GSA awards $29.8M contract for Alexandria, LA courthouse construction and security upgrades

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,816,055 ($29.8M)

Contractor: Ross Group Construction Corporation, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2023-09-22

End Date: 2026-08-18

Contract Duration: 1,061 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CAPITAL SECURITY PROGRAM AND COURTS CONSTRUCTION AT THE US COURTHOUSE IN ALEXANDRIA, LA

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, RAPIDES County, LOUISIANA, 71301

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $29.8 million to ROSS GROUP CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION, LLC for work described as: CAPITAL SECURITY PROGRAM AND COURTS CONSTRUCTION AT THE US COURTHOUSE IN ALEXANDRIA, LA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Ross Group Construction Corporation, LLC for a firm-fixed-price delivery order. 2. Project scope includes capital security program and construction at the US Courthouse in Alexandria, LA. 3. The contract duration is 1061 days, ending August 18, 2026. 4. This award falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction NAICS code. 5. The contract was awarded through full and open competition. 6. The General Services Administration (GSA) is the awarding agency, with the Public Buildings Service overseeing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $29.8 million for courthouse construction and security upgrades appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar federal courthouse construction projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price structure generally indicates a predictable cost outcome for the government, assuming no significant change orders.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting that multiple interested parties had the opportunity to bid. This process typically fosters competitive pricing and allows the government to select the offer that best meets its requirements. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the method of competition indicates a robust market engagement.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it is expected to drive down costs through market forces and ensure the government receives competitive pricing.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are federal judicial operations and personnel at the Alexandria, LA US Courthouse, who will experience enhanced security and improved facilities. The project will deliver construction services and capital security program enhancements, modernizing critical federal infrastructure. The geographic impact is localized to Alexandria, Louisiana, supporting the federal presence in the region. The contract is expected to create or sustain jobs in the construction sector within Louisiana.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen construction issues arise, despite the firm-fixed-price contract.
Dependence on the contractor's ability to meet project timelines and quality standards.
Risk of supply chain disruptions impacting material availability and project schedule.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Project addresses critical security and infrastructure needs for a federal courthouse.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the construction industry. Federal building projects, especially for courthouses, often involve specialized security requirements and high standards. Comparable spending in this sector by the GSA involves numerous construction and renovation projects across the country, with values varying widely based on project size and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a result, small businesses are unlikely to be direct prime contractors. However, the prime contractor, Ross Group Construction Corporation, LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill portions of the work, contributing to the small business ecosystem indirectly.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) typically has robust oversight mechanisms for construction projects, including regular site inspections, progress reviews, and quality control measures. The Public Buildings Service is responsible for managing these contracts. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific oversight details for this delivery order would require further investigation.

Related Government Programs

Federal Courthouse Construction
Capital Security Program
Public Buildings Service Projects
Commercial and Institutional Building Construction Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays
Risk of unforeseen construction issues
Contractor performance variability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $29.8 million to ROSS GROUP CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION, LLC. CAPITAL SECURITY PROGRAM AND COURTS CONSTRUCTION AT THE US COURTHOUSE IN ALEXANDRIA, LA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ROSS GROUP CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-22. End: 2026-08-18.

What is the track record of Ross Group Construction Corporation, LLC with federal contracts, particularly with the GSA?

Ross Group Construction Corporation, LLC has a history of performing federal contracts. A review of federal procurement data would reveal the extent and nature of their past performance, including any prior work with the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Public Buildings Service. Analyzing their past performance on similar construction projects, including project size, complexity, and on-time/on-budget delivery, would provide insight into their capability to execute this Alexandria courthouse project successfully. Specific details on past performance metrics, such as contract modifications, disputes, or awards, would further inform an assessment of their reliability and expertise.

How does the awarded amount of $29.8 million compare to similar federal courthouse construction projects?

To benchmark the $29.8 million award, one would compare it to recently awarded federal courthouse construction or renovation projects of similar scope, size (square footage), and complexity, particularly those involving security upgrades. Factors such as geographic location (labor and material costs), specific security requirements (e.g., blast resistance, secure courtrooms), and the age and condition of the existing facility significantly influence project costs. Without specific comparable project data, it's challenging to definitively state if this award represents excellent, good, or fair value. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests the GSA aimed for cost certainty.

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

Key risks for this contract include potential construction delays due to unforeseen site conditions, weather, or labor shortages; cost overruns stemming from material price fluctuations or scope creep (though mitigated by firm-fixed-price); and contractor performance issues related to quality or schedule adherence. Mitigation strategies likely include detailed contract specifications, rigorous GSA oversight and inspections, performance bonds from the contractor, and clear procedures for managing change orders. The contractor's own risk management processes, including scheduling and resource allocation, are also critical.

How effective is the GSA's Public Buildings Service in managing large-scale construction projects like this courthouse enhancement?

The GSA's Public Buildings Service (PBS) is generally considered experienced in managing federal building construction and renovation projects. Their effectiveness is often gauged by their ability to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to required specifications, while ensuring security and functionality. PBS utilizes established project management frameworks, employs qualified contracting officers and technical representatives, and conducts regular oversight. However, like any large organization, effectiveness can vary by project and region. Analyzing historical data on PBS project success rates, cost performance, and client satisfaction would provide a more concrete assessment.

What has been the historical spending trend for courthouse construction and security upgrades by the GSA?

Historical spending by the GSA on courthouse construction and security upgrades has been substantial and generally consistent, reflecting the ongoing need to maintain and modernize federal judicial facilities. Spending levels can fluctuate based on infrastructure needs, budget appropriations, and specific security directives. Analyzing multi-year GSA budget documents and contract award databases would reveal trends in investment in this area. Factors such as the age of the federal courthouse inventory and evolving security threats influence these spending patterns over time.

Are there any specific performance metrics or KPIs tied to this contract that are publicly available?

Specific performance metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tied directly to this particular delivery order are typically not made public in detail. Contract awards usually reference general performance standards outlined in the contract clauses, such as adherence to schedule, quality of workmanship, safety compliance, and responsiveness. The GSA's internal contract administration processes would track these metrics. While the contract award notice itself doesn't list specific KPIs, the firm-fixed-price nature implies performance expectations related to delivering the defined scope within the agreed budget and timeframe.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: EQ7PCA-23-0005

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 510 E 2ND ST, TULSA, OK, 74120

Business Categories: American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,816,055

Exercised Options: $29,816,055

Current Obligation: $29,816,055

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 11

Total Subaward Amount: $14,083,124

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PH0821D0012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline