GSA awards $2.38M contract for architectural services to Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, Inc. for Orlando courthouse

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,376,551 ($2.4M)

Contractor: Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2024-08-19

End Date: 2026-09-28

Contract Duration: 770 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HURRICANE REPAIR PROJECT, GEORGE C YOUNG FB & CH, 400 W. WASHINGTON ST., ORLANDO, FL 32801 & ANNEX U.S. CH, 401 W. CENTRAL BLVD., ORLANDO, FL 32801 ORLANDO ANNEX U.S. COURTHOUSE (FL0025ZZ) BUILDING ADDRESS: 401 WEST WASHINGTON ST., ORLANDO FL 32801

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32801

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2.4 million to HELLMUTH, OBATA & KASSABAUM, INC. for work described as: HURRICANE REPAIR PROJECT, GEORGE C YOUNG FB & CH, 400 W. WASHINGTON ST., ORLANDO, FL 32801 & ANNEX U.S. CH, 401 W. CENTRAL BLVD., ORLANDO, FL 32801 ORLANDO ANNEX U.S. COURTHOUSE (FL0025ZZ) BUILDING ADDRESS: 401 WEST WASHINGTON ST., ORLANDO FL 32801 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for architectural services, indicating a need for design and planning expertise. 2. The fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs for the government. 3. The project duration of 770 days suggests a significant scope of work. 4. The award is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 5. The contract is for hurricane repair, highlighting resilience and infrastructure needs. 6. The geographic focus is Orlando, Florida, indicating localized impact.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.38 million for architectural services appears reasonable given the project's scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale courthouse renovation or new construction projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The fixed-price nature of the contract helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government, assuming the initial scope was well-defined.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple firms were likely invited to bid. This competitive process is expected to yield a fair market price and encourage innovation from potential contractors. The number of bidders is not specified, but the full and open nature is a positive indicator for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring the government receives competitive pricing and the best value available in the market.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are federal judicial facilities in Orlando, Florida, ensuring functional and safe spaces. Architectural services will be delivered, likely encompassing design, planning, and potentially oversight for hurricane repairs. The geographic impact is concentrated in Orlando, Florida, supporting local infrastructure. The project may indirectly support local architectural and construction workforce through subcontracting opportunities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial hurricane damage assessment was incomplete.
Reliance on a single firm for critical design services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust vetting process.
Fixed-price contract helps manage budget predictability.
Long-term project duration allows for thorough planning and execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Architectural Services sector (NAICS code 541310), a segment of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This sector is crucial for government infrastructure projects, including the design and planning of federal buildings. Spending in this area is often driven by modernization, repair, and new construction needs for federal facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other GSA contracts for similar architectural services on federal courthouses or administrative buildings.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside. Therefore, there is no direct indication of small business participation through a set-aside. However, the prime contractor, Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, Inc., may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities as part of their project execution, which would be detailed in their subcontracting plan if applicable.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically its Public Buildings Service. GSA typically has established procurement regulations, contract administration processes, and quality assurance measures to monitor performance and ensure compliance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. The Inspector General's office within GSA would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations into potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Courthouse Construction and Renovation
Disaster Recovery and Resilience Projects
General Services Administration (GSA) Facilities Management
Architectural and Engineering Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen damage discovery
Risk of weather-related delays
Availability of specialized labor and materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2.4 million to HELLMUTH, OBATA & KASSABAUM, INC.. HURRICANE REPAIR PROJECT, GEORGE C YOUNG FB & CH, 400 W. WASHINGTON ST., ORLANDO, FL 32801 & ANNEX U.S. CH, 401 W. CENTRAL BLVD., ORLANDO, FL 32801 ORLANDO ANNEX U.S. COURTHOUSE (FL0025ZZ) BUILDING ADDRESS: 401 WEST WASHINGTON ST., ORLANDO FL 32801

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HELLMUTH, OBATA & KASSABAUM, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-19. End: 2026-09-28.

What is the track record of Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, Inc. with the General Services Administration?

Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, Inc. (HOK) has a significant history of working with the General Services Administration (GSA) on various federal building projects. Their portfolio includes design and architectural services for courthouses, federal offices, and other public facilities across the United States. Reviewing GSA's contract award databases would reveal the extent and nature of their past engagements, including contract values, performance ratings, and any notable issues. A detailed analysis would involve examining specific past projects to assess their performance, adherence to budget and schedule, and overall client satisfaction with GSA.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar architectural services for federal courthouses?

The awarded amount of $2.38 million for architectural services for the Orlando courthouse hurricane repair project needs to be benchmarked against similar projects. Factors such as the size of the facility, the complexity of the required repairs (e.g., structural, MEP, facade), and the specific architectural services included (e.g., design development, construction documents, construction administration) are critical for comparison. Generally, architectural fees for federal projects can range from 5% to 15% of the total construction cost, depending on these variables. Without knowing the estimated construction cost of the repairs, a precise comparison is difficult, but the awarded amount appears within a plausible range for significant architectural planning.

What are the primary risks associated with this hurricane repair project?

The primary risks associated with this hurricane repair project include unforeseen structural damage discovered during the repair process, which could significantly increase costs and extend the timeline beyond the initial estimates. Weather-related delays are also a significant risk, as future storm events could impede progress. Furthermore, the availability and cost of specialized materials and skilled labor required for hurricane-resilient construction could pose challenges. Ensuring the architectural plans accurately address all damage and meet current building codes for resilience is critical to mitigate design-related risks.

What is the expected effectiveness of the architectural services in addressing hurricane damage?

The effectiveness of the architectural services hinges on the thoroughness of the initial damage assessment and the quality of the design solutions provided by Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, Inc. Well-executed architectural services will ensure that the repairs not only restore the facility's functionality but also enhance its resilience against future hurricane events. This includes incorporating appropriate building codes, materials, and design strategies to withstand high winds, flooding, and other storm-related impacts. The long-term effectiveness will be measured by the facility's performance during subsequent weather events and the durability of the repairs.

What has been the historical spending pattern for architectural services by GSA in Florida?

Historical spending patterns for architectural services by the General Services Administration (GSA) in Florida would reveal trends in contract awards for federal building projects. Analyzing past GSA contracts in the state, particularly for courthouses and administrative facilities, would indicate the typical contract values, the frequency of awards, and the primary architectural firms engaged. This data can help contextualize the $2.38 million award for the Orlando courthouse project, showing whether it aligns with or deviates from historical norms. Such analysis is crucial for understanding GSA's investment in maintaining and upgrading its Florida real estate portfolio.

Are there any specific performance concerns or accolades for HOK on similar GSA projects?

Assessing specific performance concerns or accolades for Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, Inc. (HOK) on similar GSA projects requires access to GSA's contract performance assessment reporting system (CPARS) or similar internal evaluations. Publicly available information might include project case studies highlighting successful outcomes or news reports detailing challenges. Without direct access to CPARS data, a definitive statement on their performance record with GSA is difficult. However, their continued engagement on federal projects suggests a generally satisfactory performance history, though specific project details would be needed for a comprehensive evaluation.

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

Solicitation ID: 47PE0323Q0005

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10 S BROADWAY STE 200, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,376,551

Exercised Options: $2,376,551

Current Obligation: $2,376,551

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $1,197,606

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PF0023D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline