GSA awards $8,253 for custom handrails, highlighting facilities support services for public buildings

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,253 ($8.3K)

Contractor: Jones Lang Lasalle Americas, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-06-12

Contract Duration: 70 days

Daily Burn Rate: $118/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: JONES LANG LASALLE AND RED FEATHER TO PROVIDE MATERIALS, FABRICATE, AND INSTALL FIVE CUSTOM WALL MOUNTED HANDRAILS IN THE SOUTH STAIRWELL ON FLOORS 2 -6 IN RESPONSE TO THE 2023 RMS OPEN CONDITION 58403 AT 11 W. QUINCY COURT, CHICAGO, IL 60604.

Place of Performance

Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60604

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $8,253.24 to JONES LANG LASALLE AMERICAS, INC. for work described as: JONES LANG LASALLE AND RED FEATHER TO PROVIDE MATERIALS, FABRICATE, AND INSTALL FIVE CUSTOM WALL MOUNTED HANDRAILS IN THE SOUTH STAIRWELL ON FLOORS 2 -6 IN RESPONSE TO THE 2023 RMS OPEN CONDITION 58403 AT 11 W. QUINCY COURT, CHICAGO, IL 60604. Key points: 1. Contract value is modest, suggesting a focused scope for specific facility upgrades. 2. Competition was open, indicating a standard procurement process for this type of service. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Performance period is short, aligning with the project's likely localized nature. 5. The award falls under facilities support services, a broad category with diverse applications.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8,253 for five custom handrails appears reasonable for specialized fabrication and installation. Benchmarking against similar small-scale construction or renovation projects within federal facilities suggests this price is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price structure further supports value by locking in costs, assuming the scope is well-defined and executed efficiently by the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this procurement method generally fosters competitive pricing and encourages a wider pool of contractors to participate. The open competition suggests that the General Services Administration (GSA) sought the best value through a transparent process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive nature of this award, as it likely drove down the price for the required handrail installation compared to a non-competitive procurement.

Public Impact

Federal employees and visitors using the South Stairwell on floors 2-6 at 11 W. Quincy Court, Chicago, IL, will benefit from improved safety and accessibility. The service delivered is the fabrication and installation of custom wall-mounted handrails. The geographic impact is localized to the specific building and floors mentioned in the contract. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving a small team for installation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen site conditions require modifications beyond the initial five handrails.
Dependence on contractor's ability to source specialized materials within the fixed-price budget.
Ensuring adherence to all building codes and safety standards during installation.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits financial risk for the government.
Award to a known entity (JONES LANG LASALLE) may indicate prior satisfactory performance.
Open competition suggests a robust selection process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, a broad category encompassing maintenance, repair, and operational support for government buildings. The market for such services is extensive, with numerous providers ranging from large facility management firms to specialized trades. This specific award, for custom handrail installation, represents a niche within the larger sector, likely driven by specific building code requirements or accessibility upgrades.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, JONES LANG LASALLE AMERICAS, INC., is a large entity. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears limited for this specific award, though larger contractors often engage small businesses for specialized tasks.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the General Services Administration's Public Buildings Service. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring delivery as specified. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award being publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) Facility Upgrades
Public Buildings Service (PBS) Construction Projects
Accessibility Improvement Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep
Material cost volatility
Ensuring compliance with federal building codes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $8,253.24 to JONES LANG LASALLE AMERICAS, INC.. JONES LANG LASALLE AND RED FEATHER TO PROVIDE MATERIALS, FABRICATE, AND INSTALL FIVE CUSTOM WALL MOUNTED HANDRAILS IN THE SOUTH STAIRWELL ON FLOORS 2 -6 IN RESPONSE TO THE 2023 RMS OPEN CONDITION 58403 AT 11 W. QUINCY COURT, CHICAGO, IL 60604.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JONES LANG LASALLE AMERICAS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8,253.24.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-06-12.

What is the track record of JONES LANG LASALLE AMERICAS, INC. with the General Services Administration for similar facilities support services?

JONES LANG LASALLE AMERICAS, INC. has a significant history of contracts with the General Services Administration, often in the realm of facilities management, real estate services, and building operations. While specific data on their performance for custom handrail fabrication and installation is not detailed here, their broad engagement with GSA suggests familiarity with federal procurement processes and facility requirements. A deeper dive into their contract history with GSA, examining past performance evaluations and any reported issues on similar projects, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise in this specific service area. Their size and market presence indicate they are a capable provider for such tasks.

How does the cost of $8,253 for five custom handrails compare to market rates for similar installations?

The cost of $8,253 for five custom handrails, averaging approximately $1,650 per handrail, appears to be within a reasonable range for custom fabrication and installation, especially considering potential site-specific requirements and compliance with federal building standards. Market rates for custom metal fabrication and installation can vary widely based on material (e.g., stainless steel, brass), complexity of design, length, and local labor costs. In major metropolitan areas like Chicago, where this contract is located, labor and material costs tend to be higher. Without specific details on the materials and design complexity, a precise benchmark is difficult, but this figure does not immediately suggest overpricing for a specialized federal facility project.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential scope creep if unforeseen site conditions necessitate modifications beyond the initial five handrails, and the risk of material cost fluctuations impacting the fixed-price award. Mitigation strategies include a clearly defined scope of work in the contract, thorough site assessments prior to fabrication, and the contractor's responsibility for managing material procurement within the agreed-upon price. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract itself is a key mitigation tool, placing the financial risk of cost overruns on the contractor, provided the scope remains unchanged. Adherence to installation timelines and quality standards also mitigates risks related to project delays and functional deficiencies.

What is the historical spending pattern for facilities support services by the General Services Administration in Illinois?

The General Services Administration (GSA) consistently spends significant amounts on facilities support services across the United States, including in Illinois. Historical data indicates a substantial and ongoing investment in maintaining, operating, and upgrading federal buildings. Spending in this category typically covers a wide array of services such as janitorial, maintenance, repair, security, and specialized upgrades like the handrail installation awarded here. While this specific $8,253 contract is a small component, GSA's overall expenditure in Illinois for facilities support reflects the large inventory of federal properties managed by the agency in the state. Annual spending can fluctuate based on major renovation projects, deferred maintenance backlogs, and evolving facility needs.

How does the 'Public Buildings Service' (PBS) division of GSA typically procure services like custom fabrication and installation?

The Public Buildings Service (PBS) division of the GSA typically procures services like custom fabrication and installation through a variety of methods, prioritizing full and open competition whenever feasible. For smaller, well-defined projects like the handrail installation, they might utilize existing Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), or conduct specific solicitations. The method chosen depends on factors such as estimated cost, urgency, and the availability of pre-qualified contractors. The use of a BPA Call, as indicated in the data, suggests a pre-established agreement was leveraged for this specific task, streamlining the procurement process while still adhering to competitive principles if the BPA itself was competitively awarded.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: EQPMAF-26-0289

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 200 E RANDOLPH ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60601

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,253

Exercised Options: $8,253

Current Obligation: $8,253

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PF0022A0012

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline