GSA awards $2.76M contract for boiler generator integration, highlighting construction needs in Iowa

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,757,327 ($2.8M)

Contractor: AIR Control, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2023-09-14

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 929 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/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: GSA, BOILER GENERATOR INTEGRATION PROJECT AT THE NEAL SMITH FEDERAL BUILDING 210 WALNUT STREET, DES MOINES 50309

Place of Performance

Location: DES MOINES, POLK County, IOWA, 50309

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2.8 million to AIR CONTROL, INC. for work described as: GSA, BOILER GENERATOR INTEGRATION PROJECT AT THE NEAL SMITH FEDERAL BUILDING 210 WALNUT STREET, DES MOINES 50309 Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical infrastructure upgrades for federal buildings. 2. Project duration of 929 days indicates a significant scope of work. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and manage financial risk. 4. Competition level suggests a potentially competitive bidding environment. 5. Location in Des Moines, Iowa, points to regional infrastructure investment. 6. The project falls under commercial and institutional building construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.76 million for boiler generator integration appears reasonable for a project of this scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar federal projects for building infrastructure upgrades suggests that this price falls within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, mitigating the risk of cost overruns. Further analysis would require detailed project specifications and comparison with specific regional construction costs for similar systems.

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 the solicitation was broadly advertised, and all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which is beneficial for price discovery and achieving value for the government. The exclusion of sources clause might warrant further investigation to understand its specific application.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is designed to leverage market forces, potentially leading to lower prices and better terms for taxpayers by encouraging multiple bids.

Public Impact

Federal employees and visitors at the Neal Smith Federal Building will benefit from improved heating and power systems. The project ensures the continued operational efficiency and reliability of essential building services. Geographic impact is concentrated in Des Moines, Iowa, supporting local economic activity through construction services. The contract supports the construction workforce in the Des Moines area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen issues arise during integration.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical infrastructure project.
Ensuring compliance with all environmental and safety regulations during construction.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition generally leads to better value.
Project duration allows for thorough planning and execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader construction sector, specifically focusing on commercial and institutional building construction. The market for federal building infrastructure upgrades is substantial, driven by the need to maintain and modernize aging government facilities. Projects like this are crucial for ensuring the operational continuity and energy efficiency of federal properties. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other GSA contracts for similar HVAC and power system installations in federal buildings across different regions.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While the primary contractor, Air Control, Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data, the potential for subcontracting opportunities exists. The government's commitment to small business participation would typically be assessed through subcontracting plans, which are not detailed here. Further review of the contract's subcontracting goals would clarify the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically its Public Buildings Service. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver the specified work within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting. The Inspector General of the GSA would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
HVAC System Upgrades
Government Infrastructure Projects
Energy Efficiency Improvements in Federal Buildings

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not clearly defined.
Risk of delays impacting building operations.
Ensuring contractor's technical expertise for integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2.8 million to AIR CONTROL, INC.. GSA, BOILER GENERATOR INTEGRATION PROJECT AT THE NEAL SMITH FEDERAL BUILDING 210 WALNUT STREET, DES MOINES 50309

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AIR CONTROL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-14. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the track record of Air Control, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the GSA?

A thorough review of Air Control, Inc.'s federal contract history would be necessary to assess their track record. This would involve examining past performance on similar projects, including their success in meeting deadlines, staying within budget, and adhering to quality standards. Specifically, looking at their history with the General Services Administration (GSA) would provide insight into their familiarity with GSA's procurement processes and performance expectations. Data from contract databases like SAM.gov or FPDS could reveal the number and types of contracts they have held, their award values, and any reported performance issues or commendations. A strong history with the GSA on comparable construction or integration projects would indicate a lower performance risk for this boiler generator integration project.

How does the awarded price compare to similar boiler generator integration projects in the region or for federal buildings?

To benchmark the $2.76 million award price, a comparative analysis of similar boiler generator integration projects is essential. This would involve identifying contracts with comparable scope, scale, and complexity, ideally within the same geographic region (Iowa) or for similar federal facilities managed by agencies like the GSA. Factors such as the size of the building, the capacity of the generator and boiler systems, and the duration of the integration work are critical for a fair comparison. Analyzing data from federal contract databases and industry reports can reveal average costs per square foot or per unit of capacity for such installations. If the awarded price is significantly higher or lower than comparable projects, it could indicate either exceptional value or potential risks related to pricing or scope.

What are the primary risks associated with this boiler generator integration project, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this boiler generator integration project include potential technical challenges during the integration of new systems with existing infrastructure, the possibility of unforeseen site conditions requiring additional work, and the risk of project delays impacting building operations. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded within the contract terms. The firm-fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks, as the contractor is responsible for completing the work within the agreed budget. The project's duration of 929 days allows for phased implementation and contingency planning. Furthermore, the 'full and open competition' procurement method suggests that multiple qualified contractors were evaluated, potentially selecting one with a proven ability to manage such risks. The GSA's oversight and the contractor's own risk management plan would also play crucial roles.

What is the expected effectiveness of the new boiler generator system in terms of energy efficiency and reliability?

The expected effectiveness of the new boiler generator system hinges on the specific technologies chosen for integration and the quality of the installation. Modern boiler and generator systems are typically designed for enhanced energy efficiency, leading to reduced operational costs and a smaller environmental footprint compared to older equipment. Reliability is a key objective, as these systems are critical for maintaining essential building functions, especially during power outages or extreme weather. The GSA's selection criteria and the contractor's proposed solution would aim to maximize these benefits. Performance metrics and testing protocols outlined in the contract, along with post-installation evaluations, will be crucial for quantifying the actual improvements in energy efficiency and the system's reliability over its lifecycle.

How does this contract align with the GSA's broader goals for infrastructure modernization and sustainability?

This contract aligns with the GSA's broader goals for infrastructure modernization and sustainability by addressing the critical need to upgrade essential building systems. Modernizing boiler and generator systems contributes to improved energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced operational resilience, all key components of sustainability. By investing in these upgrades, the GSA ensures that federal facilities are not only functional but also operate more efficiently and with a lower environmental impact. This project supports the GSA's mandate to provide safe, sustainable, and cost-effective workplaces for federal agencies, reflecting a commitment to long-term asset management and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.

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: 47PG0223R1063

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 80 14TH AVE N, CLINTON, IA, 52732

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,757,327

Exercised Options: $2,757,327

Current Obligation: $2,757,327

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PG0019D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline