GSA awards $43K task order for basement water main replacement at Ribicoff Federal Building

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $43,215 ($43.2K)

Contractor: Bbix LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2025-04-29

End Date: 2026-03-10

Contract Duration: 315 days

Daily Burn Rate: $137/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: TASK ORDER#47PB0025F0214 UNDER CONTRACT#47PB0025D0010 IS AWARDED TO BBIX IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,214.77. THE SCOPE OF WORK IS FOR PCCS SERVICES FOR THE BASEMENT WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT AT THE RIBICOFF FEDERAL BUILDING IN HARTFORD, CT.

Place of Performance

Location: HARTFORD, HARTFORD County, CONNECTICUT, 06103

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $43,214.77 to BBIX LLC for work described as: TASK ORDER#47PB0025F0214 UNDER CONTRACT#47PB0025D0010 IS AWARDED TO BBIX IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,214.77. THE SCOPE OF WORK IS FOR PCCS SERVICES FOR THE BASEMENT WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT AT THE RIBICOFF FEDERAL BUILDING IN HARTFORD, CT. Key points: 1. The contract value represents a modest investment for critical infrastructure repair. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The project duration is approximately 10 months, indicating a focused scope of work. 5. The services procured fall under engineering, a common need for federal building maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The task order value of $43,214.77 for water main replacement appears reasonable for a specific building component. Benchmarking against similar small-scale infrastructure repairs for federal buildings suggests this is within expected cost ranges. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, which is a positive indicator of value.

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 multiple bidders were likely considered. With 3 bids received, the competition level suggests a healthy market for these specialized engineering services. This level of competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process for this task order likely resulted in a fair market price, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently for essential building maintenance.

Public Impact

Federal employees and visitors at the Ribicoff Federal Building will benefit from improved building infrastructure and reduced risk of water damage. The project ensures the continued operational integrity of a key federal facility. The services delivered are essential for maintaining the safety and functionality of the building's plumbing system. The geographic impact is localized to Hartford, Connecticut, specifically the Ribicoff Federal Building.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions during excavation that could increase costs or delay the project.
Ensuring the selected contractor has adequate experience with federal building systems and compliance requirements.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive market for these services.
Specific task order under a larger contract vehicle allows for focused execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), which encompasses firms providing professional services in connection with the design, development, and implementation of engineering solutions. Federal spending in this sector is substantial, covering a wide range of infrastructure, defense, and civilian agency needs. This specific award is a small component of broader federal investments in building maintenance and modernization.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for them based on the limited information. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small business participation was mandated or occurred organically.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service is responsible for overseeing federal building operations and maintenance. Oversight for this task order would fall under their standard contract management procedures, ensuring compliance with the contract terms and performance expectations. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance
Infrastructure Modernization Projects
Public Buildings Service Contracts
Engineering Services Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions
Coordination with building operations during repairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $43,214.77 to BBIX LLC. TASK ORDER#47PB0025F0214 UNDER CONTRACT#47PB0025D0010 IS AWARDED TO BBIX IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,214.77. THE SCOPE OF WORK IS FOR PCCS SERVICES FOR THE BASEMENT WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT AT THE RIBICOFF FEDERAL BUILDING IN HARTFORD, CT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BBIX LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Public Buildings Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $43,214.77.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-29. End: 2026-03-10.

What is the track record of BBIX LLC in performing similar federal contracts, particularly for infrastructure repair?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to assess BBIX LLC's track record. Specifically, one would look for past performance evaluations on similar task orders or contracts, focusing on projects involving water main replacement, federal building infrastructure, or engineering services. Examining contract award history, including any past performance issues or commendations, would provide insight into their reliability and capability to execute this project successfully. Without specific past performance data, it's difficult to definitively assess their suitability beyond the competitive award process.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or budget for this specific water main replacement project?

The provided data does not include the estimated cost or budget for the basement water main replacement project. Therefore, a direct comparison to assess if the $43,214.77 award represents a cost savings or an overage against the initial estimate is not possible. Typically, agencies establish an independent government cost estimate (IGCE) before soliciting bids. Analyzing the relationship between the IGCE and the final award price is crucial for determining value for money. In the absence of the IGCE, we rely on the competitive nature of the award to infer a reasonable price.

What are the potential risks associated with a basement water main replacement project in an occupied federal building?

Potential risks include disruption to building occupants and operations, potential for water damage to building systems or contents if containment fails, unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., asbestos, utilities, soil stability) requiring scope changes, and the need for strict adherence to safety protocols and environmental regulations. For a federal building, additional risks involve security clearances for personnel, compliance with specific federal building codes, and minimizing impact on essential government functions. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract helps mitigate financial risks for the government, but operational and logistical risks remain.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar engineering services or infrastructure repairs at the Ribicoff Federal Building or other GSA facilities?

Historical spending data for the Ribicoff Federal Building or similar GSA facilities on engineering services and infrastructure repairs would provide valuable context. Analyzing past contracts for water main replacements, plumbing upgrades, or general building maintenance at comparable federal sites would help establish a benchmark. This analysis could reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the types of services procured. Understanding this historical spending pattern allows for a more robust assessment of whether the current $43,214.77 award is consistent with previous investments or represents a significant deviation, potentially indicating a change in scope, market conditions, or project complexity.

How does the duration of the contract (315 days) align with the typical timeframe for such infrastructure repair projects?

A contract duration of 315 days (approximately 10.5 months) for a basement water main replacement project at a federal building seems reasonable, considering the potential complexities involved. This timeframe likely accounts for planning, procurement of materials, execution of the work, testing, and closeout. Factors such as the extent of the water main system, accessibility within the basement, coordination with building operations, and potential need for phased work to minimize disruption can influence project length. Comparing this duration to similar projects within GSA or other federal agencies would provide a more precise benchmark for assessing its appropriateness.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47PB0025R0022

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 102 SOUTH ST, BOSTON, MA, 02111

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $43,215

Exercised Options: $43,215

Current Obligation: $43,215

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PB0025D0010

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline