GSA awards $1.9M contract for federal courthouse fire alarm replacement in Texas

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,895,288 ($1.9M)

Contractor: A.R.E. Design & Build, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2023-06-14

End Date: 2026-04-15

Contract Duration: 1,036 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: FIRE ALARM REPLACEMENT, OTHER DIVISION WORK INCLUDES FINISH WORK, ELECTRICAL, AND MECHANICAL WORK TO MEET REQUIREMENTS AS A TURNKEY PRODUCT LOCATED AT REYNALDO GARZA & FILEMON VELA FEDERAL COURTHOUSE, 600 E. HARRISON STREET, BROWNSVILLE, TX 78520

Place of Performance

Location: BROWNSVILLE, CAMERON County, TEXAS, 78520

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $1.9 million to A.R.E. DESIGN & BUILD, LLC for work described as: FIRE ALARM REPLACEMENT, OTHER DIVISION WORK INCLUDES FINISH WORK, ELECTRICAL, AND MECHANICAL WORK TO MEET REQUIREMENTS AS A TURNKEY PRODUCT LOCATED AT REYNALDO GARZA & FILEMON VELA FEDERAL COURTHOUSE, 600 E. HARRISON STREET, BROWNSVILLE, TX 78520 Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential building safety upgrades, ensuring operational continuity. 2. Competition was open, suggesting a competitive bidding process for the work. 3. The project involves multiple trades, including electrical and mechanical, indicating complexity. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 5. Project duration extends over two years, allowing for phased implementation. 6. Location in Brownsville, TX, highlights regional infrastructure investment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $1.9 million for a federal courthouse fire alarm replacement appears reasonable given the scope of work, which includes finishing, electrical, and mechanical components. Benchmarking against similar federal building renovation projects suggests that costs for comprehensive life safety system upgrades can range significantly, but this figure falls within expected parameters for a project of this nature. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the General Services Administration (GSA).

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the initial solicitation might have had some exclusions, the final award was made through a broad competitive process. The presence of 4 bids (no: 4) suggests a healthy level of interest and competition among qualified contractors for this type of specialized building construction work.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers by encouraging multiple firms to offer their best pricing and technical solutions.

Public Impact

Federal employees and visitors at the Reynaldo Garza & Filemon Vela Federal Courthouse will benefit from enhanced safety. The project delivers critical life safety infrastructure upgrades, specifically a new fire alarm system. The geographic impact is localized to Brownsville, Texas, supporting federal facilities in the region. The contract supports construction and skilled trades workforce in the local Texas economy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen structural or system integration issues arise during renovation.
Reliance on specific subcontractors for electrical and mechanical work could introduce scheduling risks.
Ensuring compliance with all current building codes and fire safety standards is critical.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost overruns for the government.
Multiple bids indicate a competitive market and potential for good value.
Project scope clearly defined as a turnkey fire alarm replacement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically addressing facility maintenance and upgrades for government buildings. The General Services Administration (GSA) is a major procurer of construction and renovation services for federal properties nationwide. Spending in this sector is driven by the need to maintain aging federal infrastructure, ensure safety compliance, and modernize facilities. Comparable projects often involve significant investment in life safety systems, HVAC, and structural repairs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While A.R.E. DESIGN & BUILD, LLC may be a small business, the award process itself did not prioritize small business participation through set-asides. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could represent an opportunity for local small contractors to participate in the project.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees this contract, with the Public Buildings Service likely managing the project execution. Oversight mechanisms would 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 federal contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Courthouse Renovations
Life Safety Systems Upgrades
GSA Building Maintenance Contracts
Commercial Building Construction

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays
Integration complexity with existing systems
Availability of specialized labor/materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $1.9 million to A.R.E. DESIGN & BUILD, LLC. FIRE ALARM REPLACEMENT, OTHER DIVISION WORK INCLUDES FINISH WORK, ELECTRICAL, AND MECHANICAL WORK TO MEET REQUIREMENTS AS A TURNKEY PRODUCT LOCATED AT REYNALDO GARZA & FILEMON VELA FEDERAL COURTHOUSE, 600 E. HARRISON STREET, BROWNSVILLE, TX 78520

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is A.R.E. DESIGN & BUILD, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-06-14. End: 2026-04-15.

What is the track record of A.R.E. DESIGN & BUILD, LLC with the federal government?

Information on A.R.E. DESIGN & BUILD, LLC's specific track record with the federal government is limited based on the provided data. As the awardee of this Delivery Order under a larger contract vehicle, their performance on this specific project will be a key indicator. Further investigation into their past performance on similar federal contracts, including any past performance evaluations or awards from agencies like the GSA, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Their success on this fire alarm replacement project will contribute to their federal contracting history.

How does the cost of this fire alarm replacement compare to similar federal projects?

The contract value of $1.9 million for a fire alarm replacement at a federal courthouse is difficult to benchmark precisely without more detailed project specifications and location-specific cost data. However, considering the scope includes finishing, electrical, and mechanical work, and the project duration of over two years, the cost appears within a reasonable range for complex federal building upgrades. Similar projects involving comprehensive life safety system overhauls in institutional settings can often exceed this amount, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or for larger facilities. The firm-fixed-price nature helps control potential cost escalations.

What are the primary risks associated with this fire alarm replacement project?

The primary risks associated with this fire alarm replacement project include potential delays due to unforeseen site conditions discovered during demolition or installation, particularly in older federal buildings. Integration challenges with existing building management systems could also pose a risk, requiring complex electrical and mechanical coordination. Furthermore, ensuring the availability of specialized labor and materials for the fire alarm system components is crucial. The firm-fixed-price contract mitigates financial risk for the government, but schedule delays could impact building operations and occupant safety.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method for this type of contract?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method, as used here, aims to balance broad competition with specific requirements. It suggests that initial solicitations might have excluded certain sources based on predefined criteria (e.g., specific certifications, past performance), but the subsequent award was made through a competitive process among the remaining eligible bidders. For a specialized project like fire alarm replacement requiring specific technical expertise, this approach can ensure that only qualified contractors participate, potentially leading to better technical solutions and value, while still fostering competition among those qualified.

What is the historical spending pattern for fire alarm systems at federal courthouses?

Historical spending patterns for fire alarm systems at federal courthouses vary widely based on the size, age, and specific needs of each facility. The General Services Administration (GSA) manages a vast portfolio of federal buildings, and investments in life safety systems are recurring necessities. Contracts for such upgrades can range from tens of thousands for minor replacements to millions for comprehensive overhauls in large, complex courthouses. Factors influencing spending include the extent of the upgrade (replacement vs. new installation), integration with existing systems, and regional labor costs. This $1.9 million award represents a significant, but not unusual, investment for a project of this scope.

What are the implications of the project duration (1036 days) for the courthouse operations?

The project duration of 1036 days (approximately 2.8 years) for the fire alarm replacement at the federal courthouse suggests a phased approach or a complex installation process. This extended timeline implies that courthouse operations may need to accommodate ongoing construction activities, potentially involving temporary disruptions, noise, or restricted access to certain areas. Careful planning and coordination between the contractor and courthouse administration will be essential to minimize impact on judicial proceedings and public access. Phased implementation of the fire alarm system could allow for continuous operation of essential services.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47PH0423R0015

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4301 LAURA KOPPE RD, HOUSTON, TX, 77016

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,895,288

Exercised Options: $1,895,288

Current Obligation: $1,895,288

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PH0820D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline