Interior Department awards $413K contract for HVAC design services to Blue Star Integrative Studio

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $413,682 ($413.7K)

Contractor: Blue Star Integrative Studio LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-09-09

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 629 days

Daily Burn Rate: $658/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HVAC DESIGN COFFIN COMPLEX

Place of Performance

Location: LAWRENCE, DOUGLAS County, KANSAS, 66046

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $413,682.43 to BLUE STAR INTEGRATIVE STUDIO LLC for work described as: HVAC DESIGN COFFIN COMPLEX Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized HVAC design, indicating a need for expert engineering in this area. 2. The contract duration of 629 days suggests a moderately complex or lengthy design process. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs and provide predictability for the government. 4. The award was made under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate decision to seek broader bids. 5. The project is located in Kansas, potentially impacting local engineering firms and workforce. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330 points to a focus on engineering services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $413,682.43 for HVAC design services appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized engineering work. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for HVAC design is challenging without more specific project scope details. However, the duration of 629 days suggests a comprehensive design effort. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government.

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.' This indicates that while the initial solicitation may have had some exclusions, the final award was made through a competitive process open to all eligible offerors. The number of bidders is not specified, but this method generally aims to maximize competition and ensure fair pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of receiving the best value and competitive pricing for the required HVAC design services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Interior and its associated agencies, which will receive updated HVAC design services. The services delivered will be engineering designs for HVAC systems, crucial for facility functionality and efficiency. The geographic impact is concentrated in Kansas, where the project is located. The contract may have implications for the local engineering workforce in Kansas, potentially creating or sustaining jobs for designers and engineers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the number of bidders limits the assessment of the true competitive landscape.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause, even with subsequent open competition, warrants understanding the initial rationale.
The duration of the contract (629 days) could indicate potential for schedule slippage if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

The use of 'full and open competition' is a positive signal for achieving competitive pricing.
The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The award to a single entity (Blue Star Integrative Studio LLC) suggests they met all technical and cost requirements.

Sector Analysis

The engineering services sector, particularly within architectural and engineering (A&E) services, is a significant part of federal contracting. This contract falls under NAICS code 541330 (Engineering Services). Federal spending in this area supports infrastructure modernization, facility upgrades, and new construction across various agencies. The market is characterized by specialized firms capable of handling complex design challenges, with competition often driven by technical expertise and past performance.

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 subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside requirement. However, the prime contractor, Blue Star Integrative Studio LLC, may choose to subcontract portions of the work to small businesses as part of their overall project execution strategy.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program officials within the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, and any specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the nature of any potential issues arising during performance.

Related Government Programs

Department of the Interior Facilities Management
Bureau of Indian Affairs Construction Projects
Bureau of Indian Education Infrastructure
Federal HVAC System Modernization
Engineering Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays due to contract duration.
Risk of design errors impacting facility performance.
Need for clear definition and management of project scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $413,682.43 to BLUE STAR INTEGRATIVE STUDIO LLC. HVAC DESIGN COFFIN COMPLEX

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BLUE STAR INTEGRATIVE STUDIO 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 $413,682.43.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-09. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the typical cost range for HVAC design services for a complex like the Coffin Complex?

Determining a precise 'typical' cost range for HVAC design services for a specific complex like the Coffin Complex is challenging without detailed project specifications. However, federal contracts for engineering services under NAICS code 541330 can vary widely based on project scope, complexity, building size, and required system sophistication. For a project valued around $413,000, it suggests a significant design effort, potentially involving detailed analysis, multiple system designs, and extensive documentation. Comparable federal contracts for similar-scale HVAC design projects might range from a few hundred thousand dollars to over a million, depending on the factors mentioned. The firm-fixed-price nature of this award implies that Blue Star Integrative Studio LLC has provided a comprehensive bid based on their understanding of the project requirements.

How does Blue Star Integrative Studio LLC's track record compare for similar federal HVAC design contracts?

Assessing Blue Star Integrative Studio LLC's track record requires a review of their past federal contract awards, particularly those related to HVAC design and engineering services. Without access to a comprehensive database of their past performance and specific project outcomes, a direct comparison is difficult. Federal agencies typically evaluate past performance as a key factor in awarding contracts. If this contract was awarded through full and open competition, it suggests that Blue Star Integrative Studio LLC demonstrated relevant experience and capabilities that met or exceeded the government's requirements and were competitive against other potential offerors. Further analysis would involve examining their award history, client feedback (if publicly available), and the complexity of previously completed projects.

What are the key risks associated with this HVAC design contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks for this HVAC design contract include potential scope creep, design errors or omissions, schedule delays, and cost overruns (though mitigated by FFP). Scope creep could occur if the project requirements evolve significantly after the contract award. Design errors could lead to costly rework or performance issues. Schedule delays might arise from unforeseen complexities or resource constraints. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract structure inherently mitigates cost overrun risks for the government, as the contractor is obligated to complete the work for the agreed-upon price. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust project management by both the contractor and the government, clear communication channels, detailed design reviews, and adherence to the defined scope of work. The contract duration of 629 days also necessitates proactive schedule management.

How does the $413,682.43 contract value benchmark against other federal HVAC design projects?

Benchmarking the $413,682.43 contract value requires comparing it to similar federal HVAC design projects in terms of scope, complexity, building size, and geographic location. Federal procurement data indicates that HVAC design contracts can range significantly. For a project spanning over 600 days, this value suggests a substantial design effort. Without specific details on the Coffin Complex's size and the exact requirements of the HVAC system, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, this value appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized engineering services for a significant facility upgrade or design. It is not exceptionally high or low, suggesting a competitive award based on the defined requirements.

What is the historical spending pattern for HVAC design services by the Department of the Interior?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for HVAC design services by the Department of the Interior (DOI) would involve examining procurement data over several fiscal years. This would reveal trends in contract values, types of services procured (design, installation, maintenance), and the agencies within DOI that most frequently contract for such services. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, as the specific awarding entities here, may have distinct needs related to their facilities. A broader analysis of DOI's spending would indicate whether this $413K contract is typical, an outlier, or part of an increasing/decreasing trend in investment in HVAC system design and upgrades across the department's portfolio.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 415 E PRAIRIE RONDE ST, DOWAGIAC, MI, 49047

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $413,682

Exercised Options: $413,682

Current Obligation: $413,682

Actual Outlays: $97,554

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140A1624D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline