GSA awards $21.5M for electrical system upgrades, highlighting infrastructure investment needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,457,886 ($21.5M)

Contractor: Singleton Electric Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2009-07-20

End Date: 2013-05-30

Contract Duration: 1,410 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: SITE UTILITY UPGRADES - 13.8KV PRIMARY ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20006

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $21.5 million to SINGLETON ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. for work described as: SITE UTILITY UPGRADES - 13.8KV PRIMARY ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in critical infrastructure modernization. 2. The project addresses the need for reliable electrical distribution systems in federal facilities. 3. Competition level suggests a potentially competitive bidding environment for similar projects. 4. Project duration indicates a long-term commitment to infrastructure improvement. 5. The award to a single entity underscores the specialized nature of electrical contracting. 6. Focus on a specific electrical system points to targeted infrastructure resilience efforts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $21.5 million for electrical distribution system upgrades appears reasonable given the scope and duration of the project (1410 days). Benchmarking against similar large-scale electrical infrastructure projects for federal agencies suggests that this award falls within expected cost ranges. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps to control costs and provides predictability for the government. Without specific details on the exact scope of 'SITE UTILITY UPGRADES - 13.8KV PRIMARY ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM,' a precise per-unit cost comparison is challenging, but the overall investment aligns with the criticality of maintaining robust federal facility power.

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,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and multiple responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this competition type generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive pricing. The exclusion of sources clause might suggest specific technical requirements or past performance considerations that narrowed the field, but the primary intent was open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition aims to secure the best value for taxpayers by allowing a wide range of qualified contractors to bid, potentially driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Federal facilities in the District of Columbia benefit from enhanced electrical reliability and safety. The project ensures the continued operation of essential government services by upgrading critical power infrastructure. Improved electrical systems reduce the risk of power outages, safeguarding sensitive government operations and data. The upgrade supports the modernization of federal building infrastructure, contributing to long-term operational efficiency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise during the extensive upgrade process.
Risk of project delays due to the complexity of large-scale electrical system installations.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical infrastructure component could pose a risk if performance issues emerge.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Project duration of 1410 days allows for thorough planning and execution of complex upgrades.
Focus on essential site utility upgrades addresses a fundamental need for operational continuity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors sector (NAICS 238210), a vital part of the construction industry focused on the installation and maintenance of electrical systems. The market for federal electrical infrastructure upgrades is substantial, driven by the need to maintain and modernize aging government facilities across the country. This specific project, involving a 13.8KV primary electrical distribution system, addresses a high-voltage, critical component of facility power, often requiring specialized expertise and significant investment. Comparable spending benchmarks for large federal electrical projects can range widely depending on scale and complexity, but investments in the tens of millions are common for major utility upgrades.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Given the scale and specialized nature of upgrading a 13.8KV primary electrical distribution system, it is common for such large prime contracts to be awarded to larger, established firms. However, the prime contractor, Singleton Electric Company, Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specific tasks or materials, contributing to the small business ecosystem. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess the impact on small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Public Buildings Service, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms likely include regular progress reviews, site inspections, and adherence to contract milestones. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight by fixing the total cost. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Infrastructure Modernization Programs
GSA Public Buildings Service Capital Investments
Department of Energy - Grid Modernization Initiatives
Department of Defense - Facility Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Complexity of integrating new high-voltage systems with existing infrastructure.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical utility component.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $21.5 million to SINGLETON ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.. SITE UTILITY UPGRADES - 13.8KV PRIMARY ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SINGLETON ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-07-20. End: 2013-05-30.

What is the specific scope of the 'SITE UTILITY UPGRADES - 13.8KV PRIMARY ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM' and what are the key components being replaced or upgraded?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'SITE UTILITY UPGRADES - 13.8KV PRIMARY ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.' This typically involves the modernization, repair, or replacement of the high-voltage (13.8 kilovolt) electrical infrastructure that distributes power from the utility's main connection point to various buildings or substations within a federal facility's campus. Key components could include underground or overhead distribution lines, transformers, switchgear, protective devices, and control systems. The upgrade aims to enhance reliability, safety, capacity, and potentially incorporate more resilient or energy-efficient technologies. Without detailed contract line item details, the precise scope remains generalized, but it addresses a critical backbone of facility power.

How does the awarded amount of $21.5 million compare to the estimated value or budget for this type of electrical infrastructure upgrade?

The awarded amount of $21.5 million for a 13.8KV primary electrical distribution system upgrade over 1410 days (approximately 3.8 years) appears to be a substantial investment, consistent with the complexity and criticality of such projects. Benchmarking is difficult without specific project details (e.g., miles of cable, number of substations, specific equipment replaced). However, major utility upgrades for large federal campuses can easily run into tens of millions of dollars. The firm-fixed-price nature suggests the GSA aimed for cost certainty. If the initial estimate was significantly lower, it might indicate scope creep or unforeseen conditions. Conversely, if it aligns with pre-bid estimates, it reflects a well-defined project awarded competitively.

What specific risks are associated with a project of this magnitude and duration, and how are they being mitigated?

Projects involving large-scale electrical infrastructure upgrades carry inherent risks. These include potential cost overruns due to unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., encountering unexpected utilities, soil issues), material price fluctuations, and labor availability. Schedule delays are also a risk, stemming from complex installation processes, permitting issues, or weather impacts. Furthermore, ensuring the seamless integration of new systems with existing infrastructure without disrupting essential services is critical. Mitigation strategies likely include thorough site investigations prior to award, robust project management by the GSA, contingency planning within the budget, and clear performance metrics and penalties outlined in the firm-fixed-price contract with Singleton Electric Company, Inc.

What is the track record of Singleton Electric Company, Inc. in performing similar large-scale federal electrical infrastructure projects?

Singleton Electric Company, Inc. has a history of performing electrical contracting work. While the provided data doesn't detail their specific track record on large-scale federal 13.8KV distribution system upgrades, their selection for this significant $21.5 million contract by the General Services Administration suggests they possess the necessary qualifications, experience, and financial capacity. Federal procurement processes typically involve rigorous vetting of past performance. Further investigation into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues on previous federal projects, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability for this type of critical infrastructure work.

How does this contract align with broader federal initiatives related to infrastructure modernization and energy resilience?

This contract directly aligns with federal initiatives focused on modernizing aging infrastructure and enhancing energy resilience. The GSA, as the largest public real estate holder in the U.S., has a mandate to maintain and upgrade its facilities. Investing in a robust 13.8KV electrical distribution system is fundamental to ensuring the reliable operation of federal buildings, which house critical government functions. Upgrades can also incorporate more resilient technologies, potentially improving the facility's ability to withstand grid disruptions or extreme weather events, contributing to overall national energy security and operational continuity for government services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: GS-11P-08-YT-C-0173

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7860 CESSNA AVE, GAITHERSBURG, MD, 90

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,457,886

Exercised Options: $21,457,886

Current Obligation: $21,457,886

Timeline