National Park Service awards $286K contract for architectural services to Strata Architecture Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $285,640 ($285.6K)

Contractor: Strata Architecture Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-09-25

End Date: 2027-02-26

Contract Duration: 884 days

Daily Burn Rate: $323/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GERO 329805 - N-166 PRESERVE MEMORIAL

Place of Performance

Location: KANSAS CITY, JACKSON County, MISSOURI, 64108

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $285,639.82 to STRATA ARCHITECTURE INC. for work described as: GERO 329805 - N-166 PRESERVE MEMORIAL Key points: 1. Contract awarded for architectural services, indicating a need for design and planning expertise. 2. The contract duration of 884 days suggests a significant project scope. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. The award was made under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, implying a competitive process. 5. The geographic location in Missouri may indicate a specific park or facility requiring renovation or new construction. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541310 confirms the focus on architectural services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $285,639.82 for architectural services appears reasonable given the 884-day duration. Without specific deliverables or project scope details, a direct comparison is challenging. However, for a project of this length, the cost per day is approximately $323. This falls within a typical range for specialized architectural consulting services, especially for government projects which often involve extensive documentation and compliance requirements. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract further supports value by establishing a clear ceiling.

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 competition was intended to be broad, specific sources may have been excluded based on predefined criteria. The presence of 'full and open' suggests multiple bidders were likely considered, leading to a competitive environment. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but the designation implies a robust process aimed at achieving fair market prices.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing architectural services at a fair market price, preventing potential overcharges and encouraging efficiency from the winning bidder.

Public Impact

The National Park Service will benefit from specialized architectural expertise to plan and design facilities or improvements. The services delivered will likely involve architectural design, planning, and potentially oversight for a specific project. The geographic impact is localized to Missouri, where the project is situated. The contract supports the architecture and design industry by engaging a professional services firm.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if project requirements are not clearly defined upfront.
Dependence on the contractor's ability to meet project timelines and quality standards.
Risk of unforeseen site conditions impacting design and cost.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process.
Award to a specialized firm indicates access to relevant expertise.

Sector Analysis

The architectural services sector is a critical component of the construction and public works industry. This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services category, specifically focusing on architectural design. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. Government contracts often require adherence to specific building codes, environmental regulations, and accessibility standards, which can influence pricing and project complexity. Benchmarking against similar government architectural contracts would typically consider project type (e.g., new construction, renovation, historic preservation), size, and location.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a firm that met the criteria for the full and open competition, and the scale or nature of the services may not have been specifically tailored for small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if the prime contractor has a history of subcontracting with small businesses on other projects.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Park Service contracting officer and project managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver services within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Facility Management
Architectural and Engineering Services
Federal Building Design and Construction

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion criteria.
Performance risk associated with contractor delivery.
Scope definition clarity is crucial for fixed-price contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $285,639.82 to STRATA ARCHITECTURE INC.. GERO 329805 - N-166 PRESERVE MEMORIAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STRATA ARCHITECTURE 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 $285,639.82.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-25. End: 2027-02-26.

What specific project is this contract for within the National Park Service in Missouri?

The contract, GERO 329805 - N-166 PRESERVE MEMORIAL, awarded to STRATA ARCHITECTURE INC., is for architectural services. While the specific project name 'PRESERVE MEMORIAL' suggests a focus on a memorial site, the exact location and scope within Missouri are not detailed in the provided data. It could pertain to the design of a new memorial, the preservation or renovation of an existing one, or related visitor facilities. Further investigation into the National Park Service's project portfolio in Missouri would be required to pinpoint the exact nature and location of the work.

How does the $285,639.82 contract value compare to similar architectural services contracts for the National Park Service?

Comparing the $285,639.82 contract value requires context on the specific architectural services rendered and the project's complexity. For a project spanning 884 days (approximately 2.4 years), this value suggests a moderate scope. The National Park Service often engages in a wide range of architectural projects, from small-scale renovations to large new visitor centers. Without knowing if this is for design, planning, construction oversight, or a combination, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, for specialized architectural consulting on a project of this duration, the price appears within a reasonable range, especially considering the firm fixed-price nature which caps the government's expenditure.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract for architectural services?

Potential risks for this architectural services contract include scope creep, where the project's requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, potentially leading to cost overruns or delays, although the firm fixed-price structure mitigates direct cost increases. Another risk is the contractor's performance; if Strata Architecture Inc. fails to deliver quality designs or meet deadlines, it could impact subsequent construction phases and the overall project timeline. Unforeseen site conditions or regulatory changes during the design process could also necessitate modifications, adding complexity and potentially impacting the schedule. Finally, reliance on a single firm for critical design elements introduces a performance risk.

What is the track record of STRATA ARCHITECTURE INC. with federal contracts?

Information on STRATA ARCHITECTURE INC.'s track record with federal contracts is not provided in the given data snippet. To assess their performance history, one would typically need to consult federal procurement databases such as SAM.gov or FPDS. These databases would reveal past contract awards, performance evaluations, and any history of disputes or contract terminations. A review of their past federal work, particularly with agencies like the National Park Service or other departments involved in design and construction, would be crucial for understanding their reliability and expertise in fulfilling government requirements.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' procurement method impact price discovery?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method aims to balance broad competition with specific requirements. It implies that the initial solicitation was open to all responsible sources, but certain entities were subsequently excluded based on predefined criteria (e.g., specific technical capabilities, past performance, or security clearances). While this method still allows for multiple bidders, the exclusion of some potential sources could theoretically limit the number of competitive offers received. This might slightly reduce the downward pressure on pricing compared to a purely 'full and open' competition without exclusions, but it ensures that the bidders who remain are highly qualified for the specific needs of the project, potentially leading to better technical solutions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Architectural 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

Solicitation ID: 140P2024F0443

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1701 OAK ST # 100, KANSAS CITY, MO, 64108

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $285,640

Exercised Options: $285,640

Current Obligation: $285,640

Actual Outlays: $124,184

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140P2019D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline