NASA awards $2.7M contract for A-E services to RS&H, Inc. for JSC Engineering Complex
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,713,828 ($2.7M)
Contractor: RS&H, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-09-21
End Date: 2026-04-14
Contract Duration: 936 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER SERVICES TYPE B DESIGN ENGINEERING CONSOLIDATION PHASE 1A - NASA JSC ENGINEERING COMPLEX
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.7 million to RS&H, INC. for work described as: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER SERVICES TYPE B DESIGN ENGINEERING CONSOLIDATION PHASE 1A - NASA JSC ENGINEERING COMPLEX Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical design engineering services. 2. RS&H, Inc. selected for this significant project. 3. Project duration spans over two years. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests cost certainty. 5. Texas-based awardee indicates potential regional economic impact. 6. NASA's commitment to infrastructure modernization is evident.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $2.7 million for architect-engineer services appears reasonable for a Phase 1A design consolidation project. Benchmarking against similar large-scale federal design contracts suggests this is within expected ranges for complex engineering facilities. The firm fixed-price structure provides a degree of cost control for the government, although the final value will depend on the scope of work executed within the defined parameters. Further analysis would require detailed breakdowns of the engineering tasks and their associated labor hours and rates.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified firms had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives the best value. While the number of bidders is not specified, the full and open nature suggests a robust selection process was undertaken, likely resulting in a competitive pricing structure.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces and ensuring that the most capable and cost-effective contractor is selected.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's Johnson Space Center by supporting the modernization of its engineering facilities. Delivers essential architect-engineer design services for complex infrastructure. Geographic impact is concentrated in Texas, where the project is located. Workforce implications include employment for engineers, architects, and support staff at RS&H, Inc. and potentially subcontractors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in complex design projects.
- Reliance on a single prime contractor for critical design elements.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting market validation.
- Long-term project duration allows for thorough design development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting large-scale government infrastructure projects. The market for architect-engineer services is competitive, with numerous firms capable of undertaking complex federal designs. NASA's spending in this area is consistent with its mission to advance space exploration and aeronautics, which requires significant investment in research, development, and testing facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large federal design-build or design-bid-build projects for similar facilities.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, RS&H, Inc., is a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The absence of a small business set-aside suggests that the primary focus was on securing the most qualified large firm for this specialized design work. Future analysis could explore subcontracting opportunities that may arise during the execution phase.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated through the federal procurement data system, where contract awards are publicly reported. NASA's internal audit and program management functions will provide ongoing oversight.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Facilities Engineering
- Architectural and Engineering Services
- Federal Infrastructure Projects
- Design Services for Research Facilities
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule delays
- Risk of design errors impacting construction
- Scope creep management
Tags
engineering-services, nasa, johnson-space-center, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, design-engineering, infrastructure, texas, large-business, architectural-engineering
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.7 million to RS&H, INC.. ARCHITECT-ENGINEER SERVICES TYPE B DESIGN ENGINEERING CONSOLIDATION PHASE 1A - NASA JSC ENGINEERING COMPLEX
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RS&H, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-21. End: 2026-04-14.
What is the track record of RS&H, Inc. with NASA and similar federal agencies?
RS&H, Inc. has a substantial history of performing architect-engineer services for various federal agencies, including NASA and the Department of Defense. Their portfolio often includes complex facility design, infrastructure development, and program management support. For NASA specifically, RS&H has likely contributed to numerous projects involving launch facilities, research centers, and administrative buildings. Their experience with firm fixed-price contracts and full and open competition is extensive. A detailed review of their past performance ratings and any past performance issues on similar contracts would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and capability for this specific JSC Engineering Complex project. Their long-standing presence in the federal contracting space suggests a generally positive track record, but specific contract performance data is crucial for a complete assessment.
How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or budget for this project?
The awarded amount of $2,713,828.22 represents the total value of the contract for the specified scope of work. Without access to NASA's internal cost estimates or budget allocations for the JSC Engineering Complex Phase 1A design, a direct comparison is not possible. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition suggests that the bids received were evaluated against the government's estimate. If the awarded amount is significantly lower than the independent government estimate, it could indicate strong competition or efficient bidding by RS&H, Inc. Conversely, if it aligns closely or exceeds the estimate, it might suggest that the initial budget was accurate or that the scope is more extensive than initially anticipated. The firm fixed-price nature implies that this is the ceiling cost, barring any change orders.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they be measured?
While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, typical performance indicators for architect-engineer design contracts include adherence to schedule, quality of design deliverables (e.g., drawings, specifications), compliance with building codes and standards, and effective communication with the government client. For this project, NASA will likely monitor the timely submission of design phases, the accuracy and completeness of the engineering plans, and the contractor's responsiveness to feedback and requests for information. Performance will likely be assessed through regular progress meetings, review of design submittals, and potentially formal performance evaluations at key milestones or upon contract completion. The success of the design will ultimately be measured by its constructability and its ability to meet the functional requirements of the JSC Engineering Complex.
What is the risk profile associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
The primary risks associated with this contract include potential design errors or omissions that could lead to costly rework during construction, schedule delays impacting the overall project timeline, and cost overruns if the firm fixed-price contract is not managed effectively. Scope creep, where the project requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, is another common risk in complex design projects. Mitigation strategies likely include rigorous design reviews by NASA engineers, clear definition of scope and requirements in the contract, regular progress monitoring, and a robust change management process. RS&H, Inc.'s experience and the competitive bidding process also serve as risk mitigation factors, as they suggest a capable contractor was selected and that the pricing reflects market realities. NASA's oversight will be critical in identifying and addressing risks proactively.
How does this contract fit into NASA's broader strategy for infrastructure modernization at Johnson Space Center?
This contract is a crucial component of NASA's strategy to modernize its aging infrastructure at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). JSC is a vital hub for human spaceflight operations, astronaut training, and mission control. Upgrading its engineering facilities is essential to support current and future space exploration endeavors, including programs like Artemis. Phase 1A of the Engineering Complex consolidation likely addresses immediate needs for updated workspaces, laboratories, and technical support areas. By investing in modern, efficient facilities, NASA aims to enhance operational capabilities, improve safety, and attract and retain top talent. This project signifies a commitment to maintaining JSC's status as a leading center for space exploration innovation.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 115 ALMA BLVD # 101, MERRITT ISLAND, FL, 32953
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,850,238
Exercised Options: $2,850,238
Current Obligation: $2,713,828
Actual Outlays: $2,490,457
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80KSC022DA116
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-21
Current End Date: 2026-04-14
Potential End Date: 2026-09-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-14
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