GSA's $11.3M engineering services contract with Stantec Architecture Inc. spanned over a decade

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,313,275 ($11.3M)

Contractor: Stantec Architecture Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2000-10-15

End Date: 2010-07-31

Contract Duration: 3,576 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Place of Performance

Location: BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE (CITY) County, MARYLAND, 21235

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $11.3 million to STANTEC ARCHITECTURE INC. for work described as: Key points: 1. The contract's long duration suggests a sustained need for engineering services, potentially indicating a stable but possibly less agile relationship. 2. A firm-fixed-price contract type generally offers cost certainty for the government, but may limit flexibility if project requirements evolve significantly. 3. The absence of small business set-aside flags suggests this contract was not specifically targeted to boost small business participation. 4. With 6 bidders, the competition level indicates a moderate degree of market interest, which can influence pricing and service quality. 5. The contract was awarded by the General Services Administration's Public Buildings Service, focusing on engineering services. 6. The contract's performance period extended significantly, from October 2000 to July 2010.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific deliverables or comparable projects. However, the total award amount of over $11 million spread across nearly 10 years suggests a moderate annual spend. The firm-fixed-price structure implies that the initial pricing was deemed acceptable, but the long duration could mask potential cost escalations or inefficiencies if not managed closely. Without detailed performance metrics or comparisons to similar engineering service contracts for federal facilities of comparable scale and complexity, a definitive value assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 6 bidders indicates a reasonable level of interest from the market for these engineering services. While 6 bidders is not exceptionally high, it suggests that the GSA was able to attract multiple qualified firms, which typically aids in price discovery and ensures a selection from a competitive pool.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors, potentially resulting in better service delivery.

Public Impact

Federal facilities managed by the General Services Administration likely benefited from the engineering expertise provided, ensuring structural integrity and functionality. The services delivered supported the maintenance, renovation, or construction of public buildings, impacting government operations. The contract's impact was primarily felt within Maryland, where the firm is located, and potentially at federal sites nationwide where engineering services were required. The contract supported engineering professionals and related technical staff employed by Stantec Architecture Inc. and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The extended contract duration of over 9 years could lead to potential complacency or a lack of incentive for innovation if not actively managed.
Firm-fixed-price contracts can sometimes lead to scope creep issues if not meticulously defined and managed, potentially increasing costs beyond initial expectations.
Without specific performance data, it's difficult to ascertain if the government received optimal value for the $11.3 million expenditure over the contract's life.
The lack of explicit small business participation mentioned may indicate missed opportunities to leverage the small business industrial base.

Positive Signals

Awarding under full and open competition suggests a commitment to seeking the best value from a broad range of potential providers.
The firm-fixed-price contract type provides budget certainty for the government, simplifying financial planning and control.
The General Services Administration's involvement indicates adherence to established procurement processes and oversight for federal real property management.
A single award over a long period can foster a strong working relationship and deep understanding of the agency's needs.

Sector Analysis

The engineering services sector is a critical component of the construction and facilities management industry, providing essential design, planning, and oversight for public and private infrastructure projects. Federal spending in this area is substantial, supporting everything from building design to complex infrastructure upgrades. This contract with Stantec Architecture Inc. fits within the broader category of professional services procured by the government to manage its vast real estate portfolio. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically look at the average cost per square foot for design services or the total annual spend on architectural and engineering services by agencies like GSA.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have been awarded as a small business set-aside, nor is there an indication of specific subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing engineering services through broad competition rather than specifically targeting small business participation. Consequently, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited, although larger firms like Stantec may still engage small businesses as subcontractors on specific tasks.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) typically has robust oversight mechanisms for its contracts, managed through its Public Buildings Service. Accountability is usually ensured through contract performance reviews, payment approvals tied to milestones, and adherence to the firm-fixed-price terms. Transparency is facilitated by the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), which records contract awards. Inspector General oversight may be involved if specific concerns regarding waste, fraud, or abuse arise during the contract's performance or close-out.

Related Government Programs

Federal Buildings Fund
Architectural and Engineering Services
Public Buildings Construction and Acquisition
Government Facilities Management

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may indicate potential for cost overruns or lack of agility if not managed.
Firm-fixed-price contract type can be inflexible to scope changes.
Limited competition (6 bidders) may not represent the absolute best value.
Lack of explicit small business focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $11.3 million to STANTEC ARCHITECTURE INC.. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STANTEC ARCHITECTURE INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2000-10-15. End: 2010-07-31.

What was the specific nature of the engineering services provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under the 'Engineering Services' (NAICS 541330) category. While specific details are limited, this typically encompasses a wide range of services including structural, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering design; feasibility studies; site assessments; construction phase support; and project management for federal buildings. Given the long duration and the awarding agency (GSA Public Buildings Service), the services likely involved design, renovation, repair, and potentially new construction oversight for federal facilities managed by GSA across various locations.

How does the $11.3 million award amount compare to similar GSA engineering contracts?

Comparing the $11.3 million award to similar GSA contracts requires access to a broader dataset of GSA procurements for architectural and engineering services. However, for a contract spanning nearly a decade (2000-2010), this amount suggests a moderate level of engagement. GSA manages a vast portfolio of federal buildings, and contract values can range from small, project-specific design tasks to multi-million dollar programs for major renovations or new constructions. Without knowing the scope (e.g., number of projects, size of facilities, complexity of work), it's difficult to definitively benchmark this value. However, it represents a significant, long-term investment in engineering expertise for federal infrastructure.

What were the key performance indicators or metrics used to evaluate Stantec Architecture Inc.'s performance?

The provided data does not include specific performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate Stantec Architecture Inc. For a firm-fixed-price contract of this nature, performance evaluation typically focuses on adherence to contract requirements, timely delivery of design documents and services, quality of work (e.g., accuracy of designs, constructability), compliance with regulations and codes, and overall client satisfaction. GSA contracting officers would have been responsible for monitoring these aspects throughout the contract's duration, potentially through formal reviews or informal feedback.

Were there any notable issues or challenges encountered during the performance of this contract?

The available data does not specify any notable issues or challenges encountered during the performance of this contract. Long-term contracts, especially those spanning over nine years, can sometimes face challenges related to evolving requirements, budget adjustments, unforeseen site conditions, or changes in federal mandates. However, the absence of readily available negative information does not preclude the possibility of minor issues being resolved through contract modifications or discussions between the contracting officer and the contractor. A deeper dive into contract administration files would be necessary to uncover any such details.

How has GSA's spending on engineering services evolved since this contract period (2000-2010)?

GSA's spending on engineering services has likely evolved significantly since the 2000-2010 period, influenced by factors such as infrastructure needs, federal budget priorities, and technological advancements. Post-9/11 security enhancements, increased focus on sustainable building practices (e.g., LEED standards), and the need to modernize aging federal facilities have likely driven demand and potentially increased spending in certain areas. Furthermore, shifts in procurement strategies, such as greater use of indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts or task orders, may have altered how engineering services are acquired compared to the single award structure of this older contract.

What is the significance of the 'Public Buildings Service' as the awarding entity?

The Public Buildings Service (PBS) is a major component of the General Services Administration (GSA) responsible for the management, development, and operation of the nation's inventory of federal government buildings. Awarding this contract through PBS signifies that the engineering services were intended to support the GSA's mission of providing safe, efficient, and sustainable workspaces for federal agencies. PBS oversees a vast real estate portfolio, encompassing courthouses, federal offices, and other public facilities, making engineering and architectural services critical for their lifecycle management, from design and construction to maintenance and modernization.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Stantec Incorporated (UEI: 246422307)

Address: 650 SMITHFIELD ST STE 2600, PITTSBURGH, PA, 90

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,215,436

Exercised Options: $10,853,595

Current Obligation: $11,313,275

Timeline