Haskell Indian Nations University daycare center contract awarded for $2.54M to Prairie Band Construction, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,544,000 ($2.5M)

Contractor: Prairie Band Construction, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-06-11

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 749 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/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: MODULAR DAYCARE CENTER - HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY

Place of Performance

Location: LAWRENCE, DOUGLAS County, KANSAS, 66046

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $2.5 million to PRAIRIE BAND CONSTRUCTION, INC. for work described as: MODULAR DAYCARE CENTER - HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a modular daycare facility of this size and scope. 2. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources suggests a deliberate procurement strategy. 3. The definitive contract type indicates a single award with potential for modifications. 4. Fixed-price contract structure shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. Project duration of approximately two years aligns with typical construction timelines. 6. Location in Kansas may influence local labor and material costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.54 million for a modular daycare center seems within a reasonable range for institutional construction projects. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for educational or community facilities of comparable size and complexity would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the initial pricing was deemed acceptable, with the contractor bearing the risk of cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources were excluded, possibly due to pre-qualification or other specific requirements. With three bidders, the competition level was moderate, which can still lead to competitive pricing but may not be as robust as a fully open competition with a larger number of participants.

Taxpayer Impact: A moderate level of competition suggests that taxpayers likely received a fair price, though a wider pool of bidders could potentially have driven costs lower.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are students and staff at Haskell Indian Nations University, providing essential childcare services. The project will deliver a new modular daycare center facility. The geographic impact is localized to Lawrence, Kansas, where the university is located. Workforce implications include construction jobs during the build phase and ongoing operational staff for the daycare.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for delays if site preparation or modular unit delivery encounters unforeseen issues.
Ensuring compliance with all federal building codes and accessibility standards for educational facilities.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to a construction company with experience in institutional projects is a positive signal.
The project addresses a clear need for expanded childcare facilities at the university.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector, particularly commercial and institutional building, is a significant area of federal spending. This contract falls within the broader category of building construction, which includes a wide range of projects from small renovations to large-scale new builds. Federal spending in this sector often supports economic development and infrastructure improvements. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in data related to educational facilities, community centers, or similar government-occupied buildings.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the impact on the small business ecosystem will depend on whether the prime contractor utilizes small business subcontractors. Without explicit set-aside provisions, opportunities for small businesses may be limited to direct subcontracting bids.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards, payment schedules tied to milestones, and potential penalties for non-compliance. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases like FPDS, where award details are published.

Related Government Programs

Haskell Indian Nations University Facilities Management
Bureau of Indian Affairs Construction Projects
Department of the Interior Capital Improvement Projects
Federal Education Facilities Construction

Risk Flags

Moderate competition level
Potential for delivery/installation delays
Site-specific construction challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $2.5 million to PRAIRIE BAND CONSTRUCTION, INC.. MODULAR DAYCARE CENTER - HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PRAIRIE BAND CONSTRUCTION, INC..

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 $2.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-11. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of Prairie Band Construction, Inc. with federal contracts?

Prairie Band Construction, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily with agencies such as the Department of the Interior and the Department of Defense. Analysis of their past performance indicates a focus on construction and renovation projects, often in support of tribal nations or government facilities. While specific details on project success rates, past performance reviews, and any instances of contract disputes or terminations would require a deeper dive into contract performance data and agency reports, their consistent award of federal work suggests a level of capability and reliability recognized by contracting officers. Examining the value and complexity of their previous awards can provide further insight into their capacity to handle projects like the Haskell Indian Nations University daycare center.

How does the cost per square foot of this daycare center compare to similar federal projects?

Without the specific square footage of the modular daycare center, a direct cost per square foot comparison is not possible. However, the total contract value of $2.54 million for a facility of this nature can be benchmarked against similar institutional or educational building projects. Federal construction contracts for modular or prefabricated buildings can vary significantly in cost based on materials, customization, site preparation, and logistical challenges. Generally, modular construction can offer cost efficiencies compared to traditional builds, but specialized educational or childcare facilities may incorporate higher-end finishes or specific safety features that increase per-unit costs. A comprehensive comparison would involve identifying projects of similar scope, age, and function awarded by federal agencies in comparable geographic regions.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract award?

Key risks for this contract include potential delays in the delivery and installation of modular units, which can be subject to manufacturing schedules and transportation logistics. Site preparation challenges at Haskell Indian Nations University could also lead to schedule impacts or cost increases if unforeseen conditions arise. Furthermore, ensuring the long-term durability and suitability of modular construction for a daycare environment, particularly concerning acoustics, climate control, and safety standards, presents an ongoing consideration. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract means that any cost overruns due to these risks would be borne by Prairie Band Construction, Inc., potentially impacting their profitability and motivation to complete the project efficiently.

What is the historical spending pattern for daycare or educational facilities at Haskell Indian Nations University?

Historical spending data specifically for daycare or educational facilities at Haskell Indian Nations University is not readily available in the provided summary. However, the Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, is responsible for funding and overseeing educational infrastructure for tribal institutions. Past federal investments in such facilities typically follow a project-based approach, responding to needs for new construction, renovation, or expansion. Analyzing broader spending trends by these agencies on educational facilities across various tribal colleges and universities could offer context, but specific historical patterns for this particular university's daycare needs would require targeted research into their capital improvement plans and past federal appropriations.

How does the competition level (3 bidders) impact the value for taxpayers?

A competition with three bidders is generally considered moderate. While it indicates that multiple firms were interested and capable of performing the work, it may not represent the most competitive scenario possible. In a highly competitive environment with numerous bidders, the pressure to offer the lowest price is typically greater, potentially leading to better value for taxpayers. With three bidders, there is a reasonable expectation of competitive pricing, but the possibility remains that a larger pool of interested parties could have resulted in even lower bids. The specific nature of the exclusion of sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' also plays a role; if significant potential bidders were excluded, the effective competition might be lower than the raw number of three suggests.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140A2324R0004

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 19035 US HIGHWAY 75, HOLTON, KS, 66436

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, 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: $2,544,000

Exercised Options: $2,544,000

Current Obligation: $2,544,000

Actual Outlays: $1,378,117

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline