Interior Department awards $21.5M for Easton Building repairs, highlighting infrastructure needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,520,256 ($21.5M)

Contractor: Stone & Lime Imports, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2022-01-03

End Date: 2025-10-15

Contract Duration: 1,381 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.6K/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: BOST 249576 & 220968, REPLACE STEAM HEAT AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & REPAIR EXTERIOR STRUCTURE AND FACADE OF EASTON BUILDING

Place of Performance

Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02109

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $21.5 million to STONE & LIME IMPORTS, INC for work described as: BOST 249576 & 220968, REPLACE STEAM HEAT AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & REPAIR EXTERIOR STRUCTURE AND FACADE OF EASTON BUILDING Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical infrastructure at Easton Building, focusing on steam heat and exterior repairs. 2. The firm fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs for the government. 3. Competition was open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing, though specific bidder numbers are not detailed. 4. The project duration spans over three years, indicating a significant scope of work. 5. This award aligns with broader federal efforts to maintain and modernize aging government facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $21.5 million for comprehensive building repairs and system replacement appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale federal building renovation projects suggests that costs are within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty, which is a positive indicator for value. Further analysis would require detailed breakdowns of the work performed and comparison to specific construction cost indices for the region.

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 agency sought bids from all responsible sources but may have excluded certain entities for specific reasons. While the exact number of bidders is not provided, this competition type generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the best value. The exclusion of sources warrants further investigation to understand its impact on the competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple firms to offer their best pricing and technical solutions, potentially leading to cost savings and a higher quality outcome.

Public Impact

The National Park Service benefits from the preservation of a key facility, ensuring its continued operational capacity. Services delivered include critical infrastructure upgrades (steam heat) and structural repairs (exterior facade). The geographic impact is localized to the Easton Building's location in Massachusetts. The project will likely involve construction labor, supporting jobs in the skilled trades sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition type requires clarification to ensure no undue restrictions limited bidder participation.
The long project duration (over 3 years) increases the risk of cost overruns or scope creep if not managed diligently.
Reliance on a single contractor for such a significant project necessitates robust oversight to ensure performance standards are met.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability and incentivizes the contractor to manage expenses efficiently.
The award to Stone & Lime Imports, Inc. suggests a contractor with demonstrated capability in commercial and institutional building construction.
The project addresses essential maintenance and upgrades, preventing further deterioration of a valuable federal asset.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the broader construction industry. Federal spending in this area is crucial for maintaining government infrastructure, including historical buildings and operational facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale renovation and repair contracts for federal buildings, considering factors like building age, size, and complexity of systems being replaced or repaired.

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 direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless the prime contractor actively engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the National Park Service's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified work within the agreed price. Transparency is facilitated by federal contract databases, though detailed performance reports are not publicly available. The Inspector General for the Department of the Interior would have jurisdiction for investigating fraud, waste, or abuse related to this award.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance and Repair
Historic Preservation Fund
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Projects
General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to unforeseen conditions.
Risk of project delays impacting facility operations.
Ensuring consistent quality over a multi-year project.
Adequacy of competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $21.5 million to STONE & LIME IMPORTS, INC. BOST 249576 & 220968, REPLACE STEAM HEAT AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & REPAIR EXTERIOR STRUCTURE AND FACADE OF EASTON BUILDING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STONE & LIME IMPORTS, 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 $21.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-01-03. End: 2025-10-15.

What is the track record of Stone & Lime Imports, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in large-scale building construction?

Stone & Lime Imports, Inc. has a history of federal contracting, primarily within the construction sector. While specific details on past performance for projects of this magnitude are not immediately available in the provided data snippet, their award for this $21.5 million contract suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance reviews, any disputes, and the types of projects undertaken, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Federal procurement data systems often contain ratings and past performance information that can shed light on their reliability and expertise in delivering similar complex construction projects on time and within budget.

How does the $21.5 million cost compare to similar federal building renovation projects in Massachusetts or the Northeast region?

Benchmarking the $21.5 million cost requires comparing it against similar federal building renovation projects in the Massachusetts or broader Northeast region, considering project scope, building size, age, and complexity. Projects involving the replacement of major systems like steam heat distribution and significant structural facade repairs are typically substantial undertakings. Without specific comparable project data, it's challenging to provide a precise benchmark. However, construction costs in the Northeast are generally higher than the national average. The firm fixed-price nature of this contract suggests an effort to contain costs, but a detailed cost breakdown and comparison with construction cost indices (e.g., ENR Construction Cost Index) for the relevant period and location would be needed for a definitive value assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with a multi-year contract for building infrastructure repair and replacement?

Multi-year contracts for building infrastructure repair and replacement carry several inherent risks. Firstly, there's the risk of cost escalation due to unforeseen site conditions, material price fluctuations (despite the fixed-price nature, some contingencies may exist or change orders could arise), or extended labor requirements. Secondly, project delays are common, stemming from weather, supply chain disruptions, or complexities discovered during the work, potentially impacting the operational continuity of the facility. Thirdly, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to specifications over a long duration requires diligent oversight and quality assurance processes. Finally, contractor performance degradation over time or changes in key personnel can pose a risk to project success. Robust project management, clear communication channels, and proactive risk mitigation strategies are essential to manage these challenges.

What is the expected impact of these repairs on the operational effectiveness and energy efficiency of the Easton Building?

The repairs are expected to significantly enhance the operational effectiveness and energy efficiency of the Easton Building. Replacing an aging steam heat and distribution system should lead to more reliable and consistent heating, reducing downtime and improving occupant comfort. Modernizing these systems often incorporates energy-efficient technologies, which can lead to substantial reductions in energy consumption and associated operational costs. Furthermore, repairing the exterior structure and facade will improve the building's thermal envelope, preventing heat loss and reducing the strain on the heating system. This comprehensive approach aims to extend the building's service life, improve its environmental performance, and ensure it can continue to serve its intended purpose effectively and sustainably.

How does this contract align with the National Park Service's broader asset management and preservation goals?

This contract directly aligns with the National Park Service's (NPS) asset management and preservation goals by addressing critical deferred maintenance and infrastructure deficiencies within a key facility. The NPS is responsible for managing a vast portfolio of historic and operational assets, many of which are aging and require significant investment to maintain their structural integrity and functionality. By investing in the steam heat system and exterior facade, the NPS is not only ensuring the immediate usability and safety of the Easton Building but also preserving its historical and architectural value for the long term. Such projects are crucial for fulfilling the NPS's mandate to protect and preserve park resources for future generations, preventing further deterioration that could lead to more costly repairs or loss of the asset.

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: 140P2021R0067

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 52 ALLEN ROAD, BROOKFIELD, MA, 01506

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,520,256

Exercised Options: $21,520,256

Current Obligation: $21,520,256

Actual Outlays: $21,520,256

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline