GSA awards $4.9M contract for contemplative garden featuring 9/11 artifacts, highlighting memorialization efforts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,913,991 ($4.9M)

Contractor: TLI Construction, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2024-09-19

End Date: 2026-03-16

Contract Duration: 543 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: BUILD CONTEMPLATIVE OUTDOOR LANDSCAPE GARDEN AND DISPLAY OF ARTIFACTS RELATED TO THE FORMATION OF DHS. TWO STEEL MEMBERS FROM THE WTC AND 6 STONE PIECES FROM THE PENTAGON, ALL RECOVERED FROM 09.11.21 TERRORIST ATTACKS, AND ALL OWNED BY DHS.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20032

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $4.9 million to TLI CONSTRUCTION, INC. for work described as: BUILD CONTEMPLATIVE OUTDOOR LANDSCAPE GARDEN AND DISPLAY OF ARTIFACTS RELATED TO THE FORMATION OF DHS. TWO STEEL MEMBERS FROM THE WTC AND 6 STONE PIECES FROM THE PENTAGON, ALL RECOVERED FROM 09.11.21 TERRORIST ATTACKS, AND ALL OWNED BY DHS. Key points: 1. Contract value of $4.9M allocated for a unique memorial project. 2. Project scope includes landscape design and display of significant 9/11 artifacts. 3. Artifacts are recovered from the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. 4. Contract awarded to TLI Construction, Inc. 5. Project duration spans over 540 days, indicating a substantial construction timeline. 6. The contract is a firm-fixed-price definitive contract, establishing clear cost expectations. 7. Located in the District of Columbia, the memorial will have significant local and national visibility.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its unique nature. The cost of constructing a contemplative garden and display area for specific artifacts is highly project-dependent. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the government has a defined budget and the contractor is responsible for managing costs within that. Without comparable projects for memorialization of national significance involving artifact display, a direct value-for-money assessment is difficult. The price appears reasonable for a project of this specialized nature, considering the materials and labor involved in construction and display.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, qualifications, or when the nature of the work is so specialized that only one entity can perform it. In this case, the specific artifacts owned by DHS and the specialized nature of their display and integration into a contemplative garden likely led to the sole-source determination. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity for price discovery through a bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award means that the price is determined through negotiation rather than competitive bidding, potentially leading to a higher cost than if multiple firms had competed.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the public, who will have access to a space for reflection and remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The project delivers a physical memorial space that honors the victims and the resilience of the nation. The geographic impact is concentrated in the District of Columbia, serving as a national landmark. The project will likely involve local construction workforce and potentially specialized artisans for artifact display.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in a higher price than a competed contract.
Sole-source awards can raise concerns about the efficiency of government procurement processes.
The specialized nature of the artifacts and their display requires careful handling and security, posing potential risks if not managed properly.

Positive Signals

The contract supports a project of significant national importance and historical value.
The firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The project aims to create a lasting memorial, contributing to public education and remembrance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically related to non-residential building construction and site preparation. The market for memorial construction and specialized exhibit design is niche, often involving firms with expertise in historical preservation, landscape architecture, and secure display fabrication. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of incorporating 9/11 artifacts. However, large-scale public monuments and memorial projects can range from millions to tens of millions of dollars, depending on scale, materials, and complexity.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses indicated in the provided data. The award to TLI Construction, Inc. suggests a larger firm was selected. Without explicit small business set-aside provisions, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific contract is likely minimal, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Public Buildings Service. As a definitive contract, it will be subject to standard GSA procurement regulations and oversight. Transparency will be maintained through public contract databases. Accountability measures will include adherence to the firm-fixed-price terms, project milestones, and quality standards. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Arlington National Cemetery Memorials
National Mall and Memorial Parks Construction Projects
Department of Homeland Security Facilities Management

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen construction issues arise.
Risk of artifact degradation without proper environmental controls.
Security vulnerabilities for high-profile artifacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $4.9 million to TLI CONSTRUCTION, INC.. BUILD CONTEMPLATIVE OUTDOOR LANDSCAPE GARDEN AND DISPLAY OF ARTIFACTS RELATED TO THE FORMATION OF DHS. TWO STEEL MEMBERS FROM THE WTC AND 6 STONE PIECES FROM THE PENTAGON, ALL RECOVERED FROM 09.11.21 TERRORIST ATTACKS, AND ALL OWNED BY DHS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TLI CONSTRUCTION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-19. End: 2026-03-16.

What is the specific expertise of TLI Construction, Inc. that made them suitable for this sole-source award?

The provided data does not detail the specific expertise of TLI Construction, Inc. that led to this sole-source award. Typically, sole-source justifications are based on unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or specialized experience directly relevant to the project's requirements. For a project involving the display of sensitive historical artifacts and the creation of a contemplative landscape, TLI Construction may possess demonstrated experience in historical site development, secure artifact display construction, or a proven track record with the General Services Administration on similar sensitive projects. A full justification document from the GSA would be required to ascertain the precise reasons for selecting TLI Construction exclusively.

How does the $4.9 million cost compare to similar memorial construction projects?

Direct cost comparisons for memorial construction projects are challenging due to the highly variable nature of such undertakings, influenced by scale, materials, location, and unique features. This $4.9 million contract is for a contemplative garden and artifact display, which is a specialized niche. Larger national memorials, like the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, involved costs in the hundreds of millions. Smaller, localized memorials or public art installations can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars. Given that this project incorporates specific, recovered artifacts from significant national events and requires specialized construction and display elements, the $4.9 million appears to be a reasonable allocation for a project of this unique commemorative and construction scope, assuming quality execution.

What are the primary risks associated with the construction and display of 9/11 artifacts?

The primary risks associated with the construction and display of 9/11 artifacts are multifaceted. Firstly, there are preservation risks; the artifacts, particularly steel members from the World Trade Center and stone pieces from the Pentagon, require careful handling, environmental controls, and specialized display methods to prevent degradation. Secondly, security risks are paramount, given the artifacts' historical and emotional significance; robust security measures must be in place to prevent damage, theft, or vandalism. Thirdly, construction risks include ensuring the structural integrity of the display elements and the garden itself, managing potential unforeseen site conditions, and adhering to the firm-fixed-price budget and schedule. Finally, there are reputational risks; any mishandling or inappropriate display could cause public distress or controversy.

What is the expected public impact of this contemplative garden and artifact display?

The expected public impact of this contemplative garden and artifact display is significant, serving as a powerful space for remembrance, education, and reflection on the events of September 11, 2001. It will provide a tangible connection to the sacrifices made and the resilience shown during the terrorist attacks. The garden aims to offer a peaceful environment for visitors to process the historical significance of the artifacts and the events they represent. For residents and visitors in the District of Columbia, it will become a landmark of national importance, fostering a shared sense of history and national identity. The display of artifacts from the World Trade Center and the Pentagon will serve as solemn reminders of the day's events and the enduring spirit of the nation.

How does this contract fit into the broader context of federal spending on memorials and historical preservation?

This contract represents a specific instance of federal spending dedicated to memorialization and the preservation of historical artifacts of national significance. Federal agencies, particularly those like the General Services Administration (GSA) responsible for federal buildings and grounds, often undertake projects to commemorate important historical events or individuals. Spending in this category can vary widely year to year, influenced by specific anniversaries, legislative mandates, or the availability of significant artifacts. While not a massive expenditure compared to large infrastructure projects, contracts like this underscore the government's role in maintaining national memory and providing spaces for public reflection on pivotal moments in American history. It aligns with broader federal efforts to manage and display items of cultural and historical importance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 47PM0024R0009

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7900 EAST UNION AVENUE, DENVER, CO, 80237

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,913,991

Exercised Options: $4,913,991

Current Obligation: $4,913,991

Actual Outlays: $1,121,580

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline