Interior Department awards $4.4M construction contract to Sealaska Constructors LLC for 219 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,394,284 ($4.4M)

Contractor: Sealaska Constructors LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-09-19

End Date: 2026-04-26

Contract Duration: 219 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: GREENHOUSE - HINU

Place of Performance

Location: LAWRENCE, DOUGLAS County, KANSAS, 66046

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $4.4 million to SEALASKA CONSTRUCTORS LLC for work described as: GREENHOUSE - HINU Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the duration and scope of commercial building construction. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating potential for follow-on work. 4. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 5. The contractor has a history dating back to 2006, suggesting established operations. 6. Geographic location in Kansas may influence labor costs and material availability.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $4.4 million for a 219-day duration for commercial and institutional building construction is within a reasonable range. Without specific details on the project scope (e.g., square footage, type of construction), a direct per-square-foot comparison is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor assumed the risk for cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government. Benchmarking against similar construction projects by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or other federal agencies would provide a more precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that while the competition was broad, specific sources may have been excluded for defined reasons. The presence of two bids (no: 2) indicates some level of competition, but a higher number of bidders would typically lead to more robust price discovery and potentially lower prices. The specific reasons for excluding other sources would need further investigation to fully assess the competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition, even with a limited number of bidders, generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple firms to offer their best pricing. However, the exclusion of certain sources warrants scrutiny to ensure it did not unduly limit competition and inflate costs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the students and staff of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education facilities in Kansas that will receive the construction services. The contract will deliver essential construction and renovation services for institutional buildings. The geographic impact is concentrated in Kansas, where the construction work will take place. The contract will likely support local construction jobs and potentially utilize local material suppliers in the Kansas region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited number of bidders (2) could indicate potential for reduced price competition.
The specific reasons for 'Exclusion of Sources' are not detailed, raising questions about the breadth of competition.
Delivery order nature means this is part of a larger contract, requiring review of the base contract for overall value and risk.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
Contractor has been in business since 2006, suggesting operational stability.
Full and Open competition is generally a positive indicator for fair pricing.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector is a significant part of the federal procurement landscape, encompassing a wide range of activities from building maintenance to large-scale infrastructure projects. Federal spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain and upgrade government facilities across various agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing the average cost per square foot for similar institutional building construction projects undertaken by federal agencies, particularly within the Midwest region, and considering the specific requirements of Bureau of Indian Affairs and Education facilities.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities if Sealaska Constructors LLC chooses to engage them. Without specific subcontracting plans mandated in the contract, it is difficult to assess the direct benefit to the small business ecosystem from this particular award. Future analysis could explore subcontracting reports if available.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to complete the work to specifications within the agreed price. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. The Inspector General for the Department of the Interior would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Indian Affairs Construction Projects
Bureau of Indian Education Facility Maintenance
Department of the Interior Capital Improvements
Federal Building Construction Contracts
Institutional Building Construction

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'Exclusion of Sources'
Need for detailed scope of work to fully assess value for money
Reliance on contractor's past performance for risk assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $4.4 million to SEALASKA CONSTRUCTORS LLC. GREENHOUSE - HINU

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SEALASKA CONSTRUCTORS 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 $4.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-19. End: 2026-04-26.

What is the track record of Sealaska Constructors LLC with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of the Interior?

Sealaska Constructors LLC has a history of federal contracting dating back to 2006. While the provided data indicates this specific contract is a delivery order, further research into the base contract and other awards to this entity would be necessary to fully assess their track record. Examining past performance evaluations, any history of contract disputes, and the types of projects previously completed for the Department of the Interior or similar agencies would provide a comprehensive view. A review of their performance on similar-sized construction projects would be particularly relevant to gauge their capability and reliability in executing this current award.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar construction projects for institutional buildings within the federal government?

The awarded amount of approximately $4.4 million for 219 days of work on commercial and institutional building construction is difficult to benchmark precisely without detailed project specifications (e.g., square footage, scope of work, specific renovations). However, federal construction costs can vary significantly based on location, materials, and complexity. A general benchmark for institutional construction can range from $200 to $500+ per square foot. If this project involves significant renovation or new construction of a substantial facility, the $4.4 million might be considered moderate. A more accurate comparison would require analyzing data from the General Services Administration (GSA) or other agencies for similar projects in Kansas or the surrounding region.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in construction, unforeseen site conditions, and fluctuations in material costs (though less impactful with fixed-price). The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is a key mitigation strategy, placing the cost risk on the contractor. The 219-day duration provides a defined timeline, and the delivery order structure implies it's part of a potentially larger, pre-vetted contract. However, the 'Exclusion of Sources' aspect warrants attention, as it could indicate a less competitive environment than initially perceived, potentially masking risks related to contractor selection. Robust project management and oversight by the Department of the Interior are crucial for identifying and addressing risks proactively.

What is the expected effectiveness of the services delivered under this contract?

The effectiveness of the services delivered will be measured by the successful completion of the construction or renovation project according to the specified scope of work, quality standards, and within the agreed-upon timeline and budget. For institutional buildings serving the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, effective delivery means providing safe, functional, and updated facilities that support educational and administrative activities. Success hinges on the contractor's ability to meet technical requirements and the government's oversight in ensuring compliance and quality. The fixed-price nature incentivizes the contractor to be efficient, contributing to effective resource utilization.

How does this contract's value and competition level compare to historical spending patterns for similar construction services by the Department of the Interior?

Historical spending patterns for the Department of the Interior in construction are likely substantial, given its vast portfolio of facilities. This $4.4 million contract represents a specific instance of that spending. Comparing it requires analyzing the frequency and average value of similar construction delivery orders or contracts awarded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or Bureau of Indian Education over past fiscal years. The competition level, noted as 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' with two bidders, might be typical for specialized construction needs or specific geographic areas where the bidder pool is naturally limited. A trend analysis of competition levels for similar projects would reveal if this award reflects a broader pattern of reduced competition or specific market conditions.

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: 140A2325R0021

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1200 6TH AVE. SUITE 800, SEATTLE, WA, 98101

Business Categories: Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, 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: $4,394,284

Exercised Options: $4,394,284

Current Obligation: $4,394,284

Actual Outlays: $310,205

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140A1623D0025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline