FBI awards $17.1M for Redstone Arsenal design services, highlighting architectural expertise

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,130,590 ($17.1M)

Contractor: Tetra Tech/Mason & Hanger Joint Venture

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2022-06-03

End Date: 2028-05-19

Contract Duration: 2,177 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE PRACTICAL PROBLEM VENUE ZONES AT REDSTONE ARSENAL

Place of Performance

Location: ANN ARBOR, WASHTENAW County, MICHIGAN, 48108

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $17.1 million to TETRA TECH/MASON & HANGER JOINT VENTURE for work described as: DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE PRACTICAL PROBLEM VENUE ZONES AT REDSTONE ARSENAL Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized design services, indicating a need for expert architectural input. 2. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests predictable costs for the government. 3. A full and open competition was utilized, implying a broad search for qualified bidders. 4. The contract duration of nearly six years points to a long-term project requirement. 5. The award value falls within a moderate range for specialized architectural services. 6. The project is situated at Redstone Arsenal, a significant federal facility.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.1 million for architectural design services appears reasonable given the project's scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale federal design contracts, this award is within expected parameters. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost certainty for the FBI. Without specific per-unit cost data, a direct value-for-money assessment is limited, but the competitive nature of the award suggests a fair market price was likely achieved.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that the FBI sought proposals from all responsible sources. The presence of 4 bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this specialized architectural service. This competitive process is designed to ensure the government receives the best possible value by encouraging multiple firms to offer their best pricing and technical solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that drives down costs and ensures that the selected firm offers the most advantageous solution for the government's needs.

Public Impact

The FBI benefits from specialized design services for critical infrastructure at Redstone Arsenal. Architectural and design services will be delivered to support the Practical Problem Venue Zones. The geographic impact is concentrated at Redstone Arsenal, a key federal installation. The project will likely involve a workforce of architects, engineers, and design professionals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term design projects if not managed tightly.
Reliance on a single joint venture for critical design elements could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Long-term contract duration allows for sustained focus and development of expertise.

Sector Analysis

The architectural services sector is a critical component of federal infrastructure development and maintenance. This contract falls under the broader construction and engineering services market, which is substantial in federal spending. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541310 for Architectural Services represents firms specializing in the design of buildings and other structures. Federal agencies frequently procure these services for new construction, renovations, and specialized facility needs, with spending often benchmarked against private sector rates and historical government expenditures.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee is a joint venture, suggesting a focus on larger, established firms with the capacity for complex projects. There is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting requirements in the provided data. The absence of a small business set-aside means opportunities for smaller firms in this specific procurement are limited, though they may participate as subcontractors if opportunities arise.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Justice, specifically the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which has established oversight mechanisms for its procurements. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov. Further oversight would typically involve contract performance reviews, milestone tracking, and potentially the involvement of an Inspector General if performance issues or irregularities arise.

Related Government Programs

Redstone Arsenal Infrastructure Projects
Federal Bureau of Investigation Facilities Management
Department of Defense Design and Engineering Services
Architectural and Engineering Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration requires sustained oversight.
Joint venture structure necessitates monitoring of partner collaboration and performance.
Specialized nature of 'Practical Problem Venue Zones' may present unique design challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $17.1 million to TETRA TECH/MASON & HANGER JOINT VENTURE. DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE PRACTICAL PROBLEM VENUE ZONES AT REDSTONE ARSENAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TETRA TECH/MASON & HANGER JOINT VENTURE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-06-03. End: 2028-05-19.

What is the historical spending pattern for architectural services at Redstone Arsenal?

Analyzing historical spending for architectural services specifically at Redstone Arsenal requires access to detailed federal procurement data beyond this single contract. However, federal installations like Redstone Arsenal, which host multiple agencies and extensive operations, typically have consistent needs for design and engineering services. Spending patterns are influenced by infrastructure upgrades, new facility construction, and maintenance requirements. Agencies often issue multiple task orders or smaller contracts over time for various design needs, rather than a single large contract. Benchmarking against similar-sized military or federal research facilities can provide context for the scale of typical architectural service expenditures.

How does the $17.1 million award compare to other FBI architectural service contracts?

Comparing this $17.1 million award to other FBI architectural service contracts requires a review of historical FBI procurement data. The FBI, like other large federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, invests significantly in its facilities, including design and construction services. Awards of this magnitude are not uncommon for major projects, such as new field offices, training facilities, or specialized operational centers. The specific nature of the 'Practical Problem Venue Zones' at Redstone Arsenal suggests a specialized requirement, which can influence contract value. A comprehensive comparison would involve analyzing the scope, duration, and complexity of other FBI architectural contracts over the past several years.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract?

While specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not detailed in the provided data, typical KPIs for architectural design services contracts include adherence to design schedules, quality of design deliverables (e.g., accuracy, completeness, compliance with codes and standards), responsiveness to government feedback, and effective cost management within the firm fixed-price structure. The FBI would likely monitor the timely submission of design phases, the number of revisions required, and the overall satisfaction with the proposed solutions. Successful completion of design milestones and final approval of construction documents would be critical performance measures.

What is the risk associated with the joint venture as the awardee?

The primary risk associated with a joint venture awardee is the potential for internal disagreements or performance issues stemming from the partnership. However, joint ventures are often formed specifically to pool resources and expertise, enhancing a firm's capability to undertake large, complex projects like this. The FBI would have vetted the joint venture's capabilities and past performance during the full and open competition. Risks can be mitigated through clear contractual terms, defined roles and responsibilities for each partner, and robust government oversight of the joint venture's performance throughout the contract duration.

What is the estimated cost per square foot or per design element?

The provided data does not include specific details on the scope of work in terms of square footage or discrete design elements, making it impossible to calculate a precise cost per square foot or per design element. The contract is for 'design services for the Practical Problem Venue Zones,' which implies a specialized functional design rather than a standard building. To estimate such costs, one would need detailed architectural plans, specifications, and the total area or number of distinct zones being designed. Benchmarking would require comparing similar specialized functional design projects.

What is the potential impact on future construction contracts at Redstone Arsenal?

The design services provided under this contract are foundational for any subsequent construction work at the Practical Problem Venue Zones. The quality and completeness of the design will directly influence the efficiency, cost, and timeline of future construction phases. A well-executed design can streamline the bidding process for construction contracts, reduce change orders during building, and ensure the final facility meets its intended operational requirements. Conversely, design flaws or delays could lead to increased construction costs and schedule overruns.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Tetra Tech, Inc.

Address: 1005 RIVER ST STE 2, PORT HURON, MI, 48060

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,130,590

Exercised Options: $17,130,590

Current Obligation: $17,130,590

Actual Outlays: $15,155,416

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06719D0001026

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline