VA Awards $24.9M for Architectural Services at VAMC Canandaigua, NY

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,912,510 ($24.9M)

Contractor: Swbr and Smith Group, Pplc Architects and Engineers in Joint Venture

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2010-09-30

End Date: 2023-06-29

Contract Duration: 4,655 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: PROVED AE SERVICES FOR SD AND DDS FOR CARES NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATIONS AT THE VAMC CANANDAIGUA, NY

Place of Performance

Location: ROCHESTER, MONROE County, NEW YORK, 14604

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $24.9 million to SWBR AND SMITH GROUP, PPLC ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS IN JOINT VENTURE for work described as: PROVED AE SERVICES FOR SD AND DDS FOR CARES NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATIONS AT THE VAMC CANANDAIGUA, NY Key points: 1. Contract awarded for architectural services for new construction and renovations. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value is substantial, indicating a significant project scope. 4. Services provided are architectural, falling under professional services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $24.9M for architectural services appears reasonable given the project's scope of new construction and renovations at a VAMC. Benchmarking against similar large-scale VA construction projects would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. The use of a definitive contract with multiple awards suggests a structured approach to price discovery and selection.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield fair pricing, ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary VAMC improvements.

Public Impact

Improved facilities at VAMC Canandaigua will enhance healthcare delivery for veterans. The project supports local economic activity through construction and related services. Long-term infrastructure upgrades ensure continued service capacity for veterans.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration is exceptionally long (4655 days).
Potential for cost overruns on a large, multi-year renovation project.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Clear scope for construction and renovation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the architectural services sector, a critical component of the construction and facilities management industry. Spending in this area is often tied to infrastructure development and maintenance, particularly for government facilities.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Given the contract's size and nature, it's possible larger firms dominated the bidding process, though subcontracting opportunities may exist.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. The use of a definitive contract with multiple awards suggests a structured process, but the long duration warrants close monitoring for performance and cost adherence.

Related Government Programs

Architectural Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Extended contract duration (4655 days).
Potential for cost escalation over a long project timeline.
Complexity of managing both new construction and renovations simultaneously.
Lack of specific small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $24.9 million to SWBR AND SMITH GROUP, PPLC ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS IN JOINT VENTURE. PROVED AE SERVICES FOR SD AND DDS FOR CARES NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATIONS AT THE VAMC CANANDAIGUA, NY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SWBR AND SMITH GROUP, PPLC ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS IN JOINT VENTURE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-09-30. End: 2023-06-29.

What is the breakdown of services provided under this contract, and how does the cost align with the scope of new construction versus renovations?

The contract covers architectural services for both new construction and renovations at VAMC Canandaigua. A detailed breakdown of the $24.9M award between new build and renovation components would clarify value. Understanding the specific deliverables for each phase is crucial for assessing cost-effectiveness and ensuring alignment with project goals.

Given the 4655-day contract duration, what mechanisms are in place to manage potential scope creep and ensure cost control over such an extended period?

The extensive duration necessitates robust contract management. Mechanisms likely include phased delivery schedules, regular performance reviews, and change order controls. The agency must actively monitor progress and expenditures to mitigate risks associated with long-term projects, ensuring the final cost remains justified.

How effectively did the full and open competition process ensure the best value was achieved for the taxpayer, considering the project's complexity and duration?

Full and open competition is designed to maximize value by encouraging broad participation. The success in achieving best value depends on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria used, and the responsiveness of bidders. The VA's selection process and the final negotiated price are key indicators of whether taxpayer value was optimized.

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

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 387 E MAIN ST, ROCHESTER, NY, 14604

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,982,559

Exercised Options: $24,982,559

Current Obligation: $24,912,510

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline