National Park Service awards $16.1M for D.C. site work construction to Aurora, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,104,717 ($16.1M)

Contractor: Aurora, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2003-12-05

End Date: 2005-11-30

Contract Duration: 726 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: SITEWORK CONSTRUCTION

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20242

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $16.1 million to AURORA, LLC for work described as: SITEWORK CONSTRUCTION Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 726 days indicates a significant, multi-year project. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. Awarded to Aurora, LLC, a single contractor, highlighting potential for focused execution. 5. The project is located in the District of Columbia, impacting local infrastructure. 6. This contract represents a substantial investment in site preparation and construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $16.1 million for site work construction over approximately two years appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of this scope in the District of Columbia. Without specific details on the scope of work (e.g., square footage, complexity of site preparation, specific infrastructure involved), a precise benchmark is difficult. However, comparing it to similar large-scale site preparation and construction contracts in major metropolitan areas suggests the pricing is not exceptionally high or low, but warrants further scrutiny of the detailed deliverables and any change orders that may have occurred.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The data does not specify the number of bids received, but this method generally promotes a competitive environment. A robust competition typically leads to better pricing and value for the government by encouraging multiple contractors to offer their best terms. The absence of specific bidder numbers means we cannot definitively assess the intensity of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the most competitive pricing and best value by allowing a wide range of qualified contractors to participate.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the National Park Service and the public who will utilize the improved site. Services delivered include essential site preparation and construction, crucial for park infrastructure development or maintenance. The geographic impact is concentrated in the District of Columbia, potentially affecting local residents and visitors. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for construction workers, engineers, and project managers in the D.C. area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the scope of work makes it difficult to fully assess value for money.
The number of bidders is not provided, limiting the assessment of competitive intensity.
Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite the fixed-price contract.
The long duration could introduce risks related to material cost fluctuations or labor availability.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
The contract is for essential site work, indicating a necessary government function.
Awarded to a single entity, potentially leading to streamlined project management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Construction and Engineering sector, specifically focusing on site preparation and infrastructure development. The federal government is a significant investor in construction projects, particularly for maintaining and improving national parks and public facilities. The market for such services in the District of Columbia is competitive, with numerous firms capable of undertaking large-scale site work. Benchmarking this $16.1 million contract would involve comparing it to similar projects managed by the National Park Service or other federal agencies for site development in urban environments.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a result, small businesses would likely participate as subcontractors to the prime contractor, Aurora, LLC. The extent of small business subcontracting is not detailed here, but it is a common practice in larger federal construction projects to meet diversity and inclusion goals. The impact on the small business ecosystem depends on the specific subcontracting opportunities offered by Aurora, LLC.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Park Service contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price structure, which incentivizes the contractor to complete the work within budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though detailed project progress and specific oversight activities are not always publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Infrastructure Projects
Federal Construction Contracts
District of Columbia Public Works

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Risk of material price escalation over the contract's two-year duration.
Need for robust government oversight to ensure contractor performance and quality.
Contractor performance history not detailed, requiring further due diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $16.1 million to AURORA, LLC. SITEWORK CONSTRUCTION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AURORA, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-12-05. End: 2005-11-30.

What specific site work and construction activities were included in this $16.1 million contract?

The provided data identifies the contract as 'SITEWORK CONSTRUCTION' with a value of $16,104,716.61, awarded to Aurora, LLC by the Department of the Interior's National Park Service. However, the specific details of the 'sitework construction' are not elaborated upon in this summary. Typically, sitework construction can encompass a broad range of activities including, but not limited to, site clearing and grubbing, excavation, grading, utility installation (water, sewer, electrical), paving, landscaping, erosion control, and the construction of foundational elements for buildings or other structures. Without access to the full contract statement of work (SOW), it is impossible to determine the precise scope, scale, and complexity of the activities covered by this award. This information is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the value delivered and for accurate benchmarking against similar projects.

How does the $16.1 million contract value compare to similar National Park Service site work projects?

Benchmarking the $16.1 million contract value requires comparing it to similar site work and construction projects undertaken by the National Park Service (NPS) or other federal agencies within the last decade, considering factors like geographic location, project complexity, and duration. The District of Columbia is a high-cost area for construction. A 726-day duration (approximately two years) for a project of this magnitude is substantial. Without specific details on the scope of work (e.g., square footage, type of infrastructure, environmental remediation required), a direct comparison is challenging. However, large-scale site preparation and infrastructure development projects for federal agencies can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. This $16.1 million award appears to be a significant, but not exceptionally large, investment for a multi-year site development effort in a major urban center. Further analysis would necessitate reviewing the detailed scope of work and comparing it against publicly available data for comparable NPS or GSA construction contracts.

What is the track record of Aurora, LLC in performing federal construction contracts of this size?

The provided data indicates that Aurora, LLC was awarded this $16.1 million 'SITEWORK CONSTRUCTION' contract by the Department of the Interior. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those of similar value, scope, and complexity. This would involve searching federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for previous awards to Aurora, LLC, reviewing past performance evaluations (if publicly available), and checking for any history of contract disputes, terminations, or significant performance issues. A contractor's history of successful project completion, adherence to schedule and budget, and quality of work are key indicators of their capability. Without this historical data, it's difficult to definitively assess Aurora, LLC's suitability and past performance reliability for this specific project.

What are the potential risks associated with a 726-day firm-fixed-price contract for site work?

A 726-day (approximately two-year) firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract for site work presents several potential risks. Firstly, the FFP structure places the risk of cost overruns primarily on the contractor, Aurora, LLC. However, if unforeseen site conditions (e.g., hazardous materials, unexpected subsurface obstructions, extensive soil remediation needs) are encountered, the contractor may seek equitable adjustments or claim constructive changes, potentially leading to disputes and increased costs, despite the FFP nature. Secondly, the extended duration increases the risk of market fluctuations in material prices and labor availability, which could impact the contractor's profitability and potentially their ability to maintain quality or schedule if not adequately managed. Thirdly, changes in project requirements or scope by the government, even if necessary, can lead to complex change order negotiations under an FFP contract. Finally, contractor performance degradation over a long period is also a risk that requires diligent government oversight.

How does the 'full and open competition' award mechanism impact taxpayer value for this contract?

Awarding this $16.1 million site work construction contract through 'full and open competition' is generally beneficial for taxpayers. This procurement method ensures that a wide range of qualified contractors are eligible to bid, fostering a competitive environment. Competition typically drives down prices as contractors strive to offer their most cost-effective solutions to win the contract. It also encourages innovation and efficiency, as bidders aim to differentiate themselves through technical approaches and value propositions. While the specific number of bids received isn't detailed, the principle of full and open competition maximizes the government's opportunity to secure the best possible value for the funds expended. This contrasts with sole-source or limited competition awards, which may result in higher prices due to reduced market pressure.

What is the historical spending pattern for site work construction by the National Park Service in the District of Columbia?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for site work construction by the National Park Service (NPS) in the District of Columbia (D.C.) requires accessing and aggregating data from federal procurement databases over several fiscal years. This specific $16.1 million contract awarded in December 2003 represents a single data point. To understand patterns, one would need to examine the frequency, average value, and types of site work contracts awarded by NPS in D.C. over time. Factors such as park development initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and capital improvement plans would influence these patterns. Without a broader dataset, it's difficult to determine if this $16.1 million award is typical, unusually large, or small for NPS site work in D.C. Historical data would reveal trends in spending and potentially identify periods of increased or decreased investment in such projects within the nation's capital.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Address: 11910 PARKLAWN DR STE U, ROCKVILLE, MD, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,104,717

Exercised Options: $16,104,717

Current Obligation: $16,104,717

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: C3059980901

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline