Interior Department Awards $314K Contract for Sandstone Repointing at NPS Site

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $314,438 ($314.4K)

Contractor: Ajce Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-09-24

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 279 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: THIS PROJECT WILL COMPRISE OF SELECTIVE REPOINTING OF APPROXIMATELY 1,675 SQUARE FEET OF THE BUILDING'S EXTERIOR SANDSTONE WALLS AND FOUNDATION. WORK INCLUDES MANUALLY RAKING DETERIORATING LOOSE MORTAR JOINTS FROM THE WALL FACES, REMOVING MISMAT

Place of Performance

Location: FREDERICKSBURG, STAFFORD County, VIRGINIA, 22405

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $314,438 to AJCE CORPORATION for work described as: THIS PROJECT WILL COMPRISE OF SELECTIVE REPOINTING OF APPROXIMATELY 1,675 SQUARE FEET OF THE BUILDING'S EXTERIOR SANDSTONE WALLS AND FOUNDATION. WORK INCLUDES MANUALLY RAKING DETERIORATING LOOSE MORTAR JOINTS FROM THE WALL FACES, REMOVING MISMAT Key points: 1. The contract focuses on essential exterior masonry repair for approximately 1,675 sq ft. 2. AJCE Corporation is the contractor, with the National Park Service as the agency. 3. The contract is a firm-fixed-price definitive contract with a duration of 279 days. 4. The project addresses deterioration of sandstone walls and foundation, indicating a need for preservation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $314,438 for masonry repair of 1,675 sq ft appears reasonable given the specialized nature of sandstone repointing and the need for skilled labor. Benchmarking against similar historical preservation projects would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was not available for competition, suggesting a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost than if competitive bids were solicited.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this contract. The lack of competition may lead to a less optimal price, impacting the overall value for taxpayers.

Public Impact

Preservation of a historic building's exterior, maintaining its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Ensures the longevity of the sandstone structure, preventing further degradation and costly future repairs. Supports specialized trade skills in masonry and historical preservation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for inflated pricing due to sole-source award

Positive Signals

Addresses critical infrastructure maintenance
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction and maintenance sector, specifically focusing on historical building preservation. Spending benchmarks for similar masonry repair projects vary widely based on location, material condition, and historical significance.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is awarded by the Department of the Interior's National Park Service, suggesting standard federal procurement oversight. However, the sole-source nature warrants close monitoring of performance and cost.

Related Government Programs

Masonry Contractors
Department of the Interior Contracting
National Park Service Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns if not closely managed
Limited transparency on contractor selection
Dependence on a single contractor for critical repairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $314,438 to AJCE CORPORATION. THIS PROJECT WILL COMPRISE OF SELECTIVE REPOINTING OF APPROXIMATELY 1,675 SQUARE FEET OF THE BUILDING'S EXTERIOR SANDSTONE WALLS AND FOUNDATION. WORK INCLUDES MANUALLY RAKING DETERIORATING LOOSE MORTAR JOINTS FROM THE WALL FACES, REMOVING MISMAT

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 $314,438.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-24. End: 2026-06-30.

What specific criteria led to this contract being sole-sourced, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' implying a sole-source justification was made. Without further documentation, the specific criteria (e.g., unique capabilities, urgent need, lack of qualified sources) are unknown. Federal procurement regulations require agencies to justify sole-source awards, often involving market research to confirm the absence of competition.

How does the $314,438 cost compare to industry benchmarks for similar sandstone repointing projects of this scale?

Benchmarking this cost requires detailed comparison with similar projects, considering factors like geographic location, specific mortar types, labor rates, and the extent of deterioration. While $314,438 for 1,675 sq ft might seem high, specialized historical masonry work can command premium pricing due to the expertise required. A detailed cost breakdown and comparison with historical preservation databases would be necessary for a definitive assessment.

What are the long-term implications of this repair for the building's structural integrity and preservation goals?

This repointing project is crucial for preventing further water infiltration and material degradation, thereby safeguarding the building's structural integrity. By addressing deteriorating mortar joints, it extends the lifespan of the sandstone facade and foundation, aligning with the National Park Service's mission to preserve historical assets for future generations. Proper execution ensures the building remains stable and visually consistent with its historical context.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors › Masonry Contractors

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 140P5125C033

Offers Received: 1

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: $314,438

Exercised Options: $314,438

Current Obligation: $314,438

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline