GSA awards $503K contract for SD CARES Act design services to The Schemmer Associates Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $502,877 ($502.9K)

Contractor: THE Schemmer Associates Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2021-09-20

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,928 days

Daily Burn Rate: $261/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS IS THE AWARD FOR THE SD CARES ACT DESIGN, SOUTH DAKOTA.

Place of Performance

Location: RAPID CITY, PENNINGTON County, SOUTH DAKOTA, 57701

State: South Dakota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $502,877.02 to THE SCHEMMER ASSOCIATES INC. for work described as: THIS IS THE AWARD FOR THE SD CARES ACT DESIGN, SOUTH DAKOTA. Key points: 1. Contract awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for architectural services, a critical component for infrastructure projects. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The duration of the contract extends over several years, indicating a long-term project. 5. The award is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 6. The contract is for South Dakota, indicating a specific geographic focus for the services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $502,877.02 for architectural services appears reasonable given the project's scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar CARES Act design contracts is challenging due to the unique nature of pandemic-related funding and specific project requirements. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty. The Schemmer Associates Inc. has a track record with government contracts, which can be a positive indicator of capability and potentially competitive pricing.

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 specific type of full and open competition. This indicates that the solicitation was made available to all responsible sources, and any responsible offeror could submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but the designation suggests a robust competitive process was intended and likely occurred, which generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging innovation among potential contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the residents and businesses of South Dakota who will benefit from the infrastructure improvements funded by the CARES Act. The services delivered include architectural design, which is essential for the planning and execution of public infrastructure projects. The geographic impact is concentrated in South Dakota, addressing specific needs within the state. The contract supports the architecture and engineering workforce, potentially creating or sustaining jobs in these sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if project requirements evolve significantly during the multi-year performance period.
Dependence on the successful implementation of other CARES Act initiatives that this design supports.
Risk associated with the long performance period (over 5 years) and potential changes in market conditions or regulations affecting architectural services.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive market for these services.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost predictability.
The contractor, The Schemmer Associates Inc., likely has relevant experience, reducing execution risk.
The contract is tied to the CARES Act, suggesting it addresses a critical public need.

Sector Analysis

The architectural services sector is a vital part of the construction and engineering industry, providing design and planning expertise for a wide range of projects. This contract fits within the broader federal spending on infrastructure and economic recovery initiatives, particularly those enabled by the CARES Act. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the General Services Administration's (GSA) Public Buildings Service (PBS) portfolio for similar design contracts, though CARES Act specific projects may have unique funding streams and requirements.

Small Business Impact

The contract details indicate that small business participation was not a specific set-aside requirement for this particular award (ss: false, sb: false). While the prime contractor is not specified as a small business, the potential for subcontracting opportunities with small businesses in architectural or related fields exists. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether The Schemmer Associates Inc. actively seeks to engage small business subcontractors for specialized services or support roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Public Buildings Service (PBS). As a delivery order under a potential IDIQ, oversight would involve monitoring performance against the Statement of Work, adherence to the firm fixed price, and compliance with federal acquisition regulations. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

CARES Act Funding
Architectural and Engineering Services
General Services Administration Contracts
Public Infrastructure Projects
Federal Design Services

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of scope changes or market shifts.
Dependence on CARES Act funding and related project approvals.
Potential for coordination challenges if part of a larger multi-contract effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $502,877.02 to THE SCHEMMER ASSOCIATES INC.. THIS IS THE AWARD FOR THE SD CARES ACT DESIGN, SOUTH DAKOTA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE SCHEMMER ASSOCIATES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $502,877.02.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-20. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the track record of The Schemmer Associates Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the GSA?

The Schemmer Associates Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, including those administered by the General Services Administration (GSA). While specific details on the volume and types of past GSA contracts require deeper database analysis, their presence as an awardee suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience to compete for and execute government work. Their past performance on similar projects, if available, would be a key indicator of their reliability and capability in delivering architectural services within federal guidelines and timelines. Reviewing their award history can provide insights into their success rates, types of services rendered, and overall adherence to contract terms.

How does the awarded amount compare to typical architectural service contracts for similar projects?

Benchmarking this $502,877.02 award requires context regarding the specific scope of architectural services, the complexity of the project, and the geographic location. Architectural service costs can vary significantly based on factors like building type, size, historical significance, and required design phases (e.g., schematic design, design development, construction documents). For projects funded under the CARES Act, there might be unique considerations related to speed of delivery or specific program requirements that influence pricing. A direct comparison to non-CARES Act projects or projects of vastly different scales might not be entirely accurate. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope, and the award amount should be evaluated against the deliverables outlined in the contract.

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

Key risks include potential scope creep, as project requirements might evolve over the multi-year performance period, and the inherent uncertainties in long-term projects. Delays in related funding or approvals for the underlying infrastructure projects could also impact the project timeline. Mitigation strategies likely include robust contract management by the GSA, clear definition of deliverables and milestones, and change order processes to manage any necessary scope adjustments. The firm fixed-price contract itself mitigates financial risk for the government by establishing a ceiling cost. The contractor's experience and the competitive award process also serve as risk reduction factors.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method in ensuring value for taxpayers?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method is a variation of full and open competition designed to maximize the pool of potential offerors while potentially addressing specific circumstances that might limit participation initially. When executed properly, it aims to foster robust competition, driving down prices and encouraging innovative solutions, thereby maximizing value for taxpayers. The effectiveness hinges on the clarity of the solicitation, the fairness of the evaluation process, and the actual number and quality of bids received. If this method successfully attracts multiple qualified bidders, it is generally an effective mechanism for achieving competitive pricing and ensuring that the government receives the best value.

What is the historical spending pattern for architectural services by the GSA, and how does this award fit?

The General Services Administration (GSA) consistently spends significant amounts on architectural and engineering (A&E) services to support its vast portfolio of federal buildings and real estate. Historical spending patterns reveal a steady demand for design services across various project types, from new construction and renovations to specialized facility upgrades. This $502,877.02 award for SD CARES Act design services fits within the GSA's ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving federal infrastructure. It represents a specific allocation of funds for a project driven by the unique needs and economic stimulus goals of the CARES Act, likely falling within the typical range for design contracts of moderate scope and complexity managed by the Public Buildings Service.

Are there any performance metrics or KPIs defined in the contract to measure success?

While the provided data does not detail specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or performance metrics, federal contracts for architectural services typically include performance standards. These often relate to adherence to project schedules, quality of design documents, compliance with building codes and federal standards, responsiveness to government feedback, and overall project management. The contract likely outlines deliverables such as schematic designs, design development documents, and construction documents, with acceptance of these deliverables serving as a primary measure of performance. The GSA's contract administration team would monitor progress against these requirements throughout the contract's duration.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Architectural Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47PJ0021R0102

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1044 N 115TH ST, OMAHA, NE, 68154

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $502,877

Exercised Options: $502,877

Current Obligation: $502,877

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PJ0020D0019

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline