Interior Department awards $233K contract for architectural expansion of visitor center bookstore

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $233,637 ($233.6K)

Contractor: Architectural Resources Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-08-27

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 672 days

Daily Burn Rate: $348/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: ARCH EXPAND VISITOR CENTER BOOKSTORE

Place of Performance

Location: MOAB, GRAND County, UTAH, 84532

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $233,636.87 to ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUP, INC. for work described as: ARCH EXPAND VISITOR CENTER BOOKSTORE Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized architectural services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks. 4. Project duration of 672 days indicates a substantial scope. 5. Services are essential for enhancing visitor experience and facilities. 6. Contract aligns with National Park Service's infrastructure improvement goals.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $233,636.87 for architectural expansion services seems appropriate given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar architectural contracts for visitor centers or public facilities would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control, as it shifts risk to the contractor. Without specific per-unit cost data or detailed project breakdowns, a definitive comparison is challenging, but the overall award amount appears within a reasonable range for specialized design services.

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,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this competition type generally fosters price discovery and encourages multiple firms to compete, potentially leading to better pricing for the government. The exclusion of sources clause might suggest specific technical requirements or past performance considerations that narrowed the field slightly, but the core intent was broad competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, driving down costs through competitive pressure and ensuring the government receives the best value. This approach helps prevent inflated pricing that can occur in less competitive scenarios.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are visitors to the National Park Service site in Utah, who will experience improved facilities. The contract will deliver architectural design and expansion services for a visitor center bookstore. The geographic impact is localized to the specific National Park Service site in Utah. The project will likely involve architects, designers, and potentially construction-related professionals, creating indirect workforce implications.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific bidder count limits assessment of competitive intensity.
Details on contractor's prior experience with similar NPS projects are not provided.
Potential for scope creep if not managed tightly, despite fixed-price contract.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type minimizes cost uncertainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process.
Project aims to improve visitor experience and facility functionality.
Contract duration is clearly defined, allowing for project planning.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), specifically focusing on architectural and design services for public infrastructure. The market for architectural services is diverse, with many firms capable of undertaking such projects. The value of this contract is relatively small compared to large-scale construction or infrastructure design projects, but it represents a typical investment for enhancing specific visitor amenities within federal lands. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other National Park Service or similar agency contracts for visitor center renovations or expansions.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications mandated by small business set-aside provisions. The prime contractor, Architectural Resources Group, Inc., is likely a medium to large firm, and their engagement does not inherently guarantee subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless pursued voluntarily or through broader industry practices.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Park Service contracting officer and project managers. They are responsible for ensuring the contractor meets the terms and conditions of the contract, including performance, quality, and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which record award details. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Visitor Center Construction
Federal Building Architectural Design Services
Department of the Interior Capital Improvements
Engineering Services for Public Facilities

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting schedule or cost.
Contractor performance risk if past performance is not thoroughly vetted.
Scope definition clarity is crucial for fixed-price contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $233,636.87 to ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUP, INC.. ARCH EXPAND VISITOR CENTER BOOKSTORE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $233,636.87.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-27. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of Architectural Resources Group, Inc. with the federal government, particularly the National Park Service?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Architectural Resources Group, Inc.'s track record. This would involve examining past contract awards, performance evaluations (if available), and any history of disputes or contract modifications. Understanding their experience with similar projects, such as visitor centers or historical site renovations, would provide insight into their capability to deliver on this specific contract. Without direct access to performance metrics or a detailed contract history, it's difficult to definitively gauge their reliability and past success with federal agencies.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar architectural expansion projects for National Park Service visitor centers?

Benchmarking this $233,636.87 contract against similar projects requires access to a database of comparable federal awards. Factors such as the size of the facility, the complexity of the expansion, the specific location, and the duration of the project all influence cost. Generally, architectural services for visitor centers can range significantly, from tens of thousands for minor renovations to millions for major new constructions. This award appears to be for a moderate-sized expansion or significant renovation, suggesting it falls within a typical range for enhancing specific amenities like a bookstore within an existing structure, assuming standard complexity.

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

The primary risks include potential scope creep, contractor performance issues, and unforeseen site conditions. Scope creep is mitigated by the firm fixed-price contract type, which incentivizes the contractor to adhere to the defined scope. Contractor performance risk is managed through the selection process (assuming a competitive award based on qualifications) and ongoing oversight by the National Park Service. Unforeseen site conditions are a common risk in construction-related projects; mitigation often involves thorough site investigations prior to design and contingency planning within the project scope or budget, though the fixed-price nature places more burden on the contractor to account for such risks.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method in ensuring value for taxpayers on this contract?

This competition method aims to ensure value by maximizing the number of potential bidders while allowing for specific exclusions based on defined criteria (e.g., technical capabilities, past performance). For taxpayers, this generally translates to competitive pricing as multiple firms vie for the contract. The 'exclusion of sources' aspect means the field might be narrower than pure 'full and open,' but if the exclusions are justified and clearly defined, it can lead to selecting a highly qualified contractor more efficiently, thereby reducing risks of poor performance or delays that could ultimately cost more. The key is that the exclusions are rational and not arbitrary.

What is the historical spending pattern for architectural services by the National Park Service in Utah?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for architectural services by the National Park Service (NPS) in Utah would require a deep dive into federal procurement databases over several fiscal years. This would involve filtering awards by agency (NPS), geographic location (Utah), and service category (architectural, engineering, design). Such an analysis could reveal trends in contract values, types of projects undertaken (e.g., visitor centers, trails, historic preservation), and the average number of bids received. Without this specific data, it's impossible to contextualize the current $233K award within Utah's NPS spending history for similar services.

What are the implications of the 672-day duration for project completion and potential cost impacts?

A duration of 672 days (approximately 22.4 months) indicates a substantial project scope, likely encompassing detailed design, permitting, and potentially some pre-construction activities. For taxpayers, a longer duration can sometimes correlate with higher indirect costs if not managed efficiently, but it also allows for thorough planning and execution, potentially reducing errors and rework. The firm fixed-price nature means the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns due to extended timelines, provided the delay isn't caused by government actions or unforeseen circumstances explicitly covered. This duration suggests a comprehensive approach to the expansion.

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: 9 PIER STE 107, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94111

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $233,637

Exercised Options: $233,637

Current Obligation: $233,637

Actual Outlays: $222,056

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140P1220D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline