National Park Service awards $18.3M contract for Old Faithful Visitor Education Center construction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,315,607 ($18.3M)

Contractor: Swank Enterprises

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2008-02-29

End Date: 2010-12-30

Contract Duration: 1,035 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCTION OF OLD FAITHFUL VISITOR EDUCATION CENTER

Place of Performance

Location: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, PARK County, WYOMING, 82190

State: Wyoming Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $18.3 million to SWANK ENTERPRISES for work described as: CONSTRUCTION OF OLD FAITHFUL VISITOR EDUCATION CENTER Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Swank Enterprises for construction services. 2. Project duration of 1035 days, indicating a substantial construction timeline. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests cost certainty for the government. 4. Full and Open Competition was utilized, implying a broad bidder pool. 5. The contract was awarded by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. 6. Project located in Wyoming, a state with significant national park presence.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $18.3 million for the construction of a visitor education center appears within a reasonable range for a project of this scale and complexity. Benchmarking against similar large-scale visitor center constructions within the National Park Service or other federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract helps to control costs, but the final value is dependent on the contractor's efficiency and management of unforeseen issues during the construction period.

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. The presence of 4 bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this project. While multiple bidders are positive, a higher number could potentially drive prices down further. The specific details of the bidding process and the evaluation criteria would offer more insight into how effectively competition was leveraged.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging competitive pricing and ensuring that the government receives the best value through a wide selection of qualified contractors.

Public Impact

Benefits visitors to Yellowstone National Park by providing a new, modern educational facility. Enhances the visitor experience through improved interpretation and educational programming. Supports the local Wyoming economy through construction jobs and related services. Preserves and showcases the natural and cultural heritage of the Old Faithful area. Provides a central hub for park information and ranger-led activities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for construction delays impacting visitor access and park operations.
Risk of cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite fixed-price contract.
Ensuring long-term durability and maintenance of the new facility.

Positive Signals

Awarded to a single contractor, potentially streamlining project management.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget predictability.
Project aligns with the National Park Service's mission to preserve and interpret.
Construction in a high-traffic tourist area requires careful planning and execution.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector is a significant area of federal spending, encompassing a wide range of projects from infrastructure to specialized facilities. This contract for a visitor education center falls under commercial and institutional building construction. The market for such projects is competitive, with numerous firms capable of undertaking large-scale builds. Federal projects often require adherence to specific building codes, environmental regulations, and security standards, which can influence project costs and timelines.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data does not indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to Swank Enterprises, a single entity, suggests that the primary contractor is responsible for the overall project execution. Further analysis would be needed to determine if Swank Enterprises has a history of subcontracting with small businesses on federal projects.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Park Service contracting officers and project managers. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract implies that the contractor bears most of the cost risk, but the government is responsible for ensuring the work meets specifications. Inspector General reviews may occur if specific concerns or allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise during or after the contract period.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Visitor Center Construction
Department of the Interior Building Projects
Federal Construction Contracts
Yellowstone National Park Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Potential for environmental impact during construction.
Risk of disruption to park operations and visitor access.
Ensuring long-term structural integrity and maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $18.3 million to SWANK ENTERPRISES. CONSTRUCTION OF OLD FAITHFUL VISITOR EDUCATION CENTER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SWANK ENTERPRISES.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-02-29. End: 2010-12-30.

What is the track record of Swank Enterprises in completing similar federal construction projects on time and within budget?

A review of federal contract databases indicates that Swank Enterprises has a history of performing construction work for various federal agencies. To assess their track record specifically for visitor centers or similar public-facing facilities, a deeper dive into their past performance on projects of comparable size and complexity would be necessary. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, any documented instances of delays or cost overruns, and their success in meeting contract specifications. Without this detailed historical data, it is difficult to definitively assess their reliability for this specific project.

How does the awarded amount of $18.3 million compare to the estimated cost or benchmark for similar visitor center constructions?

The $18.3 million contract value for the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center needs to be benchmarked against similar projects to ascertain its value for money. Factors such as square footage, complexity of design, specific amenities, and geographic location significantly influence construction costs. For instance, a visitor center in a remote, challenging environment like Yellowstone might inherently cost more than one in a more accessible area. Comparing this contract to other National Park Service visitor centers or similar institutional buildings constructed around the same period would provide a more robust comparison. If this project's cost per square foot or per functional unit is significantly higher than comparable projects, it could indicate potential overpricing or scope creep.

What are the primary risks associated with the construction of a visitor center in a high-traffic national park environment?

Constructing a visitor center in a high-traffic national park like Yellowstone presents several unique risks. Environmental considerations are paramount, requiring careful management to minimize impact on sensitive ecosystems and wildlife. Operational disruptions to existing park facilities and visitor access during construction are also significant concerns, necessitating meticulous scheduling and communication. Furthermore, the remote location can lead to logistical challenges in material delivery and workforce mobilization, potentially increasing costs and timelines. Ensuring the safety of construction workers and park visitors in close proximity is another critical risk that requires stringent safety protocols and site management.

What is the expected impact of this new visitor education center on the local workforce and economy in Wyoming?

The construction phase of the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center is expected to generate employment opportunities for local construction workers, tradespeople, and support staff in Wyoming. This influx of jobs can provide a temporary boost to the local economy through wages and increased demand for local goods and services. Post-construction, the center will create permanent jobs related to its operation, such as park rangers, educators, maintenance staff, and potentially retail or hospitality roles if integrated with other services. The improved visitor experience may also lead to increased tourism in the region, indirectly benefiting local businesses beyond the immediate vicinity of the park.

How does the duration of 1035 days (approximately 2.8 years) for this project compare to typical construction timelines for similar facilities?

A project duration of 1035 days, or approximately 2.8 years, for the construction of a visitor education center is a substantial timeline. Typical construction timelines for facilities of this nature can vary widely depending on size, complexity, site conditions, and the level of detail in design and planning. However, for a single building project, this duration might suggest a complex build, potentially involving significant site preparation, specialized architectural features, or phased construction to minimize disruption to park operations. It could also reflect conservative scheduling by the contractor or specific requirements from the National Park Service regarding environmental protection or operational continuity during construction. A comparison with similar-sized visitor centers or institutional buildings would be needed to determine if this timeline is standard, extended, or unusually efficient.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that the National Park Service likely uses to measure the success of this construction contract?

The National Park Service likely employs several Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of this construction contract. Primary among these would be adherence to the project schedule and budget, with the firm fixed-price contract emphasizing cost control. Quality of construction, ensuring the facility meets all design specifications, building codes, and durability standards, is crucial. Safety performance, measured by incident rates and compliance with safety regulations, is also a critical KPI, especially in a public area. Furthermore, the successful completion of the facility in a manner that enhances visitor experience and educational outreach, aligning with the park's mission, would be a key measure of overall project success.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 615 PONDERA AVE, VALIER, MT, 01

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,390,607

Exercised Options: $18,315,607

Current Obligation: $18,315,607

Timeline