NASA awards $33.8M contract for steam vacuum system boiler replacement at Ames Research Center
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $33,760,235 ($33.8M)
Contractor: C. Overaa & Co./Bayview Engineering & Construction a Joint Vent
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2013-08-29
End Date: 2018-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,797 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL LABOR, MATERIAL, EQUIPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, SUPERVISION, AND INSPECTION TO REPLACE ARC JET COMPLEX STEAM VACUUM SYSTEM (SVS) BOILER AT NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER AS PER THE CONTRACT AND SPECIFICATIONS. CONTRACT INCLUDES: (1) THREE LOW EMISSION, HIGH PRESSURE STEAM BOILERS; (2) DEAERATOR HEATER AND FEED WATER STORAGE TANK(S); (3) BOILER NOX REDUCTION SYSTEMS. (4) SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING PIPING; (5) BOILER PLANT CONTROLS; (6) OTHER MAJOR BOILER PLANT MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING AUXILIARY BOILER, COMBUSTION AIR FAN, BOILER, FEEDWATER AND CHEMICAL FEED PUMPS, BLOWDOWN RECOVERY HEAT EXCHANGER, BOILER MAKEUP WATER SOFTENER PACKAGE, FLOW MEASURING DEVICES, BACKFLOW PREVENTERS, STEAM TRAPS, FLASH TANKS, CONTROL VALVE STATION, PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE STATION, AND SAFETY VALVES; (7) REINFORCED CONCRETE SLAB FOUNDATION; (8) STRUCTURAL STEEL CANOPY COVERING THE FULL FOOTPRINT OF THE NEW BOILER PLANT; (9) PLATFORMS AND STAIRS FOR SERVICING BOILERS AND FEED WATER/DE-AERATOR TANK; (10) DEMOLITION OF N231 SIDEWALK AND PARKING; (11) DEMOLITION OF SITE UTILITIES WITHIN BOUNDARY OF CONSTRUCTION; (12) SELECTED INTERIOR ROOM DEMOLITION AND REMODEL FOR THE NEW CONTROL ROOM IN BUILDING N231; (13) ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SERVICE; (14)NEW BOILER CONTROLS AND CONTROL ROOM IN BUILDING N231; (15) CONTROL ROOM LIGHTING, FIRE ALARM, SECURITY, DATA AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS; (16) GAS AND WATER UTILITIES; (17) EARTHWORK, INCLUDING GRADING AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS; (18) ASPHALT PAVEMENT SURROUNDING NEW BOILER PLANT FOUNDATION SLAB; (19) PERIMETER SITE FENCE WITH CONCRETE RAMPS, MANUAL SLIDING GATES AND CARD ACCESS MAN GATE; (20) SITE RESTORATION; (21) TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR STREETS AFFECTED BY CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS; (22) COMPONENT AND SYSTEM TESTING. OPTIONS INCLUDE: (1) DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL OF NOX SPHERE NO. 6 AND ASSOCIATED BUILDING, PIPING AND TANKS; (2) BOILER AUXILIARY STEAM HEATING SYSTEM; (3) BOILER STACK ACCESS; (4) RENOVATION OF EXISTING TOILET FACILITIES IN BUILDING N231 TO MEET ADA COMPLIANCE, INCLUDING A NEW SHOWER; (5) BOILER CONTROL ROOM HVAC MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT. ACCESSIBLE CONCRETE RAMP, ASPHALT PARKING AND STRIPING IN N231 PARKING LOT; AND (6) N234A BOILER&FWDA DEMOLITION.
Place of Performance
Location: MOFFETT FIELD, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94035
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $33.8 million to C. OVERAA & CO./BAYVIEW ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION A JOINT VENT for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL LABOR, MATERIAL, EQUIPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, SUPERVISION, AND INSPECTION TO REPLACE ARC JET COMPLEX STEAM VACUUM SYSTEM (SVS) BOILER AT NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER AS PER THE CONTRACT AND SPECIFICATIONS. CONTRACT INCLUDES: (1) THREE LOW EMIS… Key points: 1. The contract addresses critical infrastructure needs for a steam vacuum system boiler replacement. 2. The project scope includes new boilers, deaerator, feed water tank, and NOx reduction systems. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 5. The duration of the contract is approximately 5 years, indicating a significant project timeline. 6. The awardee has experience in construction, relevant to the project's scope.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $33.8 million for a major boiler system replacement appears reasonable given the scope. The inclusion of three low-emission, high-pressure steam boilers, deaerator, feed water storage, NOx reduction systems, and supporting infrastructure suggests a comprehensive upgrade. Benchmarking against similar large-scale industrial facility upgrades would provide a more precise value assessment, but the price seems aligned with the complexity and scale of the work.
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 a bid. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this significant infrastructure project. A higher number of bidders might have potentially driven the price lower, but three bids generally allow for price discovery and selection of a qualified contractor.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to bid, potentially leading to lower prices and better value. The moderate number of bidders in this case suggests a reasonable balance between competition and the specialized nature of the work.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA Ames Research Center personnel and operations, ensuring continued functionality of essential systems. The services delivered include the replacement of critical boiler infrastructure, enhancing reliability and efficiency. The geographic impact is localized to NASA Ames Research Center in California. The project supports the construction and engineering workforce through the awarded contract.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise during the extensive construction.
- Risk of schedule delays due to the complexity of integrating new systems with existing infrastructure.
- Ensuring the long-term performance and maintenance of the new boiler system will be crucial.
Positive Signals
- The firm-fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost escalation risks for the government.
- The selection of a contractor with relevant experience in similar projects reduces execution risk.
- The inclusion of modern, low-emission boilers suggests a focus on environmental compliance and efficiency.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Construction and Engineering sector, specifically focusing on industrial facility upgrades. The market for large-scale mechanical system replacements in government facilities is specialized, often involving a limited number of experienced contractors. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in large infrastructure projects for federal agencies or major industrial plants, where costs for boiler systems, piping, and control integration can be substantial.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Given the scale and technical requirements of replacing a major boiler system, it is likely that larger, specialized construction firms were best positioned to bid. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could be a missed opportunity for broader economic impact.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by NASA's contracting officers and project managers, ensuring adherence to specifications and timelines. The Inspector General's office may conduct audits or investigations if concerns regarding fraud, waste, or abuse arise. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting mechanisms, though detailed project progress reports may be internal.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Building and Facilities Construction
- Industrial Equipment Installation
- Energy Infrastructure Modernization
- NASA Research Center Operations Support
Risk Flags
- Potential for scope creep if initial specifications are incomplete.
- Risk of contractor performance issues impacting project timeline.
- Dependency on specialized construction labor market.
Tags
nasa, ames-research-center, construction, infrastructure, boiler-replacement, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, california, large-contract, industrial-facility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $33.8 million to C. OVERAA & CO./BAYVIEW ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION A JOINT VENT. IGF::OT::IGF CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL LABOR, MATERIAL, EQUIPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, SUPERVISION, AND INSPECTION TO REPLACE ARC JET COMPLEX STEAM VACUUM SYSTEM (SVS) BOILER AT NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER AS PER THE CONTRACT AND SPECIFICATIONS. CONTRACT INCLUDES: (1) THREE LOW EMISSION, HIGH PRESSURE STEAM BOILERS; (2) DEAERATOR HEATER AND FEED WATER STORAGE TANK(S); (3) BOILER NOX REDUCTION SYSTEMS. (4) SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING PIPING; (5) BOILER PLANT CONTROLS; (6) OTHER MAJOR BOILER PLANT MECH
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is C. OVERAA & CO./BAYVIEW ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION A JOINT VENT.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $33.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-08-29. End: 2018-07-31.
What is the track record of C. Overaa & Co./Bayview Engineering & Construction Joint Venture with federal contracts, particularly for similar infrastructure projects?
C. Overaa & Co./Bayview Engineering & Construction Joint Venture, as the awardee, likely possesses a relevant track record. Federal procurement data systems (like SAM.gov) would contain details on their past performance, including contract values, agencies served, and project types. For a project of this magnitude, NASA would have conducted a thorough review of their past performance, focusing on their experience with large-scale mechanical systems, boiler installations, and construction management in sensitive environments like research centers. A positive past performance evaluation is a prerequisite for such awards. Further analysis would involve examining specific past projects to assess their success in terms of cost, schedule, and quality.
How does the awarded amount of $33.8 million compare to similar steam vacuum system boiler replacement projects at other federal facilities?
Benchmarking this $33.8 million contract requires comparing it to similar projects in terms of scope, scale, and complexity. Factors influencing cost include the size and type of boilers, the extent of piping and control system integration, site-specific challenges (e.g., seismic requirements, existing infrastructure constraints), and prevailing labor and material costs in the region. Without access to a database of comparable federal projects with detailed cost breakdowns, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for a multi-boiler system replacement including significant ancillary equipment and controls at a major federal research facility, $33.8 million appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of this complexity and duration (nearly 5 years).
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to unforeseen site conditions or material price fluctuations, schedule delays from complex integration or contractor performance issues, and performance risks related to the long-term reliability of the new system. Mitigation strategies are embedded in the contract structure and NASA's oversight. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type shifts much of the cost overrun risk to the contractor. NASA's project management team will provide oversight, monitor progress, and enforce contract terms. The selection of an experienced contractor and detailed specifications aim to reduce performance risks. Contingency planning within NASA's budget would also address potential unforeseen issues.
How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this specific project?
The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined, as it is for a boiler replacement project with detailed specifications. It incentivizes the contractor to control costs and improve efficiency to maximize profit, thereby transferring significant cost-risk to the contractor. This reduces the government's exposure to unexpected cost increases. However, for FFP contracts, it is crucial that the initial scope and specifications are comprehensive and accurate to avoid costly change orders later. NASA's diligence in defining the requirements upfront is key to realizing value under this contract type.
What are the historical spending patterns for boiler and HVAC system replacements at NASA Ames Research Center or similar NASA facilities?
Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar projects at NASA Ames or other NASA centers would provide valuable context. This would involve examining past contracts for major infrastructure upgrades, focusing on mechanical systems, boiler replacements, and HVAC overhauls. Key metrics to review would include contract values, durations, number of bidders, and types of contract used. Understanding these patterns can reveal trends in project costs, the typical number of bidders for such specialized work, and whether spending has increased or decreased over time, potentially indicating market shifts or changes in NASA's capital investment strategies. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to provide precise figures, but such analysis is standard practice for budget planning and procurement strategy.
What are the implications of the 'Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction' NAICS code for this contract?
The assigned NAICS code '237130 - Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction' might seem slightly misaligned at first glance for a boiler system replacement. However, this code often encompasses broader utility infrastructure construction and maintenance, which can include the installation of associated piping, control systems, and potentially the structural elements supporting such equipment. It's possible the code was chosen due to the extensive piping, electrical connections, and integration with facility power systems required for the new boilers. A more precise code might have been '238220 - Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors,' but the chosen code likely reflects the comprehensive nature of the utility system upgrade, including its connection to broader facility infrastructure.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Utility System Construction › Power and Communication Line and Related Structures 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: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 200 PARR BLVD, RICHMOND, CA, 94801
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $33,760,235
Exercised Options: $33,760,235
Current Obligation: $33,760,235
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-08-29
Current End Date: 2018-07-31
Potential End Date: 2018-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-04-30
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