GSA awards $330K for granite railing repairs at Whipple Federal Building, highlighting infrastructure maintenance needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $329,598 ($329.6K)

Contractor: Bruce Kreofsky & Sons Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2025-08-12

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 413 days

Daily Burn Rate: $798/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: GRANITE RAILING REPAIRS PROJECT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO REPAIR THE EXISTING GRANITE RAILINGS AND SAFETY BARRIERS AT THE WHIPPLE FEDERAL BUILDING, FORT SNELLING, MN.

Place of Performance

Location: FORT SNELLING, HENNEPIN County, MINNESOTA, 55111

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $329,597.67 to BRUCE KREOFSKY & SONS INC for work described as: GRANITE RAILING REPAIRS PROJECT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO REPAIR THE EXISTING GRANITE RAILINGS AND SAFETY BARRIERS AT THE WHIPPLE FEDERAL BUILDING, FORT SNELLING, MN. Key points: 1. Focuses on essential safety barrier and railing repairs, indicating a commitment to maintaining federal building integrity. 2. The contract value suggests a targeted scope, likely addressing specific sections of the granite railings. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability for the government. 4. The project duration of over a year points to the complexity or scale of the repair work. 5. Geographic focus on Minnesota highlights localized infrastructure investment. 6. The procurement method indicates a competitive process was intended, though specific details are limited.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $330,000 for granite railing repairs appears reasonable for a federal building maintenance project of this nature. Without specific details on the extent of the damage or the type of repairs needed, a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests an effort to establish a clear cost ceiling. The duration of the project, spanning over a year, might indicate a significant scope or a phased approach to repairs, which could influence the overall value proposition.

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,' which is a less common but still competitive procurement method. This suggests that while the intent was full and open competition, certain sources may have been excluded for specific reasons, potentially related to specialized capabilities or past performance. The presence of three bidders indicates some level of competition, which is generally positive for price discovery and value for money.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, despite potential source exclusions, suggests that taxpayers likely benefited from a range of pricing and technical proposals, leading to a fair market price for the necessary repairs.

Public Impact

Federal employees and visitors to the Whipple Federal Building in Fort Snelling, MN, will benefit from enhanced safety and structural integrity. The project delivers critical repair services to existing granite railings and safety barriers. The geographic impact is localized to Fort Snelling, Minnesota. The contract supports the construction sector workforce involved in specialized repair and maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen structural issues are discovered beyond the scope of initial repairs.
The 'Exclusion of Sources' clause warrants further investigation to ensure it did not unduly limit competition.
Long project duration could lead to extended disruption or the need for interim safety measures.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to a firm with experience in commercial and institutional building construction suggests relevant expertise.
The project addresses essential safety and maintenance, contributing to the longevity of federal infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically focusing on specialized repair and maintenance of existing structures. The market for such services is driven by the need to preserve federal assets and ensure public safety. While specific benchmarks for granite railing repair projects are not readily available, the overall construction and maintenance market for federal buildings represents significant annual spending, with agencies like GSA prioritizing infrastructure upkeep.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside objective for this specific award (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is minimal. However, the prime contractor, Bruce Kreofsky & Sons Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized tasks, contributing indirectly to the small business ecosystem within the construction sector.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Public Buildings Service. The fixed-price contract type provides a degree of financial oversight by establishing a ceiling. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases. Accountability measures would involve performance monitoring against the contract's scope of work and delivery schedule, with potential recourse for non-performance.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
Infrastructure Repair and Rehabilitation
GSA Capital Investments
Historic Preservation Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep due to unforeseen structural issues.
Limited transparency on specific reasons for excluding sources in competition.
Long project duration may indicate complexity or potential for delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $329,597.67 to BRUCE KREOFSKY & SONS INC. GRANITE RAILING REPAIRS PROJECT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO REPAIR THE EXISTING GRANITE RAILINGS AND SAFETY BARRIERS AT THE WHIPPLE FEDERAL BUILDING, FORT SNELLING, MN.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRUCE KREOFSKY & SONS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $329,597.67.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-12. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the track record of Bruce Kreofsky & Sons Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the GSA?

Information regarding the specific track record of Bruce Kreofsky & Sons Inc. with federal contracts, especially with the General Services Administration (GSA), is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would require accessing federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS to analyze past performance, contract values, and any reported issues or successes. Understanding their history with similar repair projects, adherence to schedules, and quality of work would provide crucial context for assessing their reliability on this current granite railing repair project.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or budget for this granite railing repair project?

The provided data indicates an awarded amount of $329,597.67 for the granite railing repair project. However, there is no information available regarding the initial estimated cost or the allocated budget for this specific project. To assess value for money, a comparison between the awarded price and the government's internal estimate would be necessary. If the awarded amount is significantly lower than the estimate, it could indicate strong competition or effective negotiation. Conversely, if it's close to or exceeds the estimate, further scrutiny of the bidding process and scope might be warranted.

What are the specific risks associated with repairing granite railings and safety barriers in a federal building?

Key risks associated with repairing granite railings and safety barriers in a federal building include structural integrity concerns, where underlying issues might be more severe than initially assessed, leading to scope creep and cost increases. Material sourcing can be a risk, as finding matching or compatible granite might be challenging and costly. Safety risks during the repair process are also significant, requiring strict protocols to protect workers and the public. Furthermore, historical building preservation requirements can add complexity, demanding specialized techniques and materials that may increase costs and project duration. Weather-related delays are also a common risk in construction projects, especially those with outdoor components.

What is the expected impact of these repairs on the overall safety and accessibility of the Whipple Federal Building?

The repairs to the granite railings and safety barriers are expected to significantly enhance the overall safety of the Whipple Federal Building. These elements are critical for preventing falls and ensuring secure passage, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges or during inclement weather. By restoring the integrity of these structures, the project directly addresses potential hazards, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and injuries for federal employees, visitors, and contractors. Improved safety and structural soundness contribute to a more reliable and secure environment within the federal facility.

How has GSA's spending on building maintenance and repair evolved over the past five years?

Analyzing GSA's spending on building maintenance and repair over the past five years would require access to historical GSA budget and expenditure reports. Generally, federal agencies like GSA face consistent pressure to maintain aging infrastructure while operating within budget constraints. Spending trends are often influenced by infrastructure needs assessments, congressional appropriations, and administration priorities. It's common to see fluctuations based on major repair initiatives, deferred maintenance backlogs, and investments in modernization or energy efficiency upgrades. A detailed analysis would reveal specific investment patterns and highlight areas of increased or decreased focus.

What does the 'Commercial and Institutional Building Construction' NAICS code imply about the nature of this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 236220, 'Commercial and Institutional Building Construction,' indicates that this contract is related to the construction or renovation of non-residential buildings. For this specific project, it signifies that the work involves repairs and maintenance on an existing federal building, the Whipple Federal Building. This classification suggests the contractor needs expertise in managing construction projects within established institutional settings, adhering to specific building codes, safety regulations, and potentially working around ongoing operations within the facility.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47PF0025Q0078

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 865 ENTERPRISE DR SW, PLAINVIEW, MN, 55964

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $329,598

Exercised Options: $329,598

Current Obligation: $329,598

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PF0024D0035

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline