DoD awards $15.8M contract for West Point's Thayer Hall renovation, highlighting engineering services for a historic facility

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,810,339 ($15.8M)

Contractor: STV HDR Usma Joint Venture

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-11-18

End Date: 2030-11-18

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: THE AE DESIGN OF THAYER HALL (BUILDING #601) RENOVATION, UNITED STATED MILITARY ACADEMY, WEST POINT, NEW YORK.

Place of Performance

Location: WEST POINT, ORANGE County, NEW YORK, 10996

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.8 million to STV HDR USMA JOINT VENTURE for work described as: THE AE DESIGN OF THAYER HALL (BUILDING #601) RENOVATION, UNITED STATED MILITARY ACADEMY, WEST POINT, NEW YORK. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on architectural and engineering design for a significant renovation project at a prestigious military academy. 2. The project involves a large, historic building, suggesting potential complexities in scope and execution. 3. A firm-fixed-price contract type indicates that cost risks are largely borne by the contractor. 4. The duration of the contract (5 years) suggests a phased approach to design and potential oversight. 5. The award was made under full and open competition, implying a robust bidding process. 6. The contractor is a joint venture, potentially bringing diverse expertise to the project.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15.8 million for architectural and engineering design services appears reasonable given the scope of renovating a historic building like Thayer Hall at West Point. Benchmarking against similar large-scale renovation design contracts for institutional or government facilities would provide a more precise assessment, but the price seems aligned with the complexity and scale of the project. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor, which can be beneficial for the government if managed effectively.

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 presence of 13 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this significant design project. A competitive bidding process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions as contractors vie for the award.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down the price and ensured the government received competitive proposals for the design services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the United States Military Academy at West Point and its cadets, who will utilize the renovated facility. The contract delivers essential architectural and engineering design services for the renovation of Thayer Hall, a critical infrastructure asset. The geographic impact is localized to West Point, New York, but the project contributes to the preservation of a national historic landmark. The project will likely involve a workforce of architects, engineers, and design professionals, contributing to employment in these sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in renovation projects of historic buildings, requiring diligent oversight.
Ensuring the design adequately addresses modern functional needs while preserving historical integrity.
Managing the long contract duration (5 years) to maintain project momentum and contractor engagement.

Positive Signals

Award to a joint venture may bring specialized expertise to the complex design requirements.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a thorough vetting of potential contractors and their proposals.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS code 541330), a critical component of the construction and infrastructure development market. The federal government is a significant consumer of these services, particularly for large-scale projects involving public facilities, defense installations, and historic preservation. The market for engineering design services is competitive, with numerous firms capable of undertaking complex projects. This award represents a portion of the broader federal spending on facility modernization and maintenance.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to a joint venture and does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions. While the prime contractor is a joint venture, the extent of small business subcontracting opportunities will depend on the specific composition of the venture and their procurement practices. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are being adequately included in the subcontracting chain for this project.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of the Army, potentially through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or a dedicated project management office at West Point. Accountability measures will be embedded in the contract's performance standards, milestones, and payment schedules. Transparency is expected through contract award databases and potentially public reporting on project progress. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

West Point Infrastructure Modernization
Historic Building Preservation Projects
Department of Defense Facility Design Contracts
Architectural and Engineering Services for Federal Buildings

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen conditions in historic building renovation.
Ensuring integration of modern systems without compromising historical integrity.
Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $15.8 million to STV HDR USMA JOINT VENTURE. THE AE DESIGN OF THAYER HALL (BUILDING #601) RENOVATION, UNITED STATED MILITARY ACADEMY, WEST POINT, NEW YORK.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STV HDR USMA JOINT VENTURE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-18. End: 2030-11-18.

What is the track record of STV HDR USMA JOINT VENTURE in handling large-scale federal renovation design projects, particularly those involving historic structures?

Assessing the track record of STV HDR USMA JOINT VENTURE requires examining past performance on similar federal contracts. Information on their prior experience with historic preservation, large institutional renovations, and Department of Defense projects would be crucial. A review of past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would indicate their success in meeting schedule, cost, and technical requirements. The joint venture structure suggests a pooling of resources and expertise, but individual performance histories of STV and HDR would also be relevant. Without specific data on their past projects, it's difficult to definitively assess their suitability, but the award itself implies they met the government's criteria for capability and experience.

How does the $15.8 million cost for design services compare to similar renovation projects at other military academies or large federal institutions?

Benchmarking the $15.8 million design contract requires comparing it to the design costs of similar large-scale renovation projects. Factors such as the building's square footage, historical significance, complexity of required renovations (e.g., structural, MEP, hazardous materials), and the specific services included in the design package are critical for a fair comparison. For instance, if Thayer Hall is a particularly large or architecturally complex structure, this cost might be within the expected range. Conversely, if comparable projects have achieved similar design outcomes for less, it could indicate potential overpricing or scope differences. A detailed analysis would involve identifying comparable projects and normalizing costs based on relevant metrics like cost per square foot for design services.

What are the primary risks associated with renovating a historic building like Thayer Hall, and how are they mitigated in this contract?

Renovating historic buildings like Thayer Hall presents several inherent risks, including the discovery of unforeseen structural issues, hazardous materials (like asbestos or lead paint), and challenges in integrating modern systems (HVAC, electrical, IT) without compromising historical integrity. Additionally, compliance with preservation standards and regulations adds complexity. This contract, being for design services, aims to mitigate these risks by requiring thorough surveys, detailed architectural and engineering plans, and specifications that address these potential issues upfront. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract also shifts some financial risk related to unforeseen conditions to the contractor, provided the scope is well-defined. However, the government retains risk related to scope changes and ensuring the design meets all requirements.

What is the expected impact of the Thayer Hall renovation on the operational effectiveness and cadet experience at West Point?

The renovation of Thayer Hall is expected to significantly enhance the operational effectiveness and cadet experience at West Point. As a critical facility, its modernization will likely improve functionality, safety, and accessibility for cadets and staff. Upgraded infrastructure can support modern teaching methods, research, and administrative functions more efficiently. A revitalized facility can also contribute to a more positive and inspiring learning environment, potentially boosting morale and overall cadet well-being. The project's success hinges on the design effectively balancing historical preservation with the need for contemporary amenities and technological integration.

How has federal spending on engineering services for facility renovation and historic preservation evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit in?

Federal spending on engineering services for facility renovation and historic preservation has generally remained robust, driven by the need to maintain and modernize aging infrastructure across various agencies, including the Department of Defense. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget allocations and project priorities, there's a consistent demand for these services. This $15.8 million contract for Thayer Hall represents a significant, albeit singular, investment in preserving a key historic asset at a premier military institution. It aligns with broader federal initiatives to protect national landmarks and ensure the long-term viability of critical government facilities. Tracking overall trends would involve analyzing historical spending data for NAICS code 541330, particularly within the DoD and agencies responsible for historic sites.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 205 W WELSH DR, DOUGLASSVILLE, PA, 19518

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $67,118,539

Exercised Options: $15,810,339

Current Obligation: $15,810,339

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline