Commerce Department spent $55.3M on building renovations, awarded to Vigil Contracting, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $55,291 ($55.3K)

Contractor: Vigil Contracting, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2012-02-16

End Date: 2012-03-12

Contract Duration: 25 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/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 $55,291 to VIGIL CONTRACTING, INC. for work described as: BUILDING RENOVATIONS AND ALTERATIONS. Key points: 1. The contract value of $55.3 million for building renovations and alterations appears substantial for a short duration. 2. Vigil Contracting, Inc. secured this award under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The fixed-price contract type may offer cost certainty but could limit flexibility for unforeseen renovation issues. 4. The project's scope is defined by NAICS code 236220, indicating commercial and institutional building construction. 5. The contract was awarded as a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar framework. 6. The short performance period (25 days) suggests a focused scope of work or a specific phase of a larger project.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $55.3 million for a 25-day performance period is exceptionally high on a per-day basis. Without knowing the exact scope of renovations, it's difficult to benchmark effectively. However, such a high expenditure for a short duration warrants scrutiny to ensure value for money was achieved. Comparing this to typical renovation projects of similar scale and complexity would be necessary for a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' which indicates that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The specific exclusion of sources mentioned might relate to a particular technology or requirement, but the overall intent was competitive. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation generally implies a robust competition, which should theoretically lead to better pricing and value.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process like this is generally favorable for taxpayers, as it encourages multiple companies to bid, driving down prices and improving the quality of services offered.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Commerce, which will receive updated or renovated facilities. The services delivered involve construction and renovation of commercial and institutional buildings. The geographic impact is localized to the District of Columbia, where the contract was performed. Workforce implications would include employment opportunities for construction workers, project managers, and related trades employed by Vigil Contracting, Inc. and its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High contract value for a very short performance period raises questions about efficiency and potential overspending.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause, even within full and open competition, warrants understanding to ensure it did not unduly limit competition.
Lack of detail on the specific renovation scope makes it hard to assess if the price is commensurate with the work performed.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a commitment to a competitive process.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
The contractor, Vigil Contracting, Inc., has experience in commercial and institutional building construction.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector (NAICS 236220). This sector encompasses a wide range of construction activities, from new builds to renovations and alterations of non-residential structures. The market size for federal construction and renovation projects is significant, driven by the need to maintain and upgrade government facilities. This specific contract, valued at $55.3 million, represents a substantial investment within this sector, likely for a significant renovation or alteration project within the Department of Commerce's facilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, Vigil Contracting, Inc., presumably a larger entity, received the award. There is no direct information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this specific award notice. Without a small business set-aside, the primary impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on Vigil Contracting's subcontracting practices, which are not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program officials within the Department of Commerce's Office of the Secretary. As a federal contract, it is subject to standard government oversight mechanisms, including audits and reviews by the Inspector General. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, where award details are published. However, the specifics of day-to-day oversight and accountability measures are internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service contracts
Department of Defense construction and facilities management contracts
National Science Foundation (NSF) research facility construction
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility construction and renovation

Risk Flags

High value relative to short performance period
Potential for scope creep or unforeseen issues in fixed-price renovation contracts
Need for clarity on the 'exclusion of sources' justification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $55,291 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 $55,291.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-02-16. End: 2012-03-12.

What was the specific scope of work for these building renovations and alterations?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction) and was awarded to Vigil Contracting, Inc. for $55.3 million. However, the specific details of the renovation scope, such as whether it involved structural changes, interior fit-outs, system upgrades (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), or cosmetic improvements, are not present in this summary. Understanding the precise nature of the work is crucial for evaluating the contract's value and comparing it to industry benchmarks. For instance, a major structural overhaul would justify a higher cost than a cosmetic refresh.

How does the $55.3 million cost compare to similar federal building renovation projects?

Benchmarking the $55.3 million cost requires detailed comparison with similar federal building renovation projects in terms of scope, size, location, and complexity. Without specific project details, a direct comparison is challenging. However, for a 25-day performance period, this value is exceptionally high, suggesting either a very large-scale renovation or potentially a component of a larger, multi-year project awarded via a delivery order. Typical renovation projects of significant scale can run into tens or hundreds of millions, but the duration here is a key factor. Further analysis would involve examining contracts with similar NAICS codes and award values, adjusting for inflation and project specifics.

What is Vigil Contracting, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly in construction?

Vigil Contracting, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, as indicated by this award. To assess their track record, a review of their past performance on similar projects would be necessary. This would include examining the number and value of previous construction and renovation contracts, their on-time and on-budget completion rates, any past performance issues or disputes, and their experience with the specific types of renovations undertaken. Information from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or contractor performance databases could provide insights into their reliability and expertise in executing government projects.

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

A firm fixed-price (FFP) contract, like the one awarded here, shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. While this offers budget certainty for the government, it can pose risks if the scope of work is not perfectly defined or if unforeseen conditions arise during renovation (e.g., discovering asbestos, structural issues). If the contractor underestimates costs or encounters significant unexpected problems, they may cut corners on quality or seek change orders, potentially negating the cost-saving benefits. Conversely, if the contractor significantly overestimates, the government may pay a premium. Careful scope definition and contingency planning are vital for FFP contracts in construction.

What does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' designation imply for this contract?

This designation means the contract was competed broadly, allowing all eligible responsible sources to submit offers. However, it also indicates that certain sources or types of sources were specifically excluded from consideration. The reasons for exclusion could range from specific technical requirements that only certain vendors could meet, to past performance issues, or even national security concerns. While 'full and open' is generally positive for competition, the 'exclusion of sources' element warrants understanding to ensure it was justified and did not unnecessarily restrict the pool of potential bidders, thereby potentially impacting price discovery.

How does the short performance duration (25 days) align with the contract value of $55.3 million?

A contract value of $55.3 million for only 25 days of performance is highly unusual for standard building renovations. This translates to an average daily expenditure of over $2.2 million. Such a high burn rate suggests the work involved was either extremely intensive, required massive mobilization of resources, or this delivery order represents a very specific, high-cost component of a larger project (e.g., specialized equipment installation, critical infrastructure repair). It raises questions about the efficiency of the execution and whether the value proposition is justified for such a compressed timeline. Further investigation into the project's nature and the contract's place within a broader acquisition strategy is needed.

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: $55,291

Exercised Options: $55,291

Current Obligation: $55,291

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