GSA awards $68.6K contract for courthouse planters, raising questions about competition and value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $68,595 ($68.6K)

Contractor: Cornerstone Construction Group LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-11-30

Contract Duration: 242 days

Daily Burn Rate: $283/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TO PURCHASE, INSTALL, AND MAINTAIN TWENTY NEW PLANTERS AT THE ROSZKOWSKI US FEDERAL COURTHOUSE IN ROCKFORD, IL.

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKFORD, WINNEBAGO County, ILLINOIS, 61101

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $68,595 to CORNERSTONE CONSTRUCTION GROUP LLC for work described as: TO PURCHASE, INSTALL, AND MAINTAIN TWENTY NEW PLANTERS AT THE ROSZKOWSKI US FEDERAL COURTHOUSE IN ROCKFORD, IL. Key points: 1. The contract for planters at the Roszkowski Federal Courthouse appears to be a sole-source award, potentially limiting price discovery. 2. The duration of the contract (242 days) for planter installation and maintenance seems reasonable for the scope. 3. The fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government. 4. The award to Cornerstone Construction Group LLC lacks transparency regarding the selection process due to its sole-source nature. 5. The small business status of the contractor is not specified, impacting potential subcontracting opportunities. 6. The geographic focus is limited to Rockford, Illinois, with no indication of broader impact.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of $68,595 for twenty planters at a federal courthouse is challenging without more detailed specifications or comparable bids. The price per planter is approximately $3,430, which seems high for standard planters, suggesting potential for premium materials, specialized installation, or a lack of competitive pressure. The General Services Administration (GSA) typically aims for cost-effectiveness, and this award warrants further scrutiny to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents a fair market price.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $3,430 per planter, which appears high without further context on materials and installation complexity.

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not openly competed. This approach is typically used when only one vendor can provide the required goods or services, or in specific emergency situations. The lack of competition means that potential savings from a bidding process were not realized, and the government may not have secured the lowest possible price. The rationale for this sole-source award is not provided, making it difficult to assess its necessity.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can lead to higher costs for taxpayers as they bypass the competitive process that drives down prices. This limits the government's ability to leverage market forces for better value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the users and staff of the Roszkowski US Federal Courthouse in Rockford, IL, who will experience an improved aesthetic and potentially a more welcoming environment. The services delivered include the purchase, installation, and maintenance of twenty new planters. The geographic impact is localized to Rockford, Illinois, specifically at the federal courthouse. There are no significant workforce implications indicated by this contract, as it focuses on landscaping services rather than large-scale construction or specialized technical roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to inflated pricing.
The per-unit cost for planters appears high without detailed justification.
Sole-source award raises concerns about transparency and potential for better value elsewhere.
Limited scope and duration may indicate a piecemeal approach to facility improvements.

Positive Signals

The contract is firm fixed-price, providing cost certainty.
The award is for a specific, tangible improvement to a federal facility.
The contractor is responsible for both installation and maintenance, ensuring a complete solution.

Sector Analysis

The landscaping services sector for federal facilities involves procurement of aesthetic and functional outdoor elements. This contract falls under general services and facility maintenance, a segment of the broader construction and facilities management industry. Federal agencies, particularly those managing public buildings like courthouses, often contract for landscaping to maintain grounds and enhance public spaces. Spending in this area can vary significantly based on the size and location of facilities, but typically represents a small fraction of overall federal real estate management budgets.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business set-aside was not utilized (ss: false) and there is no information on subcontracting goals (sb: false). This means the contract was not specifically reserved for small businesses, and there are no explicit requirements for the prime contractor to engage small businesses for subcontracting work. Consequently, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is minimal, and opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract are not guaranteed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically its Public Buildings Service. The GSA is responsible for managing federal buildings and ensuring contracts are executed according to specifications and terms. Accountability measures would include performance reviews against the contract's delivery and maintenance requirements, and adherence to the firm fixed-price agreement. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, but contract details are typically available through federal procurement databases.

Related Government Programs

Federal Courthouse Maintenance Contracts
General Services Administration Facility Management
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Services
Public Building Enhancements

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
High per-unit cost for planters requires further validation.
Limited transparency in procurement process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $68,595 to CORNERSTONE CONSTRUCTION GROUP LLC. TO PURCHASE, INSTALL, AND MAINTAIN TWENTY NEW PLANTERS AT THE ROSZKOWSKI US FEDERAL COURTHOUSE IN ROCKFORD, IL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CORNERSTONE CONSTRUCTION GROUP LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $68,595.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-11-30.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data indicates the contract was awarded as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' which is synonymous with a sole-source award. However, the specific justification for this determination is not included in the data. Typically, sole-source awards are made when only one responsible source is available to provide the required supplies or services, or when there is a compelling justification for other reasons, such as urgent and compelling needs. Without further documentation from the General Services Administration (GSA), it is impossible to ascertain the precise rationale. This lack of transparency is a concern, as it prevents an independent assessment of whether competitive bidding was genuinely infeasible or if alternative solutions could have been explored.

How does the per-unit cost of $3,430 per planter compare to market rates for similar federal courthouse installations?

The per-unit cost of approximately $3,430 for each planter is notably high when compared to typical market rates for standard commercial or municipal planters. While federal projects can incur higher costs due to security, compliance, and administrative overhead, this figure suggests the planters may be of exceptional quality, involve complex installation (e.g., integrated irrigation, specialized foundations), or include significant design and consultation fees. Without detailed specifications on the planters' materials, size, features, and the scope of installation (including site preparation and any necessary utility work), a direct comparison is difficult. However, standard, high-quality commercial planters typically range from a few hundred to perhaps $1,500-$2,000 per unit, including installation, depending on customization and scale. The GSA should have internal benchmarks or market research data to validate this price point, especially given the sole-source nature of the award.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for landscaping services?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for landscaping services, such as this contract for planters, is the potential for paying a premium price due to the absence of competition. Without multiple bids, the government cannot be assured it is receiving the best value or the most cost-effective solution. This can lead to inefficient use of taxpayer funds. Another risk is a potential reduction in the quality of goods or services, as the contractor may feel less pressure to excel when there is no alternative provider. Furthermore, sole-source awards can create a perception of favoritism or a lack of due diligence in procurement, potentially undermining public trust in government contracting processes. The lack of transparency in the selection process also makes it harder to identify and mitigate other potential risks, such as contractor performance issues.

What is the historical spending pattern for landscaping services at the Roszkowski Federal Courthouse or similar GSA facilities?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for landscaping services at the Roszkowski Federal Courthouse or similar GSA facilities. To assess this contract's value and necessity, it would be beneficial to review past expenditures on grounds maintenance, planter installations, and related services at this specific courthouse or comparable federal buildings managed by the GSA's Public Buildings Service. Analyzing historical data could reveal whether this $68,595 award represents an increase, decrease, or is consistent with previous investments in similar improvements. It could also highlight trends in contractor selection and pricing for landscaping services within the GSA portfolio, providing context for the current sole-source award and its associated costs.

What are the specific performance metrics and quality standards outlined in the contract for the planters and their maintenance?

The provided data summary does not detail the specific performance metrics or quality standards for the planters and their maintenance. A firm fixed-price contract typically requires the contractor to meet certain specifications and deliver services to an acceptable standard. For this contract, key performance indicators (KPIs) would likely include the timely installation of all twenty planters by the end of November 2026, the aesthetic quality and durability of the planters themselves, and the effectiveness of the maintenance services (e.g., proper watering, weeding, general upkeep) throughout the contract period. The GSA's contract administration team would be responsible for monitoring these aspects and ensuring compliance. Without access to the full contract document, the precise definition of 'acceptable quality' and the methods for performance evaluation remain unknown.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Landscaping Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: EQPMAF-26-0251

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6525 E 82ND ST, INDIANAPOLIS, IN, 46250

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $68,595

Exercised Options: $68,595

Current Obligation: $68,595

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PF0025D0016

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline