GSA Awards $17.6M for Energy Conservation at Chicago Social Security Center

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,573,198 ($17.6M)

Contractor: Ameresco Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2016-10-28

End Date: 2027-10-31

Contract Duration: 4,020 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONS THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, SUPPORT, LABOR, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, SUPERVISION AND FINANCING NECESSARY TO PERFORM ALL THE WORK OUTLINED TO COMPLETE ALL (12) ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES (ECMS) THAT RESULT IN ENERGY SAVINGS, ENHANCE AND IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE HAROLD WASHINGTON SOCIAL SECURITY CENTER IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

Place of Performance

Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60661

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $17.6 million to AMERESCO INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONS THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, SUPPORT, LABOR, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, SUPERVISION AND FINANCING NECESSARY TO PERFORM ALL THE WORK OUTLINED TO COMPLETE ALL (12) ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES (ECMS) THAT RESULT… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on 12 Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) to improve infrastructure and generate savings. 2. Ameresco Inc. is the sole contractor, awarded via full and open competition. 3. The contract spans over 11 years, indicating a long-term investment in facility upgrades. 4. Spending is concentrated in Engineering Services (NAICS 541330).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.6 million for an 11-year project appears reasonable for comprehensive energy conservation measures and infrastructure improvements at a large federal facility. Benchmarking against similar large-scale energy efficiency projects for 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, suggesting a competitive bidding process that likely led to a fair price discovery. The use of a Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in energy efficiency, which is expected to yield long-term cost savings through reduced energy consumption and improved facility performance.

Public Impact

Improved energy efficiency at a federal facility, leading to reduced operational costs. Modernized infrastructure at the Harold Washington Social Security Center in Chicago. Potential for reduced environmental impact due to energy conservation efforts. Long-term benefits for federal employees and the public utilizing the facility.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (over 11 years) may present risks if technology or needs change significantly.
Reliance on a single contractor for all ECMs could limit flexibility.
Firm Fixed Price contracts can sometimes lead to scope creep if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Focus on energy conservation aligns with sustainability goals.
Comprehensive approach addressing 12 specific ECMs.
Awarded through full and open competition, indicating market responsiveness.
Long-term investment expected to generate significant cost savings.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically related to energy efficiency and facility modernization for government buildings. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale federal energy conservation projects would be relevant for comparison.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses were likely not primary awardees, though they may have participated as subcontractors to Ameresco Inc.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA), through its Public Buildings Service, is overseeing this contract. Oversight will be crucial to ensure all 12 ECMs are implemented effectively and deliver the projected energy savings over the contract's long duration.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
General Services Administration Contracting
Public Buildings Service Programs

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration
Potential for technological obsolescence
Single contractor dependency
Firm Fixed Price contract management
Verification of energy savings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $17.6 million to AMERESCO INC. IGF::OT::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONS THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, SUPPORT, LABOR, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, SUPERVISION AND FINANCING NECESSARY TO PERFORM ALL THE WORK OUTLINED TO COMPLETE ALL (12) ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES (ECMS) THAT RESULT IN ENERGY SAVINGS, ENHANCE AND IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE HAROLD WASHINGTON SOCIAL SECURITY CENTER IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERESCO INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-10-28. End: 2027-10-31.

What are the projected annual energy savings from the 12 ECMs, and how will these savings be verified?

The contract details do not explicitly state the projected annual energy savings or the verification methodology. A thorough review of the contract's performance work statement and any appended energy savings calculations would be necessary to determine these figures. Effective oversight should include regular performance reviews and independent verification of achieved savings against baseline measurements.

What is the risk of technological obsolescence given the 11-year contract duration for energy conservation measures?

There is a moderate risk of technological obsolescence over an 11-year period, especially in areas like building automation systems or energy generation technologies. The contract's success hinges on selecting robust, adaptable technologies and potentially incorporating clauses for technology refresh or upgrades. The contractor's expertise in future-proofing solutions will be a key mitigating factor.

How does the $17.6 million investment compare to the lifecycle cost savings expected over the contract's term and beyond?

The $17.6 million investment needs to be evaluated against the total lifecycle cost savings. If the contract guarantees significant energy and operational cost reductions that demonstrably outweigh the initial investment within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 5-7 years), then the value proposition is strong. A detailed cost-benefit analysis, including projected savings post-contract, is essential for a complete assessment.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 111 SPEEN ST STE 410, FRAMINGHAM, MA, 01701

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,727,106

Exercised Options: $17,573,198

Current Obligation: $17,573,198

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DEAM3609GO29029

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline