Terra Site Constructors LLC Awarded $10.7M Meridian Hill Fountain Project by National Park Service

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,679,000 ($10.7M)

Contractor: Terra Site Constructors LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-12-11

End Date: 2026-05-18

Contract Duration: 158 days

Daily Burn Rate: $67.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: ROCR 338662 MERIDIAN HILL FOUNTAIN

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20009

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $10.7 million to TERRA SITE CONSTRUCTORS LLC for work described as: ROCR 338662 MERIDIAN HILL FOUNTAIN Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in historical landmark preservation and public space enhancement. 2. Competition dynamics for this project appear robust, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. The fixed-price contract structure mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Project duration is well-defined, allowing for clear performance monitoring. 5. This project aligns with the National Park Service's mission to maintain and improve national treasures. 6. The contract's focus on construction indicates a need for specialized commercial building expertise.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10.7 million for the Meridian Hill Fountain renovation appears reasonable given the scope of work, which involves significant structural and aesthetic restoration of a historic landmark. Benchmarking against similar large-scale public works projects, particularly those involving historical preservation and complex water features, suggests that the pricing is within an expected range. The firm fixed-price nature of the award provides cost certainty for the government, reducing the risk of unexpected expenditures. Further analysis would involve comparing specific labor and material costs to regional averages for similar construction activities.

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 broad, specific criteria or circumstances led to the exclusion of certain potential bidders. This suggests a deliberate selection process to ensure qualified and capable contractors were considered. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated, but the 'full and open' nature implies multiple entities had the opportunity to compete, which generally fosters competitive pricing and encourages contractors to offer their best value propositions. The specific exclusion criteria would need further investigation to fully understand the competition's breadth.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process, even with exclusions, generally leads to better value for taxpayers by driving down costs and ensuring the selection of a qualified contractor. This approach helps prevent overpayment and ensures the project is executed efficiently.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the residents and visitors of Washington D.C., who will gain access to a restored and functional historic fountain. The project will deliver critical infrastructure improvements to a significant public landmark, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. The geographic impact is localized to Meridian Hill Park in the District of Columbia. The project will likely create temporary employment opportunities for skilled construction workers, engineers, and project managers in the D.C. metropolitan area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen historical preservation challenges arise during construction.
Dependence on specialized materials and historical restoration techniques may impact timelines.
Coordination with park services and public access during construction requires careful management.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and limits financial risk.
Defined project duration (158 days) allows for clear performance tracking.
Award to a single contractor streamlines project management and accountability.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector, particularly commercial and institutional building, is a vital part of the U.S. economy. This contract falls within the specialized niche of historical landmark restoration and public works. The market for such projects often involves a mix of large general contractors and smaller, specialized firms focusing on preservation. Spending benchmarks for similar fountain restoration projects can vary widely based on complexity, historical significance, and location, but projects in the multi-million dollar range are typical for substantial renovations of iconic public structures.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate a specific small business set-aside. The award to Terra Site Constructors LLC, a single entity, suggests it may not have been specifically targeted for small business participation through set-asides. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services, which would be a positive outcome for the small business ecosystem. Further review of subcontracting plans would be necessary to assess the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the National Park Service, likely through designated contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver the specified work within the agreed-upon budget and timeline. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Capital Investments
Historic Preservation Fund
Public Works and Infrastructure Projects
Federal Building and Facilities Construction

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen historical preservation issues
Complexity of water feature systems
Coordination with public access during construction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $10.7 million to TERRA SITE CONSTRUCTORS LLC. ROCR 338662 MERIDIAN HILL FOUNTAIN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TERRA SITE CONSTRUCTORS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-11. End: 2026-05-18.

What is the track record of Terra Site Constructors LLC on similar federal projects?

Terra Site Constructors LLC has a history of performing construction services for federal agencies. While specific details on past fountain restoration projects are not immediately available in this summary, their experience in commercial and institutional building construction suggests a foundational capability. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues on previous federal contracts, would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and expertise for this specific type of project. Examining their portfolio for projects of similar scale and complexity, particularly those involving historical elements or water features, is crucial for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or previous similar projects?

The awarded amount of $10.7 million for the Meridian Hill Fountain renovation is a significant figure, typical for large-scale public infrastructure and historical preservation projects. Without access to the government's initial cost estimate or data on previous, directly comparable fountain restoration projects, a precise value-for-money comparison is challenging. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition suggests that the price was deemed competitive and reasonable by the contracting agency. Benchmarking against other significant park infrastructure projects or historical landmark restorations in major metropolitan areas could provide a broader context for assessing the value.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential unforeseen challenges during the restoration of a historic structure, which could lead to scope creep or delays. The complexity of fountain systems, including intricate plumbing, structural integrity of basins, and historical material preservation, presents technical risks. Additionally, managing public access to a popular park area during construction requires careful planning and execution to minimize disruption and ensure safety. The firm fixed-price nature, while beneficial for cost control, shifts the risk of cost overruns due to unforeseen issues to the contractor, which could incentivize shortcuts if not closely monitored.

How effective is the National Park Service in managing large construction contracts?

The National Park Service (NPS) has extensive experience managing a wide range of construction and preservation projects across diverse historical and natural sites. Their effectiveness is generally considered good, supported by established procurement processes, project management guidelines, and dedicated staff. However, like any large organization, effectiveness can vary depending on the specific project's complexity, funding levels, and the availability of specialized expertise. The NPS often relies on external experts and rigorous oversight to ensure projects meet historical preservation standards and construction quality requirements. The success of this Meridian Hill Fountain project will depend on diligent oversight and adherence to NPS protocols.

What is the historical spending trend for fountain maintenance and restoration by the National Park Service?

Historical spending trends for fountain maintenance and restoration by the National Park Service are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, it is understood that the NPS manages a vast portfolio of historic structures and landscapes, many of which include water features. Funding for such projects typically comes from congressional appropriations, capital investment budgets, and sometimes through specific grants or partnerships. Major restoration projects like the Meridian Hill Fountain are often undertaken periodically, reflecting the lifecycle of infrastructure and the need for preservation. Annual spending can fluctuate significantly based on identified needs, available funding, and the prioritization of projects across the national park system.

What does the 'after exclusion of sources' clause imply for competition?

The 'after exclusion of sources' clause in a 'Full and Open Competition' award indicates that while the solicitation was broadly advertised and intended to allow all responsible sources to compete, certain potential bidders were identified and excluded prior to or during the solicitation process. This exclusion is typically based on specific criteria outlined in the solicitation, such as demonstrated technical capability, past performance, security requirements, or other qualifications deemed essential for the project's success. It implies that the agency had a reason to believe that only a subset of potential offerors could meet the stringent requirements, aiming to ensure a higher quality outcome by focusing on pre-vetted or highly qualified entities. This can sometimes limit the breadth of competition compared to a truly unrestricted solicitation.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 900 SHENANDOAH SHORES RD, FRONT ROYAL, VA, 22630

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,679,000

Exercised Options: $10,679,000

Current Obligation: $10,679,000

Actual Outlays: $2,881,485

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140FGA23D0141

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline