GSA awards $98M courthouse modernization contract to Whiting-Turner, highlighting full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $98,183,657 ($98.2M)

Contractor: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2020-10-26

End Date: 2026-04-22

Contract Duration: 2,004 days

Daily Burn Rate: $49.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE BRIDGING DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR THE ASHLEY U.S. COURTHOUSE MODERNIZATION AND NEW ANNEX PROJECT IN TOLEDO, OHIO.

Place of Performance

Location: TOLEDO, LUCAS County, OHIO, 43604

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $98.2 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE for work described as: CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE BRIDGING DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR THE ASHLEY U.S. COURTHOUSE MODERNIZATION AND NEW ANNEX PROJECT IN TOLEDO, OHIO. Key points: 1. Contract value of $98.2 million for design-build services. 2. Full and open competition indicates a robust bidding process. 3. Project aims to modernize and expand the Ashley U.S. Courthouse. 4. Firm-fixed-price contract type suggests defined scope and cost control. 5. Long duration of 2004 days (approx. 5.5 years) for project completion. 6. Located in Toledo, Ohio, impacting local construction workforce and economy.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $98.2 million for a courthouse modernization and new annex project appears reasonable given the scope of design-build services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale federal construction projects suggests that costs are within expected ranges for complex public infrastructure. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, though it places the risk of cost overruns on the contractor. Further analysis would require detailed cost breakdowns and comparison to private sector construction of similar scale and complexity.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 6 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this significant federal construction project. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing for the services rendered. The number of bidders provides a good basis for evaluating the winning bid against alternatives.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through multiple bids. This process maximizes the opportunity to secure the best value and prevents potential price inflation associated with less competitive procurement methods.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are federal judicial operations in Toledo, Ohio, through improved courthouse facilities. Services delivered include comprehensive design and construction for modernization and new annex. Geographic impact is concentrated in Toledo, Ohio, with potential for local economic stimulus. Workforce implications include job creation for construction trades and related professionals in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for schedule delays given the long project duration and complexity of modernization.
Risk of scope creep if unforeseen issues arise during the design or build phases.
Ensuring compliance with all federal building codes and accessibility standards.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment.
Experienced contractor (Whiting-Turner) likely brings expertise to the project.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the broader construction industry. Federal spending on courthouses and public buildings represents a consistent demand driver for construction firms. Comparable spending benchmarks for large federal building projects can vary widely based on location, size, and complexity, but projects in the hundreds of millions are common for major infrastructure upgrades. This contract's value of $98.2 million positions it as a substantial project within this sector.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). While the prime contractor, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, is a large entity, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. The government's approach to encouraging small business subcontracting on projects of this scale will be crucial for their inclusion in the project's supply chain and for fostering the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically its Public Buildings Service. Mechanisms for oversight typically include regular progress reviews, site inspections, and adherence to contract milestones. Accountability is ensured through the firm-fixed-price contract terms and performance requirements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though detailed project-specific oversight activities may not be fully public.

Related Government Programs

Federal Courthouse Construction
Public Building Modernization
Design-Build Contracts
General Services Administration Projects

Risk Flags

Long Project Duration
Potential for Unforeseen Conditions
Firm-Fixed-Price Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $98.2 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE. CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE BRIDGING DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR THE ASHLEY U.S. COURTHOUSE MODERNIZATION AND NEW ANNEX PROJECT IN TOLEDO, OHIO.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $98.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-10-26. End: 2026-04-22.

What is Whiting-Turner Contracting Company's track record with similar federal courthouse projects?

Whiting-Turner Contracting Company has a substantial track record in large-scale construction projects, including significant federal and institutional buildings. While specific details on their past courthouse modernizations would require a deeper dive into federal contract databases, their general experience in complex projects suggests they possess the capabilities for this undertaking. A review of their past performance on similar GSA or federal projects would reveal their history of on-time and on-budget delivery, quality of work, and any past performance issues. Their size and reputation in the industry generally indicate a capacity to handle projects of this magnitude, but a detailed review of their specific relevant project history is recommended for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the $98.2 million cost compare to similar courthouse modernization projects nationwide?

Benchmarking the $98.2 million cost requires comparing it to similar federal courthouse modernization and new annex projects, considering factors like square footage, age of existing facilities, scope of work (e.g., seismic upgrades, technological integration, security enhancements), and geographic location. Without specific project details for comparison, it's challenging to provide a precise benchmark. However, large-scale federal building projects, especially those involving significant modernization and new construction, often run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. The firm-fixed-price nature of this contract suggests the GSA sought cost certainty. A detailed analysis would involve comparing cost per square foot or cost per major component against a portfolio of comparable projects awarded over a similar timeframe.

What are the primary risks associated with a 2004-day (approx. 5.5 year) firm-fixed-price design-build contract for a courthouse?

The primary risks for a firm-fixed-price design-build contract of this duration include potential cost escalation for materials and labor beyond the contractor's initial estimates, unforeseen site conditions discovered during construction, and potential for design changes or scope creep requested by the government. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating all costs and contingencies over a long period and delivering the project within the fixed price. For the government, the risk is that the contractor may cut corners on quality to maintain profitability if unforeseen issues arise, or that the fixed price may become uncompetitive if market conditions change drastically. Effective project management, clear contract terms, and robust oversight are critical to mitigating these risks.

What is the expected impact on the local Toledo, Ohio economy and workforce?

This $98.2 million contract is expected to have a positive impact on the local Toledo, Ohio economy and its construction workforce. The project will create numerous jobs for skilled tradespeople, engineers, architects, and project managers throughout the design and construction phases. Local suppliers of construction materials, equipment, and related services are also likely to benefit. The duration of the project, over five years, suggests a sustained period of economic activity and employment. Furthermore, the modernization of a federal courthouse can enhance the functionality and security of judicial services, indirectly benefiting the community by ensuring efficient legal operations.

How does the 'full and open competition' with 6 bidders influence the value for taxpayers?

The 'full and open competition' with 6 bidders is a strong positive indicator for taxpayer value. A larger number of bidders generally leads to more competitive pricing as contractors vie for the award. It suggests that the government's requirements were clearly defined and accessible to a broad range of qualified firms, preventing market concentration. The presence of multiple bids allows the contracting officers to select the offer that represents the best overall value, considering not just price but also technical approach, past performance, and other factors. This competitive process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently and that the government secures services at a fair market price, minimizing the risk of overpayment.

What are the potential challenges in modernizing an existing U.S. Courthouse compared to new construction?

Modernizing an existing U.S. Courthouse presents several challenges distinct from new construction. These include dealing with unforeseen conditions within the existing structure (e.g., asbestos, outdated electrical/plumbing systems, structural issues), the need to maintain partial operations of the courthouse during construction, and integrating new systems (like advanced security or IT infrastructure) into an older building's framework. Phasing the construction to minimize disruption to court proceedings is critical and complex. Furthermore, historical preservation requirements may add complexity and cost. The design-build approach aims to streamline these challenges by having a single entity responsible for both design and construction, facilitating problem-solving.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 47PF0019R0076

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 E JOPPA RD, BALTIMORE, MD, 21286

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $98,232,398

Exercised Options: $98,183,657

Current Obligation: $98,183,657

Actual Outlays: $75,970,752

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline