Interior Department awards $4.5M gym renovation contract to Rock Gap Engineering LLC in New Mexico

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,549,469 ($4.5M)

Contractor: Rock GAP Engineering LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-08-26

End Date: 2027-02-26

Contract Duration: 914 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CON: BLDG 108 GYMNASIUM RENOVATION

Place of Performance

Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87120

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $4.5 million to ROCK GAP ENGINEERING LLC for work described as: CON: BLDG 108 GYMNASIUM RENOVATION Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a commercial building construction project of this scope. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 914 days is substantial, indicating a complex or lengthy project. 4. Fixed-price contract type may limit cost overruns for the government. 5. Project is located in New Mexico, potentially benefiting the local economy and workforce. 6. The specific nature of a gymnasium renovation suggests a focus on recreational facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $4.55 million for a gymnasium renovation appears within a reasonable range for commercial and institutional building construction. Benchmarking against similar projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure is generally favorable for government spending, as it shifts cost overrun risks to the contractor. However, without detailed project specifications and scope, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that the solicitation was broadly advertised, but specific sources were excluded for defined reasons. This suggests a competitive process, though the exclusion of sources warrants further investigation into the justification. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' nature generally promotes price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value through a wide range of offers. While some sources were excluded, the broad competition should still drive competitive pricing.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely students and staff at facilities managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, who will gain access to an improved gymnasium. The contract will deliver renovation services for Building 108 Gymnasium, enhancing recreational and potentially educational facilities. The geographic impact is concentrated in New Mexico, where the project is located. The project will likely create or sustain jobs in the construction sector within New Mexico, supporting the local workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The exclusion of sources in a 'full and open' competition, while potentially justified, could limit the breadth of competition and should be reviewed for necessity.
The long contract duration (914 days) increases the potential for unforeseen issues or scope creep if not managed meticulously.
The specific nature of the project (gymnasium renovation) might have unique requirements that could pose specialized risks if the contractor lacks relevant experience.

Positive Signals

The use of 'Full and Open Competition' indicates an effort to maximize the number of potential bidders and secure competitive pricing.
The 'Firm Fixed Price' contract type helps to control costs and provides budget certainty for the government.
The project is awarded to a specific entity, Rock Gap Engineering LLC, suggesting they met the qualification criteria for this construction task.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the broader construction industry. This sector encompasses a wide range of projects, from retail spaces to public facilities. The value of this specific contract, approximately $4.55 million, is moderate within the context of large-scale construction. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing the cost per square foot or cost per unit of facility for similar gymnasium or recreational building renovations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct small business set-aside implications. However, the prime contractor, Rock Gap Engineering LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill portions of the work, which could have a positive impact on the small business ecosystem if such subcontracting occurs.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and relevant program officials within the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver the specified renovation within the agreed-upon price. Transparency would be enhanced by public access to contract modifications and performance reports, though specific oversight mechanisms are not detailed in the provided data.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Indian Affairs Facilities Management
Bureau of Indian Education School Construction
Federal Building and Renovation Projects
Department of the Interior Capital Improvement Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope significantly changes despite fixed-price contract.
Risk of delays due to the extended project duration.
Contractor's past performance on similar projects needs verification.
Justification for source exclusion in competition requires review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $4.5 million to ROCK GAP ENGINEERING LLC. CON: BLDG 108 GYMNASIUM RENOVATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ROCK GAP ENGINEERING 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 $4.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-26. End: 2027-02-26.

What is the track record of Rock Gap Engineering LLC with federal contracts, particularly in construction and renovation?

A review of federal contract databases would be necessary to assess Rock Gap Engineering LLC's track record. This would involve examining past performance on similar federal contracts, including the types of projects completed, their value, adherence to schedules and budgets, and any reported performance issues or awards. Understanding their history with the Department of the Interior or Bureau of Indian Affairs specifically would also be valuable. A strong track record with relevant projects would indicate a lower risk for this gymnasium renovation.

How does the awarded amount of $4.55 million compare to similar gymnasium renovation projects undertaken by federal agencies?

To benchmark the value, one would compare this contract's cost against similar gymnasium renovation projects awarded by federal agencies, particularly those managed by the Department of the Interior or other entities serving similar populations. Key metrics for comparison would include cost per square foot, cost per major renovation component (e.g., flooring, lighting, HVAC), and the overall project scope. If this contract's pricing is significantly higher or lower than comparable projects without clear justification (e.g., unique site challenges, higher material costs), it could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing.

What specific risks are associated with renovating a gymnasium, and how are they mitigated in this contract?

Risks in gymnasium renovations can include unforeseen structural issues, specialized equipment installation complexities, hazardous material abatement (e.g., asbestos), and extended downtime impacting facility use. The firm fixed-price nature of this contract shifts some financial risk to the contractor. Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed pre-construction surveys, robust project management by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, clear specifications in the contract, and potentially performance bonds. The long duration (914 days) suggests these risks have been factored into the schedule.

What is the expected effectiveness of the renovated gymnasium in meeting the needs of its users?

The effectiveness will depend on how well the renovation addresses existing deficiencies and upgrades the facility to meet current standards for safety, accessibility, and functionality. If the project includes modernizing equipment, improving lighting and acoustics, and ensuring ADA compliance, it should significantly enhance the user experience for sports, physical education, and community events. Success will be measured by user satisfaction, increased utilization rates, and the facility's ability to support a wider range of activities post-renovation.

How has federal spending on gymnasium construction and renovation evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit?

Analyzing historical spending data for gymnasium construction and renovation across federal agencies would reveal trends in investment. This contract, valued at $4.55 million, represents a moderate investment. If overall federal spending in this category has been increasing, it might indicate a growing need for facility upgrades. Conversely, if spending has been declining, this contract could be part of a strategic effort to address deferred maintenance or improve critical infrastructure for specific populations, such as those served by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Education.

What is the justification for excluding certain sources in a 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award?

Excluding sources in a 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award typically requires a documented justification, such as prior unsatisfactory performance by certain contractors, specific technical requirements that only a limited number of firms can meet, or national security concerns. The contracting agency must provide a rationale for these exclusions to ensure fairness and compliance with procurement regulations. Without access to the specific justification document, it's difficult to assess the validity of the exclusions, but the 'full and open' aspect suggests a broad initial solicitation.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140A2324R0054

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6759 ACADEMY RD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87109

Business Categories: American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,549,469

Exercised Options: $4,549,469

Current Obligation: $4,549,469

Actual Outlays: $665,150

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140A1621D0051

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline