Commerce Department's $2.8M building renovation contract awarded to Vigil Contracting, Inc. via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,495 ($28.5K)

Contractor: Vigil Contracting, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2012-01-23

End Date: 2012-02-03

Contract Duration: 11 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: BUILDING RENOVATIONS AND ALTERATIONS.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20230

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $28,495 to VIGIL CONTRACTING, INC. for work described as: BUILDING RENOVATIONS AND ALTERATIONS. Key points: 1. The contract focused on building renovations and alterations, indicating a need for facility upgrades or maintenance. 2. Awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a broad search for qualified bidders. 3. The short duration of 11 days for the delivery order suggests a specific, time-sensitive task. 4. The firm fixed-price contract type implies that the contractor assumed the risk for cost overruns. 5. The contract was awarded to Vigil Contracting, Inc., a company with experience in commercial and institutional building construction. 6. The project was located in the District of Columbia, aligning with federal facility needs in the capital region.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific delivery order is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns or scope of work. The total award amount of $2.85 million for an 11-day project suggests a significant undertaking, potentially involving complex renovations or emergency repairs. Comparing it to similar renovation contracts would require data on project scale, complexity, and location. The firm fixed-price nature is a positive indicator for cost control, but the overall value for money depends heavily on the quality and long-term impact of the renovations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This procurement method indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were excluded, possibly due to specific requirements or prior relationships. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but the 'exclusion of sources' phrasing suggests a potentially narrower field than a standard full and open competition. This could impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher prices if the excluded sources represented significant competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process, but the exclusion of certain sources might have limited the potential for the lowest possible price. Further transparency on the reasons for exclusion would be beneficial.

Public Impact

Federal employees and visitors benefit from improved or maintained facilities within the Department of Commerce. The services delivered involved physical renovations and alterations to a commercial or institutional building. The geographic impact is localized to the District of Columbia, where the Department of Commerce facilities are located. The contract likely supported construction and renovation workers, contributing to employment in the skilled trades sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed scope of work makes it difficult to assess the true value and necessity of the renovations.
The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method raises questions about the breadth of market engagement and potential for optimal pricing.
Short duration of the delivery order could indicate rushed work, potentially impacting quality or long-term durability.
Limited information on the specific building and its condition makes it hard to benchmark the renovation costs effectively.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a competitive process, indicating an effort to secure multiple bids.
Firm fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor, promoting budget certainty.
Vigil Contracting, Inc. has experience in commercial and institutional building construction, suggesting relevant expertise.
The contract addresses a tangible need for building maintenance and upgrades within a federal agency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the broader construction industry. Federal spending in this area supports the maintenance, modernization, and expansion of government facilities. Benchmarking this specific $2.85 million renovation requires comparison with similar-sized projects in the DC metropolitan area, considering factors like building age, type, and the extent of renovations. The federal government is a major consumer of construction services, and contracts like this contribute to the overall market activity and demand for specialized construction firms.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract involved small business set-asides, as the 'sb' field is false. Furthermore, the 'ss' field is also false, meaning it was not a small business set-aside. This suggests the contract was competed broadly, potentially favoring larger firms with the capacity to handle significant renovation projects. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but they are not explicitly mandated or detailed in the provided data. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely indirect, through potential subcontracting rather than direct award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Commerce's internal procurement and facilities management offices. The Inspector General for the Department of Commerce may have jurisdiction for audits and investigations related to potential fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is moderate, as the award details are publicly available, but specific project milestones, inspection reports, and final cost analyses are not readily accessible without specific requests. Accountability rests with Vigil Contracting, Inc. to deliver the work as specified and with the Department of Commerce to ensure proper execution and payment.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building and Facilities Maintenance
Government Construction Contracts
Department of Commerce Operations
Commercial Building Renovations
District of Columbia Construction Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
Scope definition risk in fixed-price renovation contracts.
Quality control concerns with short-duration delivery orders.
Lack of detailed performance data for benchmarking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $28,495 to VIGIL CONTRACTING, INC.. BUILDING RENOVATIONS AND ALTERATIONS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VIGIL CONTRACTING, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (Office of the Secretary).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28,495.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-01-23. End: 2012-02-03.

What was the specific scope of work for this $2.85 million building renovation contract?

The provided data indicates the contract was for 'BUILDING RENOVATIONS AND ALTERATIONS' within the Department of Commerce. However, the specific scope of work, such as the type of renovations (e.g., structural, cosmetic, HVAC, electrical), the specific building or area affected, and the detailed requirements, is not detailed in the summary data. A $2.85 million award for an 11-day delivery order suggests a substantial project, possibly involving critical infrastructure upgrades, emergency repairs, or significant modernization efforts. To fully understand the value and necessity, a review of the original contract statement of work (SOW) and any subsequent modifications would be required.

How does the $2.85 million cost compare to similar federal building renovation projects?

Directly comparing the $2.85 million cost is difficult without knowing the precise scope, scale, and complexity of the renovations performed. Federal building renovations can vary widely in cost based on factors like square footage, age of the building, type of systems being upgraded (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing), and specific architectural requirements. For an 11-day delivery order, this amount suggests a high-intensity project, possibly involving specialized labor or materials. Benchmarking would require identifying comparable projects within the Department of Commerce or other federal agencies in the District of Columbia, focusing on projects of similar size and renovation type. Without such granular data, it's challenging to definitively assess if this represents a competitive price.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for building renovations?

Firm fixed-price (FFP) contracts are generally favored for their cost certainty, as the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns. However, for complex building renovations, risks can still arise. If the scope of work is not perfectly defined, the contractor might cut corners on quality to maintain profitability, leading to subpar results. Conversely, if unforeseen conditions arise (e.g., discovering asbestos, structural issues), the contractor may seek change orders, potentially increasing the cost despite the FFP nature. The short 11-day duration might also imply pressure to complete work quickly, potentially increasing the risk of errors or omissions if not managed carefully by the government contracting officer.

What does 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' imply about the procurement process?

This procurement method signifies a complex approach to competition. 'Full and open competition' means that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. However, the addition of 'after exclusion of sources' indicates that, for specific reasons (often related to national security, proprietary data, or unique capabilities), certain potential bidders were intentionally excluded from participating in the bidding process. This suggests that while a competitive process was intended, the pool of eligible bidders was narrower than in a standard full and open competition. The justification for excluding sources is critical for understanding whether the government achieved the best possible value and price.

What is the track record of Vigil Contracting, Inc. in federal contracting, particularly for renovations?

Vigil Contracting, Inc. is identified as having experience in 'Commercial and Institutional Building Construction.' This suggests a relevant background for undertaking building renovations. To assess their track record thoroughly, one would need to examine their past performance on federal contracts, including project history, past performance evaluations (if available), any history of contract disputes or terminations, and their success rate in winning bids. The provided data is limited to the NAICS code, indicating their general industry classification. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases like FPDS or SAM.gov would reveal more about their specific contract history, value, and performance ratings.

What is the significance of the contract's location in the District of Columbia?

The contract's location in the District of Columbia is significant as it pertains to federal facilities within the nation's capital. The Department of Commerce, like many federal agencies, has a substantial presence in DC. Renovations in this area can be subject to specific building codes, historical preservation requirements, and potentially higher labor and material costs compared to other regions. Furthermore, federal construction projects in DC often involve complex security considerations and logistical challenges due to the urban environment and proximity to other government buildings. This location implies the work directly supports the operational infrastructure of a key federal agency.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2140 PRIEST BRIDGE CT STE 7, CROFTON, MD, 21114

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,495

Exercised Options: $28,495

Current Obligation: $28,495

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DOCSA130111CQ0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline