GSA awards $11.2M contract for Cedar Rapids courthouse architecture, highlighting long-term project needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,255,210 ($11.3M)

Contractor: OPN, Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2003-07-15

End Date: 2014-12-31

Contract Duration: 4,187 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: OPN ARCHITECTS, INC. (GS06P02GZC0520 - NIA97001) NEW CEDAR RAPIDS COURTHOUSE CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

Place of Performance

Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52401, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $11.3 million to OPN, INC for work described as: OPN ARCHITECTS, INC. (GS06P02GZC0520 - NIA97001) NEW CEDAR RAPIDS COURTHOUSE CEDAR RAPIDS, IA Key points: 1. The contract value of $11.2 million reflects the significant investment in public infrastructure projects. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process, potentially leading to competitive pricing. 3. The extended duration of the contract (over 11 years) indicates a complex, multi-phase project. 4. Architectural services are critical for ensuring functional and aesthetically sound public facilities. 5. The project's location in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, points to localized economic and workforce impacts. 6. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide budget certainty.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.2 million for architectural services for a new courthouse appears reasonable given the project's scope and extended timeline. Benchmarking against similar large-scale public building projects suggests that costs for design and architectural oversight can range significantly, but this figure falls within expected parameters for a federal courthouse. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government, which is a positive indicator of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple firms to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The presence of two bidders, as indicated, suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific architectural service contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing the best possible price and quality for public services, preventing potential overspending associated with less competitive procurement methods.

Public Impact

Citizens of Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas will benefit from a new, modern federal courthouse. The project delivers essential architectural and design services for a critical piece of public infrastructure. The geographic impact is concentrated in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, supporting local economic development. The contract supports jobs within the architectural and construction sectors, potentially including local hires.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or unforeseen cost increases if not managed diligently.
Reliance on a single architectural firm for an extended period might limit opportunities for fresh perspectives or innovation.
Potential for delays in project completion, impacting the availability of the new courthouse facilities.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty and limits the government's exposure to cost overruns.
Full and open competition suggests a thorough vetting process and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract is for a necessary public infrastructure project, indicating a clear and justifiable need.

Sector Analysis

The architectural services sector is a vital component of the construction and public works industry. Federal spending in this area supports the design and planning of government facilities, ranging from courthouses and office buildings to research labs and military installations. The market is characterized by a mix of large, established firms and smaller, specialized practices. This contract fits within the broader category of professional services procured by the government to ensure the quality and functionality of its physical assets.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements specifically targeting small businesses. The award went to OPN, INC., which may or may not be a small business itself. The lack of a small business set-aside suggests that the competition was geared towards firms with the capacity and expertise for large-scale architectural projects, potentially limiting direct opportunities for smaller firms in this specific instance.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) typically has robust oversight mechanisms for its construction and design contracts, managed through its Public Buildings Service. Accountability is maintained through contract milestones, performance reviews, and adherence to the firm fixed-price agreement. Transparency is generally facilitated through public contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight would apply if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise during the contract's lifecycle.

Related Government Programs

Federal Courthouse Construction Projects
Public Buildings Service Contracts
Architectural and Engineering Services
General Services Administration Procurement

Risk Flags

Long Contract Duration
Potential for Scope Creep
Market Rate Fluctuations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $11.3 million to OPN, INC. OPN ARCHITECTS, INC. (GS06P02GZC0520 - NIA97001) NEW CEDAR RAPIDS COURTHOUSE CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OPN, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-07-15. End: 2014-12-31.

What is the track record of OPN ARCHITECTS, INC. with federal contracts, particularly with the General Services Administration?

Information regarding OPN ARCHITECTS, INC.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially with the GSA, is not detailed in the provided data snippet. A comprehensive review would require accessing historical contract databases to analyze past performance, contract values, types of services rendered, and any reported issues or commendations. Understanding their history with similar projects, such as courthouses or other public facilities, would provide valuable insight into their capability and reliability for the Cedar Rapids courthouse project. Without this historical data, assessing their specific suitability based on past performance is limited.

How does the $11.2 million contract value compare to similar courthouse architectural projects managed by the GSA?

The $11.2 million contract value for architectural services for the Cedar Rapids courthouse needs to be contextualized against similar GSA projects. Factors such as the size of the courthouse (square footage), complexity of design requirements, and the specific services included (e.g., feasibility studies, schematic design, construction documents, construction administration) heavily influence costs. Generally, architectural fees for large public buildings can range from 5% to 15% of the total construction cost. To benchmark effectively, one would compare this contract's value relative to the estimated construction cost of the courthouse and analyze the scope of services against other courthouse projects of comparable scale and complexity undertaken by the GSA in recent years.

What are the primary risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for a project spanning over 11 years?

While firm fixed-price (FFP) contracts are designed to provide cost certainty, a long duration like 11 years introduces specific risks. The primary risk for the government is that the fixed price might become uncompetitive if market rates for architectural services increase significantly over the project's life. Conversely, the contractor bears the risk of underestimating costs or facing unforeseen challenges that inflate expenses beyond the fixed price. For a project of this length, managing scope creep becomes critical; any expansion of services beyond the original agreement, if not properly documented and potentially re-priced through change orders, can strain the FFP structure. Ensuring the initial price adequately accounts for potential inflation and market fluctuations over such an extended period is paramount.

What is the expected effectiveness of architectural services in ensuring the long-term functionality and cost-efficiency of the new Cedar Rapids courthouse?

The effectiveness of architectural services is crucial for the long-term success of the Cedar Rapids courthouse. High-quality architectural design, achieved through this contract, should result in a facility that is not only functional and meets the needs of the judiciary and public but is also cost-efficient to operate and maintain over its lifespan. This includes considerations for energy efficiency, durability of materials, accessibility, security, and adaptability to future needs. A well-executed design can minimize long-term operational costs, reduce the need for frequent repairs or renovations, and enhance the overall user experience, thereby maximizing the return on the government's investment in the facility.

How has federal spending on architectural services for public buildings evolved over the period this contract was active (2003-2014)?

Federal spending on architectural services for public buildings, particularly through agencies like the GSA, can fluctuate based on infrastructure needs, budget appropriations, and economic conditions. During the period of this contract (2003-2014), the federal government experienced periods of both increased infrastructure investment and subsequent budget constraints. Spending patterns would likely reflect the broader economic climate, including the impact of the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent stimulus efforts aimed at infrastructure development. Analyzing aggregate spending data for architectural services during these years would reveal trends in contract awards, average contract values, and the types of projects prioritized by federal agencies.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Address: 625 1ST ST SE STE 460, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 52401

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,255,210

Exercised Options: $11,255,205

Current Obligation: $11,255,210

Timeline