DHS awards $134M for NBAF design, highlighting architectural services for a critical biodefense facility

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $134,454,022 ($134.5M)

Contractor: Nbaf Design Partnership

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2007-01-11

End Date: 2022-12-23

Contract Duration: 5,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: A/E SERVICES FOR FEASIBILITY/PLANNING STUDY AND DESIGN OF NATIONAL BIO AND AGRO-DEFENSE FACILITY (NBAF)

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30309

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $134.5 million to NBAF DESIGN PARTNERSHIP for work described as: A/E SERVICES FOR FEASIBILITY/PLANNING STUDY AND DESIGN OF NATIONAL BIO AND AGRO-DEFENSE FACILITY (NBAF) Key points: 1. Contract value of $134.45M for architectural services represents a significant investment in national biodefense infrastructure. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for specialized architectural firms. 3. A long performance period (over 15 years) indicates the complexity and long-term nature of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility project. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability for the government. 5. The project's focus on biodefense aligns with national security priorities, requiring specialized expertise. 6. The award to NBAF Design Partnership suggests a strong capability in handling large-scale, complex federal design projects.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $134.45 million award for architectural services for the NBAF project appears reasonable given the project's scale and critical nature. Benchmarking against similar large-scale federal facility designs is challenging due to the unique requirements of biodefense facilities. However, the firm-fixed-price contract type suggests an effort to manage costs effectively. The duration of the contract (over 15 years) also implies a comprehensive scope of work, from initial studies to final design, which can justify a substantial overall value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified firms were likely solicited and allowed to bid. The presence of 6 bidders suggests a competitive environment for this specialized architectural service. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions as firms vie for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and a wider range of qualified contractors, ensuring the government secures the best value for its investment in critical infrastructure.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Homeland Security and the scientific community who will utilize the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. The services delivered include feasibility studies, planning, and the detailed design of a state-of-the-art biodefense laboratory. The geographic impact is national, as the facility will enhance the U.S.'s capacity to address biological and agro-defense threats. Workforce implications include the employment of architects, engineers, and support staff involved in the design and eventual construction phases.

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 meticulously.
The specialized nature of biodefense facilities might limit the pool of truly qualified contractors, potentially impacting future competition.
Reliance on a single design partnership for such a critical facility warrants close oversight to ensure adherence to requirements and quality standards.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a healthy market and competitive pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The project addresses a critical national security need, ensuring significant public benefit.
The scale and complexity of the project suggest a high level of contractor expertise.

Sector Analysis

The architectural services sector is a significant part of the broader construction and engineering industry. This contract falls within the specialized segment of designing high-security, high-containment facilities, which requires specific expertise in areas like biosafety and biosecurity. The total federal spending on architectural services is substantial, but contracts for facilities like the NBAF are relatively rare due to their unique requirements and high costs. This award represents a significant investment in a niche but vital area of infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to a single entity, NBAF Design Partnership. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. Given the specialized nature and large scale of the project, it is possible that larger firms may dominate, but opportunities for small businesses could exist in specialized design elements or support services if included in subcontracting goals.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), likely through its relevant program management offices and contracting officers. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability by fixing the total cost. Transparency would be enhanced through regular reporting requirements and potential public disclosures related to the NBAF project's progress. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) Construction
Department of Homeland Security Research and Development Facilities
Biodefense Infrastructure Projects
Federal Laboratory Design and Construction

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of cost escalation.
Complexity of biodefense facility design requires specialized expertise.
Firm-fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to contractor.
Potential for limited competition in future specialized design needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $134.5 million to NBAF DESIGN PARTNERSHIP. A/E SERVICES FOR FEASIBILITY/PLANNING STUDY AND DESIGN OF NATIONAL BIO AND AGRO-DEFENSE FACILITY (NBAF)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NBAF DESIGN PARTNERSHIP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $134.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-01-11. End: 2022-12-23.

What is the track record of NBAF Design Partnership in handling large-scale federal design projects, particularly those involving sensitive facilities?

Information regarding the specific track record of 'NBAF Design Partnership' as a distinct entity is not readily available in public databases. However, the award of a $134.45 million contract for the design of a critical facility like the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility by the Department of Homeland Security suggests that the partnership, or its constituent firms, possess the necessary qualifications and experience. Federal agencies typically conduct thorough vetting processes, including past performance evaluations, before awarding such significant contracts. Further investigation into the individual firms comprising the partnership and their prior government contracts would be necessary to fully assess their track record with sensitive facilities.

How does the $134.45 million cost for architectural services compare to similar large-scale biodefense or high-containment laboratory design projects?

Direct cost comparisons for architectural services on highly specialized facilities like the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) are challenging due to the unique security, containment, and technological requirements that drive up design complexity and cost. Standard architectural fees for commercial buildings are typically a percentage of construction costs, but biodefense facilities involve extensive research into specialized systems (e.g., HVAC, waste treatment, security). The $134.45 million awarded here covers feasibility, planning, and design over a long period. While seemingly high, it likely reflects the intricate nature of designing a state-of-the-art biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) facility, which is significantly more complex and costly to design than typical federal buildings. Benchmarking would require access to detailed cost breakdowns of comparable, albeit rare, projects.

What are the primary risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for a project spanning over 15 years?

The primary risk associated with a firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract, especially one with a long duration like this 15-year project, is the potential for cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise that were not adequately scoped or priced. While FFP aims to provide cost certainty for the government, the contractor bears the risk of increased costs due to inflation, material price fluctuations, or design challenges that were not foreseeable. Conversely, the government risks paying a premium if the contractor overestimates costs to mitigate these risks. Effective risk management by the government involves robust contract oversight, clear change order processes, and potentially incorporating economic price adjustment clauses if appropriate for such a long-term engagement.

What is the expected effectiveness of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) once designed and built, and how does this contract contribute to that?

The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) is intended to be a state-of-the-art research facility crucial for protecting U.S. agriculture and public health from high-consequence transboundary and zoonotic diseases. Its effectiveness lies in its advanced capabilities for studying foreign animal diseases, which could devastate the nation's agricultural economy and food supply. This contract is foundational to that effectiveness, as it ensures the facility is designed to meet the highest scientific, safety, and security standards. A well-executed design, facilitated by this contract, is critical for the facility's operational efficiency, safety protocols, and its ability to conduct cutting-edge research, ultimately contributing to national biodefense.

How has federal spending on architectural services for biodefense or similar high-containment facilities evolved over the past decade?

Federal spending on architectural services for biodefense and high-containment facilities has likely seen fluctuations but generally remains a specialized and significant area of investment, driven by national security and public health priorities. While overall federal construction spending varies, the demand for highly specialized facilities like BSL-4 labs or agro-defense centers is driven by specific threats and strategic initiatives, rather than broad economic trends. Agencies like DHS, USDA, and HHS are the primary drivers of such spending. The trend has been towards more advanced, secure, and technologically sophisticated facilities, requiring specialized architectural expertise. Tracking precise spending trends for this niche requires detailed analysis of specific project awards across relevant agencies.

What are the implications of awarding a definitive contract for architectural services versus other contract types for this project?

The award of a 'definitive contract' in this context, following an initial award or agreement, typically signifies the finalization of terms for a specific scope of work. For architectural services on a project as complex as the NBAF, a definitive contract, especially a firm-fixed-price one, aims to establish clear deliverables, timelines, and a final price. This contrasts with other contract types like cost-plus, which might be used in highly uncertain R&D phases but offer less cost control. The definitive nature suggests that the government has a firm understanding of the requirements and is ready to commit to a final price, providing predictability for both parties. It implies a transition from preliminary stages to detailed execution planning.

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

Solicitation ID: LGL06R00007

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1382 PEACHTREE ST, ATLANTA, GA, 30309

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $134,454,022

Exercised Options: $134,454,022

Current Obligation: $134,454,022

Actual Outlays: $766,312

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline