State Department awards $16.6M contract for architectural services in Bangui, Central African Republic

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,631,841 ($16.6M)

Contractor: Marlon Blackwell Architects, P.A.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2019-09-22

End Date: 2026-09-23

Contract Duration: 2,558 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLIC DUE DILIGENCE/PROJECT DEVELOPMENT SURVEY

Place of Performance

Location: FAYETTEVILLE, WASHINGTON County, ARKANSAS, 72701

State: Arkansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $16.6 million to MARLON BLACKWELL ARCHITECTS, P.A. for work described as: BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLIC DUE DILIGENCE/PROJECT DEVELOPMENT SURVEY Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust market search. 2. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but requires careful scope management. 3. Long performance period of nearly 7 years may indicate complex or phased project requirements. 4. The contract's value is significant for architectural services in a challenging geographic location. 5. Focus on due diligence and project development survey highlights critical pre-construction planning. 6. Contractor's location in Arkansas for work in Central Africa Republic presents logistical considerations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its specific geographic focus and the nature of architectural services for due diligence and project development. The $16.6 million price tag over nearly seven years suggests a substantial undertaking. Without comparable projects in similar complex environments, assessing true value-for-money is difficult. The fixed-price nature provides cost certainty, but the long duration could expose the contractor to unforeseen risks or necessitate change orders if the scope evolves significantly.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple firms were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. This method is generally preferred for ensuring fair pricing and access to the best available services. The number of bidders is not specified, but the process itself suggests a competitive environment that should theoretically drive down costs and improve service quality.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective solution for essential architectural services, reducing the risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of State and potentially U.S. diplomatic missions in the Central African Republic, through improved infrastructure planning and development. Services delivered include crucial due diligence and project development surveys, essential for informed decision-making on construction or renovation projects. The geographic impact is concentrated in Bangui, Central African Republic, addressing specific needs in that region. Workforce implications may include the engagement of architects, surveyors, and potentially local support staff in the Central African Republic.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (nearly 7 years) increases the risk of scope creep and potential cost overruns if not managed meticulously.
Performing complex architectural services in a challenging geopolitical environment like the Central African Republic presents inherent logistical and security risks.
The fixed-price contract, while good for cost control, could lead to disputes if unforeseen site conditions or regulatory changes impact the project scope.
Limited public information on the contractor's specific experience with similar international due diligence projects raises questions about their preparedness for this unique assignment.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent procurement process.
The fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government, assuming the scope is well-defined.
The contract focuses on critical pre-construction phases (due diligence, project development), which is vital for successful project outcomes.
The contractor, Marlon Blackwell Architects, P.A., is a recognized firm, implying a baseline level of professional capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Architectural Services sector, a subset of the broader Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. The global market for architectural services is substantial, driven by infrastructure development, urban planning, and building projects. This specific contract, however, is niche due to its focus on due diligence and project development surveys in a challenging international location, rather than direct design or construction oversight. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more context on the specific nature and scale of the intended projects.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses. The contractor, Marlon Blackwell Architects, P.A., is a firm, but its size relative to small business definitions is not provided. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are possible, particularly for specialized support services or local labor in the Central African Republic, but this is not explicitly detailed in the award information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officer and relevant program managers within the Department of State. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award being publicly available, though detailed project progress and financial reporting are typically internal government documents. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Facilities Management
Overseas Buildings Operations
International Security Assistance Programs
Public Diplomacy Infrastructure Projects

Risk Flags

Geopolitical Risk
Logistical Challenges
Security Concerns
Long Performance Period Risk
Scope Definition Uncertainty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $16.6 million to MARLON BLACKWELL ARCHITECTS, P.A.. BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLIC DUE DILIGENCE/PROJECT DEVELOPMENT SURVEY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MARLON BLACKWELL ARCHITECTS, P.A..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-22. End: 2026-09-23.

What is the specific nature of the 'due diligence/project development survey' required under this contract, and what are the key deliverables?

The contract specifies 'DUE DILIGENCE/PROJECT DEVELOPMENT SURVEY' as the description of work. This typically involves a comprehensive assessment of a proposed project site or concept before significant investment. Key deliverables would likely include detailed site analyses (geotechnical, environmental, security), feasibility studies, risk assessments, preliminary cost estimations, regulatory compliance reviews, and recommendations for project viability and design direction. The exact scope and deliverables would be detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) attached to the contract, which is not publicly available in this data snippet. The long duration suggests these surveys might be extensive or cover multiple potential projects.

How does the $16.6 million contract value compare to typical architectural service contracts for similar international projects?

Direct comparison is difficult without knowing the specific scope and scale of the intended projects in Bangui. However, $16.6 million for architectural services, particularly for pre-construction phases like due diligence and development surveys over nearly seven years, is a substantial amount. Large-scale international infrastructure projects or embassy construction/renovation can command such figures. For context, major architectural firms often charge fees ranging from 5% to 15% of total construction costs. If this contract represents the planning phase for a multi-hundred-million-dollar facility, the value might be proportionate. However, if it's solely for surveys, it appears high, underscoring the need for detailed scope understanding.

What are the primary risks associated with executing architectural services in the Central African Republic, and how might they impact this contract?

Executing projects in the Central African Republic presents significant risks, including political instability, security concerns, underdeveloped infrastructure (transportation, communication, utilities), potential health hazards, and bureaucratic complexities. These factors can lead to project delays, increased security costs, difficulties in accessing materials and personnel, and potential safety incidents. For this contract, risks include challenges in conducting thorough site surveys, ensuring personnel safety, navigating local regulations, and maintaining consistent communication. The contractor must build contingency plans and potentially higher costs into their pricing to mitigate these risks, which could affect the overall value proposition if not managed effectively.

What is Marlon Blackwell Architects, P.A.'s track record with large, complex international government contracts, particularly in challenging environments?

Marlon Blackwell Architects, P.A. is a well-regarded architectural firm, known for its design excellence, particularly in academic and cultural institutions. While they have a strong portfolio of significant projects, information readily available in the public domain does not prominently feature extensive experience with large-scale, complex government contracts specifically in challenging geopolitical regions like the Central African Republic. Their expertise appears more focused on design and less on the intricate logistical and security demands of projects in such environments. Further due diligence on their past performance in similar contexts would be necessary to fully assess their capability for this specific contract's demands.

How has the Department of State's spending on architectural services evolved over the past five years, and does this contract align with historical patterns?

The Department of State, particularly through its Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), invests significantly in the design, construction, and renovation of its diplomatic facilities worldwide. Spending on architectural services is a critical component of these investments. Historical spending patterns show consistent, substantial allocations for planning, design, and project management, especially for new embassy compounds and major renovations in high-threat or developing regions. This $16.6 million contract for due diligence and project development surveys in Bangui aligns with the State Department's ongoing need to assess and plan for infrastructure improvements and new facilities in critical overseas locations, reflecting a pattern of strategic investment in its global presence.

What are the potential implications of the 'FIRM FIXED PRICE' contract type for the government and the contractor over the 7-year period?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract establishes a price that is not subject to adjustment based on the contractor's cost experience. For the government, this offers the highest level of cost certainty, as the total payment is known upfront, assuming the scope is met. It incentivizes the contractor to control costs efficiently. For the contractor, it carries the highest risk. If costs exceed the fixed price due to unforeseen issues, inefficiencies, or scope changes not formally incorporated via modification, the contractor absorbs the loss. Conversely, if they manage costs effectively, they achieve a higher profit margin. Over a 7-year period, the risk of unforeseen circumstances impacting costs is significant, making robust scope definition and change management crucial.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 42 E CENTER ST, FAYETTEVILLE, AR, 72701

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,631,841

Exercised Options: $16,631,841

Current Obligation: $16,631,841

Actual Outlays: $8,345,925

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 19AQMM19D0066

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline