VA's $16.2M Granite Repair Contract Awarded to Hamilton Pacific Chamberlain LLC for Building Safety

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,207,234 ($16.2M)

Contractor: Hamilton Pacific Chamberlain LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2026-03-22

Contract Duration: 538 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: PROJECT#512-23-901 EXTERIOR GRANITE REPAIR CONSTRUCTION. PROJECT WILL ADDRESS AGING AND SAFETY CONCERNS OF EXTERIOR BUILDING.

Place of Performance

Location: BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE CITY County, MARYLAND, 21201

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $16.2 million to HAMILTON PACIFIC CHAMBERLAIN LLC for work described as: PROJECT#512-23-901 EXTERIOR GRANITE REPAIR CONSTRUCTION. PROJECT WILL ADDRESS AGING AND SAFETY CONCERNS OF EXTERIOR BUILDING. Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical aging and safety concerns of the exterior building. 2. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 3. A single award was made, indicating a focused selection process. 4. The contract duration spans over 1.5 years, suggesting a substantial scope of work. 5. The project is categorized under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. 6. The award is for a definitive contract, often used for specific, well-defined requirements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $16.2 million for exterior granite repair appears reasonable for a project of this scale and duration, addressing significant safety concerns. Benchmarking against similar large-scale building envelope repair projects for federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control, assuming the scope is well-defined and the contractor's bid reflects realistic costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which suggests that while competition was sought, certain sources may have been excluded based on specific criteria or prior determinations. The presence of two bidders indicates some level of competition, but the exclusion of other potential sources warrants further investigation to ensure maximum price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition, even after an initial open phase, may have resulted in a higher price than if a broader range of qualified contractors had been able to bid without exclusions. Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process, but the specific nature of this exclusion could impact the final cost.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the users and occupants of the Department of Veterans Affairs facility, ensuring a safe and well-maintained environment. The contract delivers essential construction services focused on structural integrity and aesthetic preservation of the building's exterior. The geographic impact is localized to the specific VA facility in Maryland (MD). The project will likely involve skilled construction labor, potentially creating or sustaining jobs in the local Maryland area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if the scope of 'aging and safety concerns' is broader than initially defined.
Risk associated with the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition phase, potentially limiting competitive pricing.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical safety-related repair project.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost uncertainty for the government.
The project directly addresses critical safety concerns, indicating a proactive approach to facility maintenance.
The contract is awarded to a specific entity, suggesting a thorough vetting process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the broader construction industry. Federal agencies, particularly those with large infrastructure portfolios like the VA, frequently engage in contracts for building maintenance, repair, and upgrades. Spending in this sector is driven by the need to maintain aging federal facilities, ensure safety compliance, and modernize infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale exterior repair or renovation projects awarded by federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside consideration for this specific contract. This suggests the contract was likely awarded based on technical qualifications and price, rather than a specific small business goal. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could be a missed opportunity to engage the small business ecosystem in this significant project.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officer and program management. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver the specified repairs within the agreed-upon cost. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, though detailed project progress reports may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance and Repair
Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Management
Construction Services for Federal Facilities
Infrastructure Modernization Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep due to 'aging and safety concerns'.
Limited competition may impact price discovery.
Contract duration could expose project to inflation risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $16.2 million to HAMILTON PACIFIC CHAMBERLAIN LLC. PROJECT#512-23-901 EXTERIOR GRANITE REPAIR CONSTRUCTION. PROJECT WILL ADDRESS AGING AND SAFETY CONCERNS OF EXTERIOR BUILDING.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HAMILTON PACIFIC CHAMBERLAIN LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2026-03-22.

What is the track record of Hamilton Pacific Chamberlain LLC in performing similar large-scale exterior repair and construction projects for federal agencies?

Hamilton Pacific Chamberlain LLC's track record in performing similar large-scale exterior repair and construction projects for federal agencies is a critical factor in assessing the risk and potential success of PROJECT#512-23-901. A review of their past performance, particularly contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs or other departments managing significant building portfolios, would reveal their experience with projects of comparable scope, complexity, and value. Key indicators to examine include on-time and on-budget completion rates, quality of work, safety records, and any history of disputes or contract modifications. Positive past performance suggests a lower risk of project delays or cost overruns, while a history of issues might warrant closer monitoring or additional risk mitigation strategies.

How does the $16.2 million contract value compare to similar exterior granite repair projects for federal buildings of comparable size and age?

Benchmarking the $16.2 million contract value against similar exterior granite repair projects for federal buildings of comparable size and age is essential for evaluating value for money. This comparison should consider factors such as the square footage of the area to be repaired, the severity of the damage, the specific type of granite and repair techniques required, and the prevailing labor and material costs in the project's geographic location (Maryland). If data from similar VA or General Services Administration (GSA) projects are available, they can provide a strong reference point. A significantly higher cost per square foot or per unit of repair compared to benchmarks could indicate potential overpricing or scope creep, while a cost within or below the benchmark range would suggest a more competitive and reasonable award.

What specific risks are associated with the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' procurement method used for this contract?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' procurement method introduces specific risks. While it aims for broad competition initially, the subsequent exclusion of certain sources can limit the pool of potential bidders. This limitation might reduce the overall competitiveness of the bids received, potentially leading to higher prices than if all qualified sources were allowed to compete. The risk lies in whether the exclusion was justified and if it inadvertently prevented the government from obtaining the best possible value. Transparency regarding the reasons for exclusion is crucial. If the exclusion was based on overly narrow criteria or was not well-documented, it could raise concerns about fairness and optimal resource utilization for taxpayers.

What are the potential implications of the 538-day contract duration on project management and cost control for this granite repair project?

The 538-day contract duration (approximately 1.78 years) for the exterior granite repair project has several implications for project management and cost control. A longer duration can increase the risk of cost escalation due to inflation in material prices and labor rates over time, even with a firm-fixed-price contract, if contingencies were not adequately factored in. It also extends the period during which unforeseen issues, such as weather delays or discovery of additional damage, can arise and potentially impact the project timeline and final cost. Effective project management will be crucial to maintain progress, manage risks, and ensure the contractor adheres to the schedule and quality standards throughout this extended period. Conversely, a longer duration might be necessary to accommodate complex repairs or phased work to minimize disruption to facility operations.

How does the categorization of this contract under 'Commercial and Institutional Building Construction' align with typical federal spending patterns for facility maintenance?

This contract's categorization under 'Commercial and Institutional Building Construction' aligns well with typical federal spending patterns for facility maintenance and repair. Federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, manage vast portfolios of buildings that require ongoing upkeep, modernization, and safety upgrades. Spending in this category is a consistent and necessary component of federal operations to ensure the functionality, safety, and longevity of government infrastructure. Projects like exterior granite repair are common within this classification, addressing both structural integrity and aesthetic concerns. The scale of this $16.2 million contract is substantial, reflecting the significant investment required for major repairs on large institutional facilities, which is characteristic of federal spending in this sector.

What are the potential workforce implications, both in terms of job creation and skill requirements, for this $16.2 million construction project in Maryland?

This $16.2 million construction project is likely to have positive workforce implications, particularly within the Maryland region where the VA facility is located. The project will necessitate the employment of skilled tradespeople, including masons, general laborers, construction supervisors, and potentially project managers and safety officers. The duration of 538 days suggests a sustained need for this workforce, contributing to local employment and economic activity. The specific skill requirements will focus on expertise in granite repair, masonry, building envelope systems, and potentially specialized techniques for working with historic or sensitive building materials. The demand for these specialized skills could also spur training and development opportunities within the local construction sector.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 36C24524R0037

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14 IRONGATE DR, WALDORF, MD, 20602

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,207,234

Exercised Options: $16,207,234

Current Obligation: $16,207,234

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline