G. H. Forbes Associates Awarded $463K for Flint Federal Building Architectural Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $46,303 ($46.3K)

Contractor: G. H. Forbes Associates Architects, P.C.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 151 days

Daily Burn Rate: $307/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FEDERAL BUILDING, FLINT, MI - UA LAB ARCHITECT AND ENGINEERING SERVICES. THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THIS WORK ORDER SHALL CONSIST OF, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, PREPARING A DESIGN, COST ESTIMATES, CALCULATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: ROYAL OAK, OAKLAND County, MICHIGAN, 48067

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $46,302.58 to G. H. FORBES ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS, P.C. for work described as: FEDERAL BUILDING, FLINT, MI - UA LAB ARCHITECT AND ENGINEERING SERVICES. THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THIS WORK ORDER SHALL CONSIST OF, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, PREPARING A DESIGN, COST ESTIMATES, CALCULATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS Key points: 1. Architectural services for federal building design and cost estimation. 2. Contract awarded to G. H. Forbes Associates Architects, P.C. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. 4. Sector: Architecture & Engineering Services (NAICS 541310).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $463,02.58 appears reasonable for architectural and engineering services for a federal building project. Benchmarking against similar contracts for design and cost estimation services would provide a more definitive assessment.

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 a competitive process. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access for qualified firms, though the exclusion of specific sources warrants further review.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for essential federal building maintenance and design services, with competition aiming for cost-effectiveness.

Public Impact

Ensures the structural integrity and functional design of a federal facility. Supports local economy through contract award to a Michigan-based firm. Provides essential architectural and engineering expertise for public infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if project scope expands.
Dependence on a single firm for critical design phases.

Positive Signals

Clear definition of professional services required.
Fixed-price contract helps control costs.
Competition method promotes fair market pricing.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Architectural Services sector, which is crucial for federal infrastructure projects. Spending in this sector is often driven by facility modernization, repair, and new construction needs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had adequate opportunity to compete or participate as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA), Public Buildings Service, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight would focus on adherence to design specifications, cost controls, and timely project completion.

Related Government Programs

Architectural Services
General Services Administration Contracting
Public Buildings Service Programs

Risk Flags

Competition method could limit the pool of potential bidders.
No explicit mention of small business participation.
Potential for scope creep leading to cost increases.
Reliance on a single firm for critical design elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $46,302.58 to G. H. FORBES ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS, P.C.. FEDERAL BUILDING, FLINT, MI - UA LAB ARCHITECT AND ENGINEERING SERVICES. THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THIS WORK ORDER SHALL CONSIST OF, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, PREPARING A DESIGN, COST ESTIMATES, CALCULATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is G. H. FORBES ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS, P.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $46,302.58.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-08-31.

What specific criteria were used to exclude sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method, and did this exclusion limit potential cost savings?

The exclusion of sources in this type of competition typically relates to specific technical capabilities, past performance requirements, or security clearances necessary for the project. While intended to ensure the best fit, it's crucial to verify that the exclusion criteria were narrowly tailored and justified to avoid unnecessarily limiting the competitive pool and potentially impacting cost-effectiveness.

How does the $463,02.58 contract value compare to industry benchmarks for similar federal building architectural services in Michigan?

Benchmarking this contract value against similar projects in Michigan requires access to a database of federal contract awards and private sector project costs. Factors like building size, complexity, and specific service requirements (e.g., LEED certification, historical preservation) significantly influence pricing. A preliminary assessment suggests the value is within a typical range for design services, but a detailed comparison is needed.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the quality and timely delivery of architectural services, given the 151-day duration?

Quality and timely delivery are typically managed through contract clauses that define performance standards, milestones, and deliverables. The GSA's oversight, including regular progress reviews and potential penalties for delays or substandard work, plays a key role. The fixed-price nature of the contract also incentivizes the contractor to complete the work efficiently to maximize profit.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: EQPMAF-26-0246

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 816 E 4TH ST, ROYAL OAK, MI, 48067

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $46,303

Exercised Options: $46,303

Current Obligation: $46,303

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PF0025D0012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline