Interior's $87.9M Design-Build Contract for T'IIS NAZBAS School Awarded to TEPA EC, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $87,906,204 ($87.9M)

Contractor: Tepa EC, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2022-08-29

End Date: 2026-11-14

Contract Duration: 1,538 days

Daily Burn Rate: $57.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: T'IIS NAZBAS COMMUNITY SCHOOL & 20 QUARTERS - DESIGN BUILD

Place of Performance

Location: TEEC NOS POS, APACHE County, ARIZONA, 86514

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $87.9 million to TEPA EC, LLC for work described as: T'IIS NAZBAS COMMUNITY SCHOOL & 20 QUARTERS - DESIGN BUILD Key points: 1. The contract value of $87.9 million is substantial for a school construction project. 2. TEPA EC, LLC secured the contract through full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. The project carries risks associated with large-scale construction, including potential delays and cost overruns. 4. The sector is Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, with a focus on educational facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's firm fixed price structure suggests a clear understanding of costs. Benchmarking against similar large-scale educational construction projects would provide further insight into its value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for this significant educational infrastructure project.

Public Impact

Enhances educational infrastructure for the T'IIS NAZBAS community. Creates construction jobs and stimulates local economic activity. Potential for long-term community benefits through improved learning environments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Construction project complexity and duration.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions.
Reliance on a single awardee for a large project.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract.
Competitive award process.
Focus on critical educational infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically for educational facilities. Large design-build projects like this can range significantly in cost depending on scope, location, and complexity.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded through full and open competition, the data does not indicate specific set-asides for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, is responsible for oversight. The firm fixed price contract and defined delivery period provide some accountability, but ongoing monitoring is crucial.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of the Interior Contracting
Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education Programs

Risk Flags

Large contract value increases financial risk.
Construction projects are inherently susceptible to delays and cost overruns.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions in Arizona.
Effectiveness hinges on robust project management and oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $87.9 million to TEPA EC, LLC. T'IIS NAZBAS COMMUNITY SCHOOL & 20 QUARTERS - DESIGN BUILD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TEPA EC, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $87.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-08-29. End: 2026-11-14.

What is the estimated cost per square foot for this design-build project, and how does it compare to similar educational facilities in Arizona?

Without detailed project specifications such as square footage and specific design elements, calculating an accurate cost per square foot is not possible from the provided data. However, for large-scale institutional construction in Arizona, costs can range from $250 to $500+ per square foot, depending on materials, complexity, and prevailing market conditions. A detailed comparison would require access to the project's architectural plans and local construction cost indices.

What are the primary risks associated with the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method for this large construction contract?

This procurement method, while competitive, might exclude certain specialized firms if the exclusion criteria were too narrow or not well-justified. The primary risks include potentially limiting the pool of highly qualified bidders, which could impact innovation or price competitiveness. It also requires careful documentation to ensure the exclusion was necessary and fair, avoiding protests and ensuring the best value was achieved.

How will the effectiveness of this design-build contract be measured to ensure it meets the educational needs of the T'IIS NAZBAS community?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through adherence to the design specifications, timely completion within budget, and the final quality of the constructed facility. Post-occupancy evaluations, user feedback from students and staff, and assessment of the building's functionality and durability over time will be key indicators. The Bureau of Indian Education's project management and quality assurance teams will play a crucial role in this assessment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140A1622R0007

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5045 LIST DR, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80919

Business Categories: Category Business, Government, Native American Tribal Government, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $87,906,204

Exercised Options: $87,906,204

Current Obligation: $87,906,204

Actual Outlays: $69,349,369

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140A1618D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline