GSA Awards $2.96M for Air Quality Upgrades at Dallas Federal Buildings

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,964,470 ($3.0M)

Contractor: A.R.E. Design & Build, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2023-08-28

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 976 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CORRECT INDOOR AIR QUALITY ISSUES BY ALTERING MECHANICAL COMPONENTS THAT AFFECT OUTSIDE AIR INFLUX AT SANTA FE FEDERAL BUILDING & A. MACEO SMITH FEDERAL BUILDING 1114 COMMERCE STREET/525 S. GRIFFIN STREET, DALLAS, TEXAS 75242/75202

Place of Performance

Location: DALLAS, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75202

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3.0 million to A.R.E. DESIGN & BUILD, LLC for work described as: CORRECT INDOOR AIR QUALITY ISSUES BY ALTERING MECHANICAL COMPONENTS THAT AFFECT OUTSIDE AIR INFLUX AT SANTA FE FEDERAL BUILDING & A. MACEO SMITH FEDERAL BUILDING 1114 COMMERCE STREET/525 S. GRIFFIN STREET, DALLAS, TEXAS 75242/75202 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to A.R.E. DESIGN & BUILD, LLC for $2.96M. 2. Project aims to correct indoor air quality by altering mechanical components affecting outside air influx. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', raising questions about price discovery. 4. The sector is Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, with a benchmark of $2.96M for this scope. 5. Project duration is 976 days, ending April 30, 2026.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.96M for air quality improvements appears reasonable for two federal buildings. However, without specific details on the scope of mechanical component alterations and the extent of outside air influx issues, a precise comparison to similar contracts is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The competition method 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' suggests that while the competition was open, certain sources were initially excluded. This could potentially limit the number of bidders and impact the effectiveness of price discovery compared to a truly unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential building maintenance and occupant health improvements. The chosen competition method warrants scrutiny to ensure optimal value for money.

Public Impact

Improved indoor air quality will enhance the health and productivity of federal employees and visitors at the Santa Fe and A. Maceo Smith Federal Buildings. The project addresses critical infrastructure needs within federal facilities, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Investment in building systems contributes to the long-term operational efficiency and sustainability of federal properties.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Competition method could limit price discovery.
Potential for scope creep in complex mechanical alterations.
Dependence on contractor's expertise for critical air quality fixes.

Positive Signals

Addresses essential health and safety concerns.
Investment in federal building infrastructure.
Clear project timeline with defined end date.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. Spending in this sector for federal building upgrades can vary widely based on project complexity, size, and location. The $2.96M award for air quality improvements appears to be a significant but potentially justified investment for addressing specific building system deficiencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to A.R.E. DESIGN & BUILD, LLC. Information regarding the company's size (small, medium, or large business) is not provided in the data. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA), through its Public Buildings Service, is overseeing this contract. The use of a Delivery Order under an existing contract structure implies some level of pre-qualification and oversight, but the specific method of competition warrants review for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
General Services Administration Contracting
Public Buildings Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition method.
Potential for cost overruns due to complexity.
Reliance on contractor's technical expertise.
Lack of detailed scope in public data.
Long project duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3.0 million to A.R.E. DESIGN & BUILD, LLC. CORRECT INDOOR AIR QUALITY ISSUES BY ALTERING MECHANICAL COMPONENTS THAT AFFECT OUTSIDE AIR INFLUX AT SANTA FE FEDERAL BUILDING & A. MACEO SMITH FEDERAL BUILDING 1114 COMMERCE STREET/525 S. GRIFFIN STREET, DALLAS, TEXAS 75242/75202

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is A.R.E. DESIGN & BUILD, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-28. End: 2026-04-30.

What specific mechanical components are being altered, and what is the expected impact on outside air influx and overall air quality?

The contract details indicate alterations to mechanical components affecting outside air influx to correct indoor air quality issues. Specifics on the components (e.g., HVAC systems, ventilation controls, air handling units) and the precise expected improvements in air quality metrics (e.g., CO2 levels, particulate matter reduction) are not detailed in the provided data. Further documentation would be required to fully assess the technical scope and anticipated outcomes.

How did the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method impact the final price and contractor selection compared to a standard full and open competition?

This competition method suggests that while the opportunity was broadly advertised, certain pre-defined criteria or exclusions were applied, potentially narrowing the field of eligible bidders. This could influence the level of competition and the resulting price discovery. Without knowing the specific exclusions, it's difficult to quantify the exact impact, but it implies a less competitive environment than a completely unrestricted process, potentially leading to a higher price than achievable otherwise.

What is the long-term cost-benefit analysis of this $2.96M investment in terms of improved building performance and occupant health?

The $2.96M investment is intended to rectify indoor air quality issues, which directly impacts occupant health, well-being, and potentially productivity. While the upfront cost is substantial, the long-term benefits include reduced health-related absences, improved work environment, and prevention of more severe building system failures. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis would quantify these benefits against the investment, considering factors like energy efficiency gains and reduced maintenance needs.

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: 47PH0623R0032

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4301 LAURA KOPPE RD, HOUSTON, TX, 77016

Business Categories: Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,964,470

Exercised Options: $2,964,470

Current Obligation: $2,964,470

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PH0822D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline