NASA Ames Research Center awards $3.2M construction management contract to AECOM Technical Services, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,208,799 ($3.2M)

Contractor: AECOM Technical Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2020-10-01

End Date: 2027-07-30

Contract Duration: 2,493 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: TASK ORDER/BPA CALL CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AS ADVISOR (CMA)&COMMISSIONING AUTHORITY (CXA) NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) AMES RESEARCH CENTER MOFFETT FIELD, CALIFORNIA

Place of Performance

Location: MOUNTAIN VIEW, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94043

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3.2 million to AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER/BPA CALL CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AS ADVISOR (CMA)&COMMISSIONING AUTHORITY (CXA) NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) AMES RESEARCH CENTER MOFFETT FIELD, CALIFORNIA Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of approximately 2493 days (around 6.8 years) indicates a long-term need for these services. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. AECOM Technical Services, Inc. is the sole awardee for this specific task order/BPA call. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330 points to engineering services. 6. This contract is a task order under a broader BPA call, implying it's part of a larger framework agreement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.2 million over nearly 7 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Without specific deliverables or comparable task orders, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price structure provides cost predictability. Benchmarking against similar construction management advisory contracts would be necessary for a more definitive assessment of pricing and value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit an offer. The presence of 4 bidders (implied by 'no': 4) suggests a healthy level of competition for this specific task order. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and potentially securing better terms.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging high-quality service delivery from multiple potential providers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is NASA Ames Research Center, which will receive construction management and commissioning authority services. Services will support projects at Moffett Field, California. The contract ensures specialized expertise is available for managing construction projects, potentially leading to improved project outcomes and reduced delays. The duration of the contract suggests ongoing support for a portfolio of construction or renovation activities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the underlying BPA framework is not tightly managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for a long duration could lead to complacency or reduced innovation over time.
Ensuring consistent quality and performance across the entire contract period requires robust oversight.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a fair and transparent process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Long-term nature allows for continuity of expertise and project management.
Contractor AECOM Technical Services, Inc. likely possesses relevant experience in engineering and construction management.

Sector Analysis

The engineering services sector (NAICS 541330) is a critical component of federal contracting, supporting infrastructure development, research facilities, and operational needs across various agencies. This contract fits within the broader category of professional services supporting government facilities management and construction oversight. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms capable of providing specialized expertise.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false) and there were 4 bidders. This suggests the competition was likely dominated by larger firms. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans, but large prime contractors are often required to meet small business subcontracting goals, which could indirectly benefit small businesses in the construction and engineering support ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Public Buildings Service, which awarded the contract on behalf of NASA. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Performance monitoring, quality assurance reviews, and adherence to contract terms would be key oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards.

Related Government Programs

NASA Ames Research Center Facilities Support Contracts
General Services Administration Public Buildings Service Contracts
Federal Construction Management Services
Engineering Services Task Orders

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may require careful performance monitoring to ensure sustained quality.
Reliance on a single awardee for a specific task order necessitates robust government oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3.2 million to AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC.. TASK ORDER/BPA CALL CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AS ADVISOR (CMA)&COMMISSIONING AUTHORITY (CXA) NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) AMES RESEARCH CENTER MOFFETT FIELD, CALIFORNIA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-10-01. End: 2027-07-30.

What is AECOM Technical Services, Inc.'s track record with NASA and GSA on similar engineering and construction management contracts?

AECOM Technical Services, Inc. has a significant history of contracting with both NASA and the General Services Administration (GSA) across various service areas, including engineering, architecture, and construction management. Analyzing their past performance on similar task orders or contracts awarded under BPA calls would provide insight into their reliability, quality of work, and adherence to schedule and budget. Specific data on past performance ratings, any contract disputes, or awards received by AECOM for similar services would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment. Without access to detailed contract performance databases or specific award histories for AECOM with these agencies on comparable projects, a definitive statement on their track record is limited to general industry knowledge of their presence and capabilities.

How does the $3.2 million value compare to similar construction management advisory contracts awarded by NASA or GSA in recent years?

The $3.2 million contract value for construction management advisory services over approximately 6.8 years represents an average annual spend of roughly $470,000. To benchmark this value, one would need to compare it against similar task orders or contracts awarded by NASA or GSA for construction management, commissioning, or related advisory roles. Factors such as the scope of work, complexity of projects managed, geographic location, and duration significantly influence contract values. If comparable contracts for similar services at other NASA centers or GSA facilities have higher or lower values, it could indicate whether this contract is priced competitively or represents an outlier. A detailed market analysis of recent federal procurements for construction management advisory services would be necessary for a robust comparison.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and risk mitigation strategies outlined in this contract?

Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and risk mitigation strategies are typically detailed within the full contract document, which is not provided here. However, for a construction management advisory contract, common KPIs would likely include adherence to project schedules, budget management, quality control of construction work, safety compliance, and effective coordination among stakeholders. Risk mitigation strategies might involve requirements for detailed project planning, regular progress reporting, contingency planning for unforeseen issues, robust safety protocols, and clear communication channels. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract inherently shifts some cost risk to the contractor. The government's oversight function, including regular reviews and inspections, also serves as a risk mitigation measure.

What is the expected impact of this contract on NASA Ames Research Center's ability to execute its construction and facility modernization goals?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance NASA Ames Research Center's capacity to manage and execute its construction and facility modernization goals. By securing specialized expertise through AECOM Technical Services, Inc., the center gains a dedicated resource for overseeing construction projects, ensuring they meet technical specifications, safety standards, and budgetary constraints. The commissioning authority role is crucial for verifying that new or renovated facilities function as intended. The long duration of the contract suggests a sustained need for these services, implying a commitment to ongoing facility improvements and potentially supporting a pipeline of projects, thereby contributing to the center's operational efficiency and research capabilities.

How does the competition level (4 bidders) for this task order compare to the typical competition for similar engineering services contracts within GSA or NASA?

Having 4 bidders for this specific task order under a BPA call suggests a moderate to good level of competition. The typical competition level for engineering services contracts within GSA and NASA can vary widely depending on the specific service, contract vehicle (e.g., IDIQ, BPA, direct award), and urgency. For large, complex projects, competition might be more limited due to specialized requirements. For smaller or more standardized services, competition could be higher. A baseline comparison would involve examining recent solicitations for similar NAICS codes (541330) and contract types (Firm Fixed Price) issued by these agencies. If 4 bidders is within the typical range or higher than average, it indicates a healthy procurement process for this particular requirement.

Industry Classification

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

Address: 300 S GRAND AVE FL 9, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90071

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,208,799

Exercised Options: $3,208,799

Current Obligation: $3,208,799

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PD0319A0001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline