GSA Awards $23M for Hoover Building Modernization Design to GGA Architecture

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,085,147 ($23.1M)

Contractor: GGA Architecture, PLLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2004-11-29

End Date: 2011-05-18

Contract Duration: 2,361 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 16

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: A/E DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE MAJOR MODERNIZATION OF THE HERBERT C HOOVER BULDING, WASHINGTON, DC

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20204

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $23.1 million to GGA ARCHITECTURE, PLLC for work described as: A/E DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE MAJOR MODERNIZATION OF THE HERBERT C HOOVER BULDING, WASHINGTON, DC Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract value of $23M for architectural services indicates a significant project scope. 3. The long duration (2361 days) and fixed-price nature may present cost control challenges. 4. Focus on architectural services for a major building modernization highlights infrastructure investment.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $23M award for architectural design services for a major modernization project appears within a reasonable range for large-scale federal building renovations. Benchmarking against similar large-scale architectural contracts for historic or complex federal buildings would provide 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, which typically allows for the widest possible range of bidders and promotes price discovery. The use of a definitive contract suggests a well-defined scope, but the long duration could lead to price adjustments if not managed carefully.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to secure the best value for taxpayers. However, the substantial contract value and extended performance period necessitate robust oversight to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively.

Public Impact

Modernization of a significant federal building, the Herbert C. Hoover Building, will improve functionality and potentially preserve a historic landmark. The project's scale suggests potential for job creation in architectural, engineering, and construction sectors. Improved federal building infrastructure can enhance the efficiency and security of government operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration may lead to scope creep or cost overruns if not managed.
Fixed-price contract with a long duration could be disadvantageous if unforeseen issues arise.
Lack of small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Significant investment in federal infrastructure modernization.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the architectural services sector, a key component of the broader construction and professional services industry. Federal spending in this area often reflects infrastructure needs and modernization efforts. Benchmarks for similar large-scale federal building design contracts would be necessary for a precise comparison.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were adequately pursued or if the nature of the prime contract precluded significant small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for overseeing federal building projects. Robust oversight is crucial for a contract of this magnitude and duration to ensure adherence to scope, budget, and quality standards, and to manage risks effectively.

Related Government Programs

Architectural Services
General Services Administration Contracting
Public Buildings Service Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration increases risk of cost escalation and scope creep.
Fixed-price contract with extended performance period may not be optimal for evolving needs.
No small business participation noted.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions in a major building modernization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $23.1 million to GGA ARCHITECTURE, PLLC. A/E DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE MAJOR MODERNIZATION OF THE HERBERT C HOOVER BULDING, WASHINGTON, DC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GGA ARCHITECTURE, PLLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-11-29. End: 2011-05-18.

What was the primary driver for the modernization of the Herbert C. Hoover Building, and how does the design scope address these needs?

The primary driver for modernization likely stems from aging infrastructure, evolving security requirements, and the need to improve energy efficiency and workspace functionality within the Herbert C. Hoover Building. The design scope, awarded to GGA Architecture, PLLC, would detail specific upgrades to HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural elements, and interior layouts to meet these contemporary federal operational standards and potentially address historical preservation concerns.

Given the 2361-day duration and fixed-price nature, what are the key risks to the government regarding cost and schedule overruns?

The primary risks involve potential cost escalation due to unforeseen site conditions, changes in material costs over the long period, or evolving federal requirements not initially scoped. Schedule risks include delays from permitting, contractor performance issues, or coordination challenges with other building systems. The fixed-price structure shifts some of this risk to the contractor, but significant overruns could still impact the overall project budget if change orders become extensive or if the initial pricing was not sufficiently robust.

How effectively did the full and open competition process ensure value for money for this significant architectural design contract?

Full and open competition is designed to maximize the pool of potential bidders, fostering a competitive environment that theoretically leads to better pricing and selection of the most qualified firm. For this $23M contract, the GSA's process likely involved rigorous evaluation criteria beyond just price, considering the firm's experience, technical approach, and past performance. The long-term success and ultimate value will depend on effective contract management and the successful execution of the design.

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: 16

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2000 L STREET NW STE 410, WASHINGTON, DC, 20036

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,142,013

Exercised Options: $23,142,013

Current Obligation: $23,085,147

Actual Outlays: $48,373

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline