GSA Awards $2.08M for Austin AITC Renovation Design Services to CTA Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,081,778 ($2.1M)

Contractor: CTA Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2020-09-23

End Date: 2026-07-26

Contract Duration: 2,132 days

Daily Burn Rate: $976/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: DESIGN SERVICES FOR AITC MAJOR RENOVATIONS, AUSTIN, TEXAS

Place of Performance

Location: BILLINGS, YELLOWSTONE County, MONTANA, 59101

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2.1 million to CTA INC for work described as: DESIGN SERVICES FOR AITC MAJOR RENOVATIONS, AUSTIN, TEXAS Key points: 1. The contract value is $2.08 million for architectural services. 2. CTA Inc. secured the award through full and open competition. 3. The contract duration is 2132 days, ending in July 2026. 4. This award falls under the Public Buildings Service. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.08 million appears reasonable for comprehensive architectural design services for a major renovation. Benchmarking against similar large-scale public building renovation projects would provide further context on pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to competitive pricing as multiple qualified firms had the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition suggests taxpayers are likely receiving fair market value for the design services rendered.

Public Impact

Public access to renovated facilities may be temporarily impacted during construction phases. The project aims to modernize federal infrastructure, potentially improving efficiency and user experience. Local economic impact through job creation and material sourcing is expected.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep impacting final cost.
Delays in design approval could extend project timeline.
Coordination challenges between design and construction phases.

Positive Signals

Clear contract type (Firm Fixed Price) limits cost overruns.
Full and open competition ensures competitive pricing.
Long duration allows for thorough planning and execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Architectural Services sector, specifically for major renovations of federal buildings. Spending benchmarks for similar renovation projects vary widely based on building size, age, and complexity, but $2.08M for design is within a typical range for significant undertakings.

Small Business Impact

While the primary award went to CTA Inc., the contract does not explicitly indicate any set-asides for small businesses. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist within the execution of the design services.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard GSA oversight procedures, including performance monitoring and quality assurance, should be in place to ensure successful project delivery.

Related Government Programs

Architectural Services
General Services Administration Contracting
Public Buildings Service Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration increases risk of cost escalation and scope changes.
Lack of explicit small business participation goals.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting budget.
Dependency on GSA's oversight effectiveness for quality control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2.1 million to CTA INC. DESIGN SERVICES FOR AITC MAJOR RENOVATIONS, AUSTIN, TEXAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CTA INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-23. End: 2026-07-26.

What specific architectural innovations or sustainability features are included in the design scope to justify the $2.08M investment?

The provided data does not detail specific architectural innovations or sustainability features. A thorough review of the Statement of Work (SOW) and design proposals would be necessary to assess the value proposition beyond standard renovation requirements. Understanding the scope of 'major renovations' is key to evaluating if the investment aligns with advanced or specialized design elements.

What are the potential risks associated with a 2132-day design and renovation timeline for a federal building in Austin, Texas?

A long timeline presents risks such as escalating material and labor costs due to inflation, potential changes in federal regulations or building codes during the project, and the risk of design obsolescence if technology or functional needs evolve significantly. Furthermore, extended disruption to building operations and potential impacts on tenant agencies are considerable concerns.

How effectively will the firm fixed price contract mitigate cost overruns given the extended duration and potential for unforeseen site conditions?

A firm fixed price contract is designed to cap the government's liability. However, its effectiveness in mitigating overruns depends heavily on the thoroughness of the initial design scope and site assessments. Unforeseen conditions or significant scope changes, if not managed through contract modifications (which can increase cost), could still lead to disputes or impact project quality if the contractor attempts to cut corners.

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: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13 N 23RD ST, BILLINGS, MT, 59101

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,081,778

Exercised Options: $2,081,778

Current Obligation: $2,081,778

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PH0817D0014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline