GSA awards $5.5M modernization contract to Hill International, Inc. for Toledo courthouse, with COVID-19 safety protocols incorporated

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,491,335 ($5.5M)

Contractor: Hill International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2016-11-17

End Date: 2026-08-03

Contract Duration: 3,546 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EO14042: MODIFICATION PS10 IS ISSUED TO INCORPORATE EXECUTIVE ORDER 14042 COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS/FAR 52.223-99 INTO THE EXISTING TASK ORDER FOR CMA SERVICES FOR THE ASHELY U.S. COURTHOUSE MODERNIZATION AND NEW ANNEX PROJECT IN TOLEDO, OH.

Place of Performance

Location: TOLEDO, LUCAS County, OHIO, 43604

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $5.5 million to HILL INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: EO14042: MODIFICATION PS10 IS ISSUED TO INCORPORATE EXECUTIVE ORDER 14042 COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS/FAR 52.223-99 INTO THE EXISTING TASK ORDER FOR CMA SERVICES FOR THE ASHELY U.S. COURTHOUSE MODERNIZATION AND NEW ANNEX PROJECT IN TOLEDO, OH. Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in public infrastructure modernization. 2. The inclusion of EO 14042 highlights the evolving landscape of federal contracting requirements. 3. Task order modification indicates ongoing project management and adaptation to federal mandates. 4. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests a defined scope and budget for the services. 5. The contract duration of nearly 10 years points to a long-term commitment to the project.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.5 million for modernization and annex services appears reasonable given the nearly 10-year duration and the scope of work for a U.S. Courthouse. Benchmarking against similar large-scale public building projects suggests that costs for architectural and engineering services can range significantly, but this figure falls within expected parameters for a project of this nature. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs, though the specific value proposition depends on the successful delivery of the modernization and annex.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is designed to ensure fair pricing and access to a wide range of qualified contractors. The presence of 5 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of federal infrastructure work.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices and encouraging innovation, leading to better value for public funds invested in infrastructure.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the judicial system and the public who will utilize the modernized and expanded U.S. Courthouse in Toledo, Ohio. The contract delivers essential engineering and modernization services for critical federal infrastructure. The geographic impact is localized to Toledo, Ohio, but the project supports federal judicial operations. The project implies potential workforce engagement for construction, engineering, and related support services in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise during modernization, despite firm-fixed-price structure.
Dependence on contractor's ability to manage complex project timelines and integrate new safety protocols effectively.
Risk of delays due to the extended duration and potential for scope creep if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing and a robust selection process.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Inclusion of COVID-19 safety protocols demonstrates adaptability to current public health requirements.
Long contract duration allows for comprehensive project execution and oversight.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), which encompasses firms providing engineering consulting and design services. The federal government is a significant client in this sector, particularly for large-scale infrastructure projects like courthouses, federal buildings, and military installations. Spending in this category is often driven by modernization needs, new construction, and compliance with evolving federal standards. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar courthouse modernization projects can vary widely based on size, complexity, and location, but typically involve multi-million dollar investments.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor, Hill International, Inc., is a large business, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. The extent of small business subcontracting will depend on the prime contractor's strategy and the specific needs of the project. Further analysis would be required to determine the specific impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Public Buildings Service, which is responsible for federal building management. The firm-fixed-price contract and the long duration necessitate ongoing performance monitoring and financial oversight to ensure adherence to scope, schedule, and budget. 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 Courthouse Construction and Modernization
Public Buildings Service Projects
Engineering and Architectural Services Contracts
COVID-19 Federal Mandates in Contracting
General Services Administration Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to long contract duration and economic factors.
Risk of scope creep if project requirements evolve significantly over the contract period.
Dependency on contractor's ability to adapt to changing federal mandates and safety protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $5.5 million to HILL INTERNATIONAL, INC.. EO14042: MODIFICATION PS10 IS ISSUED TO INCORPORATE EXECUTIVE ORDER 14042 COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS/FAR 52.223-99 INTO THE EXISTING TASK ORDER FOR CMA SERVICES FOR THE ASHELY U.S. COURTHOUSE MODERNIZATION AND NEW ANNEX PROJECT IN TOLEDO, OH.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HILL INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-11-17. End: 2026-08-03.

What is the track record of Hill International, Inc. in managing large-scale federal infrastructure projects?

Hill International, Inc. has a substantial track record in managing large-scale construction projects, including significant federal infrastructure work. They have been involved in numerous projects for agencies like the GSA, Department of Defense, and others, encompassing design, construction management, and program management. Their experience includes complex renovations, new builds, and modernization efforts for public facilities. While specific performance metrics for individual contracts are not always publicly detailed, their continued awards suggest a capacity to handle complex federal requirements. However, like many large contractors, they may have faced scrutiny or challenges on specific projects regarding cost, schedule, or performance, which is typical for the scale and complexity of their work.

How does the $5.5 million value compare to similar courthouse modernization projects managed by the GSA?

The $5.5 million value for this task order modification, which incorporates COVID-19 safety protocols into an existing modernization and annex project for the Toledo U.S. Courthouse, appears to be a component of a larger overall project cost. Direct comparisons are difficult without knowing the full scope and original contract value. However, GSA courthouse modernization projects can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars depending on the size of the facility, the extent of the work (e.g., structural, MEP, security upgrades), and the age of the building. For a specific task order modification, $5.5 million could represent significant upgrades, specialized systems integration, or the incorporation of new federal mandates like enhanced safety protocols, which can add considerable cost. It is within the expected range for substantial project enhancements or specific phases of a larger modernization effort.

What are the primary risks associated with a nearly 10-year contract duration for a courthouse modernization project?

A contract duration of nearly 10 years (3546 days) for a courthouse modernization project presents several risks. Firstly, there's the risk of technological obsolescence; building systems and technologies specified early in the project might be outdated by the time completion is near. Secondly, economic fluctuations, such as inflation or changes in material costs, can impact the long-term financial viability and budget adherence, even with a firm-fixed-price contract, if contingencies are not robustly managed. Thirdly, changes in federal regulations, security requirements, or judicial needs over such a long period could necessitate scope adjustments, potentially leading to change orders and cost increases. Finally, maintaining consistent project oversight and contractor performance over an extended period requires sustained effort and can be challenging.

How effectively does the firm-fixed-price contract type mitigate cost risks for the government in this project?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is designed to provide the government with cost certainty. Under an FFP contract, the contractor assumes the majority of the risk for cost overruns. This means Hill International, Inc. is obligated to complete the work for the agreed-upon price, regardless of unforeseen expenses they might incur. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently and control project expenses. However, the effectiveness of FFP in mitigating risk is contingent on the initial price being accurately estimated and the scope of work being well-defined. If the scope is ambiguous or significant unforeseen conditions arise that were not reasonably foreseeable, the government might still face increased costs through change orders, although the FFP structure generally limits this compared to other contract types.

What is the significance of incorporating Executive Order 14042 and FAR 52.223-99 into this contract?

The incorporation of Executive Order 14042 and FAR 52.223-99 signifies the mandate for federal contractors to comply with specific COVID-19 safety protocols. This includes requirements related to vaccination, masking, social distancing, and other public health measures for employees working on or in connection with federal contracts. For a courthouse modernization project, this is particularly relevant as it involves on-site work in a public facility. The inclusion ensures that the contractor and its workforce adhere to government-wide health and safety standards aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19, protecting federal employees, contractors, and the public. This modification reflects the government's commitment to maintaining safe working environments during the pandemic.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1667 K ST NW STE 520, WASHINGTON, DC, 20006

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,491,335

Exercised Options: $5,491,335

Current Obligation: $5,491,335

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $744,310

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23F0035P

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline