GSA Awards $13.1M Contract for EPA Designated Products in Construction to Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,070,892 ($13.1M)

Contractor: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2005-08-08

End Date: 2014-10-31

Contract Duration: 3,371 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 23

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE EPA DESIGNATED PRODUCTS AND DESIGN TO INCORPORATE THESE PRODUCTS DURING CONSTRUCTION.

Place of Performance

Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60604

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $13.1 million to SKIDMORE, OWINGS & MERRILL LLP for work described as: CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE EPA DESIGNATED PRODUCTS AND DESIGN TO INCORPORATE THESE PRODUCTS DURING CONSTRUCTION. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for architectural services related to EPA designated products. 2. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP is the sole contractor. 3. The contract spans nearly 10 years, indicating a long-term project. 4. The value of $13.1M is significant for architectural services in this context.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $13.1M for architectural services over 9 years appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale public building projects would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing competitive pricing for architectural services.

Public Impact

Ensures incorporation of EPA designated products in federal construction projects. Supports modernization and compliance of federal buildings. Impacts the design and construction industry through specific product requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (9 years) may lead to scope creep or price escalation.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to assess contractor efficiency.
Potential for increased costs if EPA designated products become more expensive over time.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting fair pricing.
Focus on EPA designated products aligns with environmental goals.
Experienced contractor (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP) likely brings quality expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under architectural services, a key component of the construction sector. Spending in this area is often tied to infrastructure development and modernization efforts, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scale and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, a large firm. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data, which could be a missed opportunity for economic inclusion.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees this contract. Oversight would typically involve monitoring project progress, adherence to specifications, and financial management to ensure accountability and effective use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Architectural Services
General Services Administration Contracting
Public Buildings Service Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may lead to cost overruns or outdated designs.
Lack of specific product details hinders cost-benefit analysis.
Potential for price volatility of EPA designated products over time.
Limited information on small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $13.1 million to SKIDMORE, OWINGS & MERRILL LLP. CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE EPA DESIGNATED PRODUCTS AND DESIGN TO INCORPORATE THESE PRODUCTS DURING CONSTRUCTION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SKIDMORE, OWINGS & MERRILL LLP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-08-08. End: 2014-10-31.

What specific EPA designated products are being incorporated, and what is the cost impact of these products compared to standard alternatives?

The provided data does not specify the exact EPA designated products. Understanding these products is crucial for assessing their environmental benefits against potential cost premiums. A detailed cost-benefit analysis comparing these specialized products to conventional alternatives would be necessary to determine the true value and taxpayer impact beyond the initial architectural service contract.

How will the long duration of the contract (2005-2014) impact the relevance and cost of the EPA designated products and architectural designs?

A contract spanning nearly a decade presents risks of product obsolescence or significant price fluctuations for EPA designated materials. Architectural designs might also need updates to reflect evolving building codes or environmental standards. This extended timeline necessitates robust change management and potential price adjustment clauses to mitigate risks and ensure the final outcome remains cost-effective and relevant.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the architectural services provided lead to efficient and cost-effective incorporation of the EPA products?

While awarded through full and open competition, the effectiveness relies on detailed performance metrics and oversight. The contract should include clear deliverables, quality assurance checks, and potentially incentives for cost savings or innovative solutions in integrating EPA products. Regular reviews by the GSA would be essential to monitor progress and ensure the architectural design optimizes the use and cost-effectiveness of these specified products.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102

Offers Received: 23

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Address: 224 S MICHIGAN AVE # 1000, CHICAGO, IL, 90

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,070,892

Exercised Options: $13,070,892

Current Obligation: $13,070,892

Timeline