USDA Awards $1.5M for Specialized Metal Buildings to House Regulated Plant Material and Pathology Work

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $150,409 ($150.4K)

Contractor: THE Johnson-Mcadams Firm, P.A.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-08-02

End Date: 2023-12-13

Contract Duration: 133 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: A DESIGN IS REQUESTED FOR TWO METAL BUILDINGS TO HOUSE GROWTH CHAMBER UNITS USED FOR WORK WITH 1) REGULATED PLANT MATERIAL UNDER USDA APHIS PERMITS AND 2) PLANT PATHOLOGY WORK. BUILDINGS AND FLOORS SHOULD BE MADE OF IMPERVIOUS MATERIAL THAT CAN BE DI

Place of Performance

Location: HILO, HAWAII County, HAWAII, 96720

State: Hawaii Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $150,408.68 to THE JOHNSON-MCADAMS FIRM, P.A. for work described as: A DESIGN IS REQUESTED FOR TWO METAL BUILDINGS TO HOUSE GROWTH CHAMBER UNITS USED FOR WORK WITH 1) REGULATED PLANT MATERIAL UNDER USDA APHIS PERMITS AND 2) PLANT PATHOLOGY WORK. BUILDINGS AND FLOORS SHOULD BE MADE OF IMPERVIOUS MATERIAL THAT CAN BE DI Key points: 1. Specialized construction for USDA's Agricultural Research Service requires specific impervious materials for containment. 2. The contract was awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include construction delays and ensuring the impervious materials meet stringent USDA APHIS permit requirements. 4. The sector is primarily engineering services for specialized research facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.5M for two specialized metal buildings appears reasonable given the unique requirements for housing regulated plant material and pathology work. Pricing for similar specialized research facility construction can vary widely, but this falls within a typical range for custom-designed, high-specification structures.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing, as contractors are incentivized to offer their best terms to win the award.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the best value for specialized construction services, ensuring funds are used efficiently for critical agricultural research infrastructure.

Public Impact

Ensures USDA's Agricultural Research Service has secure, compliant facilities for critical plant research. Supports advancements in plant pathology and regulated material work, potentially impacting agricultural safety and innovation. The specialized nature of the buildings may lead to long-term operational benefits for research efficiency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Ensuring impervious materials meet USDA APHIS permit requirements.
Potential for construction delays impacting research timelines.
Ensuring long-term durability and maintenance of specialized materials.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Clear project scope for specialized research facilities.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically for the design of specialized research facilities. Spending benchmarks for such niche construction are difficult to establish due to unique material and design requirements, but the value reflects the complexity and regulatory compliance needed.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded under full and open competition, there is no specific indication of small business participation in this award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting a structured procurement process. Oversight would focus on adherence to design specifications, material compliance, and timely completion within the firm fixed price.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Agricultural Research Service Programs

Risk Flags

Material compliance with USDA APHIS permits.
Construction timeline adherence.
Ensuring long-term durability of specialized materials.
Logistical challenges for specialized construction materials in Hawaii.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $150,408.68 to THE JOHNSON-MCADAMS FIRM, P.A.. A DESIGN IS REQUESTED FOR TWO METAL BUILDINGS TO HOUSE GROWTH CHAMBER UNITS USED FOR WORK WITH 1) REGULATED PLANT MATERIAL UNDER USDA APHIS PERMITS AND 2) PLANT PATHOLOGY WORK. BUILDINGS AND FLOORS SHOULD BE MADE OF IMPERVIOUS MATERIAL THAT CAN BE DI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE JOHNSON-MCADAMS FIRM, P.A..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $150,408.68.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-02. End: 2023-12-13.

What specific impervious materials are mandated by USDA APHIS, and how will their compliance be verified during construction?

USDA APHIS regulations typically mandate materials that are non-porous, easily cleanable, and resistant to chemical or biological degradation to prevent contamination and facilitate decontamination. Verification will likely involve material submittals, third-party testing, and on-site inspections by USDA representatives to ensure adherence to approved specifications and regulatory standards throughout the construction process.

What are the potential risks associated with constructing specialized buildings in Hawaii, and how are they being mitigated?

Construction in Hawaii can face risks such as higher material and labor costs, logistical challenges for importing materials, and potential environmental considerations. Mitigation strategies likely include detailed logistical planning, securing specialized local or imported materials early, and incorporating Hawaii-specific building codes and environmental regulations into the design and construction phases.

How will the long-term effectiveness and maintenance of the impervious materials be assessed to ensure continued compliance with research requirements?

Long-term effectiveness will be assessed through periodic inspections and performance reviews, focusing on the integrity and cleanability of the impervious surfaces. Maintenance plans will be established, outlining recommended cleaning protocols and repair procedures for any wear or damage. The USDA will likely conduct regular audits to ensure the facilities continue to meet the stringent containment and operational standards required for regulated plant material and pathology work.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 108 W MARKET ST, GREENWOOD, MS, 38930

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $150,409

Exercised Options: $150,409

Current Obligation: $150,409

Actual Outlays: $117,532

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12639521D0053

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline