Interior Department awards $2.8M contract for Cumberland Island historic grange rehabilitation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,808,749 ($2.8M)

Contractor: Ajce Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2026-05-11

Contract Duration: 588 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CUIS 258139 - REHABILITATION OF HISTORIC GRANGE AT CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE IN SAINT MARY'S, GEORGIA

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT MARYS, CAMDEN County, GEORGIA, 31558

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $2.8 million to AJCE CORPORATION for work described as: CUIS 258139 - REHABILITATION OF HISTORIC GRANGE AT CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE IN SAINT MARY'S, GEORGIA Key points: 1. Contract aims to preserve a historic structure, offering long-term cultural value. 2. The project involves construction services for a specific historical building. 3. Competition was open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 4. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 5. The contract duration is substantial, indicating a complex rehabilitation effort. 6. Geographic focus on Georgia may have implications for local construction firms.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $2.8 million for the rehabilitation of a historic grange appears reasonable given the scope of work, which includes comprehensive construction services for a significant historical structure. Benchmarking against similar historic building restoration projects indicates that costs can vary widely based on the building's condition and the complexity of the required work. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost predictability, which is a positive indicator for value. Without specific details on the condition of the grange or the exact scope of rehabilitation, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the award seems aligned with typical project costs for such endeavors.

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 while the competition was generally open, certain sources may have been excluded based on specific criteria. With four bidders participating, the level of competition appears moderate. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing. The exclusion of sources, if applied broadly, could potentially limit the range of bids received and may warrant further investigation into the justification for such exclusions to ensure maximum taxpayer benefit.

Taxpayer Impact: The moderate competition suggests that taxpayers may not have received the absolute lowest possible price, but the open nature of the competition still provides a degree of price discovery and prevents excessive costs.

Public Impact

Preserves a significant historic structure at Cumberland Island National Seashore. Enhances the cultural and historical tourism appeal of the National Park. Supports the preservation of Georgia's historical architectural heritage. Likely to create employment opportunities for skilled construction and trade workers in the region. Ensures the long-term viability and accessibility of a key park feature for visitors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen structural issues are discovered during rehabilitation.
Risk of delays due to the historic nature of the building and potential preservation requirements.
Dependence on specialized labor for historic restoration techniques.
Geographic isolation of Cumberland Island could impact logistics and material delivery.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
The National Park Service has experience managing complex preservation projects.
The contract duration allows for thorough and careful execution of rehabilitation work.
Award to AJCE Corporation suggests they have the necessary qualifications for this type of project.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a broad category encompassing the building, alteration, and repair of non-residential structures. This specific project focuses on historic preservation, a niche within construction that requires specialized expertise. The market for historic rehabilitation is often driven by government funding for cultural heritage sites and private sector investment in landmark properties. Comparable spending benchmarks for historic building renovations can vary significantly based on the building's size, condition, and the historical significance, but projects in the multi-million dollar range are common for substantial restorations.

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 means that the prime contractor, AJCE Corporation, has the discretion to subcontract portions of the work. The impact on the small business ecosystem will depend on AJCE Corporation's subcontracting practices. If they actively seek out and engage small businesses for specialized services or materials, it could provide opportunities. However, without explicit set-aside or subcontracting goals, there's no guarantee of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the National Park Service, an agency within the Department of the Interior. Standard contract oversight mechanisms, including progress reviews, site inspections, and financial audits, are expected to be in place. Accountability will be ensured through adherence to the contract terms, performance milestones, and the firm fixed-price structure. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases and public reporting, though specific project details might be limited. The Inspector General for the Department of the Interior would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund
Cumberland Island National Seashore Operations
Federal Historic Preservation Programs
Historic Building Rehabilitation Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen conditions in historic structures
Logistical challenges due to remote island location
Need for specialized labor and materials for historic preservation
Compliance with strict historical preservation guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $2.8 million to AJCE CORPORATION. CUIS 258139 - REHABILITATION OF HISTORIC GRANGE AT CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE IN SAINT MARY'S, GEORGIA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AJCE CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2026-05-11.

What is the track record of AJCE Corporation in completing similar historic rehabilitation projects for federal agencies?

Assessing AJCE Corporation's track record requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving historic preservation or complex building rehabilitation. Information on past performance can often be found in federal databases like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). A review would look for indicators of timely completion, adherence to budget, quality of work, and any history of disputes or contract modifications. Without direct access to CPARS data or a detailed project history for AJCE Corporation, it is difficult to definitively assess their suitability for this specific historic rehabilitation. However, the award itself suggests they met the minimum qualifications and demonstrated capability to perform the required services.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or budget for this rehabilitation project?

The provided data indicates an award amount of $2,808,748.72. To assess value for money, this figure needs to be compared against the government's independent government cost estimate (IGCE) or the agency's allocated budget for this project. If the award is significantly below the IGCE, it could indicate a favorable negotiation or competitive pricing. Conversely, if it's close to or exceeds the estimate, it might warrant further scrutiny. The absence of the IGCE in the provided data makes a direct comparison impossible. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition suggests the price was deemed acceptable by the contracting officer.

What are the primary risks associated with rehabilitating a historic structure like the grange at Cumberland Island?

Rehabilitating historic structures inherently carries several risks. These include the potential discovery of unforeseen structural issues, hazardous materials (like asbestos or lead paint), or undocumented architectural features that require special handling. The unique nature of historic buildings often means that standard construction methods may not apply, necessitating specialized labor and materials, which can increase costs and timelines. Furthermore, Cumberland Island's remote location presents logistical challenges for material delivery and workforce access, potentially leading to delays and increased expenses. Compliance with strict historical preservation guidelines adds another layer of complexity, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure the integrity of the original structure is maintained.

What is the expected impact of this rehabilitation on visitor access and experience at Cumberland Island National Seashore?

The rehabilitation of the historic grange is expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience at Cumberland Island National Seashore by preserving a key historical asset. Once restored, the grange will likely be accessible to the public, offering insights into the island's past and serving as an educational resource. Improved accessibility and interpretation of the grange could draw more visitors interested in history and culture, potentially increasing overall park visitation. The project aims to ensure the long-term structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the grange, making it a more engaging and safe destination for park patrons. This preservation effort contributes to the National Park Service's mission of protecting and interpreting cultural resources for future generations.

How does this contract fit into the broader context of federal spending on historic preservation and national park maintenance?

This contract for the rehabilitation of the historic grange at Cumberland Island National Seashore is part of the broader federal commitment to preserving national treasures and maintaining park infrastructure. Federal agencies, particularly the National Park Service, allocate funds annually for the upkeep and restoration of historic sites across the country. Spending in this area is often driven by legislative mandates, the condition of historic assets, and the desire to enhance visitor experiences and educational opportunities. While $2.8 million is a significant sum for a single project, it represents a portion of the overall federal budget dedicated to historic preservation, which also includes funding for archaeological surveys, documentation, and adaptive reuse projects at various federal lands and historic properties nationwide.

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: 140P2024R0143

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8570 SW 127TH ST, CORAL GABLES, FL, 33156

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,808,749

Exercised Options: $2,808,749

Current Obligation: $2,808,749

Actual Outlays: $1,204,313

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline