'exclusion of sources' clause suggests that certain entities might have been initially excluded, possibly due to specific requirements or pre-qualification criteria. If the subsequent competition among the remaining eligible sources was robust, it likely resulted in competitive pricing. However, the effectiveness hinges on the number and capability of bidders that ultimately participated. If the exclusion significantly limited the pool of qualified bidders, it could potentially reduce the competitive pressure and impact the final price achieved for taxpayers.

What is the historical spending pattern for elevator maintenance and modernization by the GSA?

The General Services Administration (GSA) consistently allocates significant funds towards the maintenance, repair, and modernization of its vast portfolio of federal buildings, which includes substantial spending on elevator systems. Historical data indicates that elevator maintenance and upgrades are a recurring and necessary expenditure to ensure the safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency of these facilities. While specific figures for elevator re-roping projects fluctuate annually based on infrastructure needs and budget allocations, the GSA's overall spending in facilities support services, including vertical transportation systems, typically runs into hundreds of millions of dollars annually across the nation. This contract represents a small, localized investment within that broader spending context.

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-26-0204

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: $175,382

Exercised Options: $175,382

Current Obligation: $175,382

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