DHS awards $14.4M for White House defense training facility A&E, with AECOM Technical Services winning

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,401,883 ($14.4M)

Contractor: AECOM Technical Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-09-28

End Date: 2028-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,828 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WHITE HOUSE DEFENSE TRAINING FACILITY A&E EFFORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20223

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $14.4 million to AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC. for work described as: WHITE HOUSE DEFENSE TRAINING FACILITY A&E EFFORT Key points: 1. AECOM Technical Services secured a significant contract for architectural and engineering services. 2. The contract is for a critical defense training facility supporting the U.S. Secret Service. 3. The project duration is substantial, spanning over 1800 days, indicating a complex undertaking. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.4M for A&E services appears reasonable given the project's scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale government facility design contracts would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The specific price discovery mechanisms within this competitive process are not detailed.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for this essential defense infrastructure.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. Secret Service operational capabilities through improved training facilities. Supports national security by providing advanced defense training infrastructure. Contributes to the local economy in Washington D.C. through construction and related services. Ensures high-quality architectural and engineering standards for a critical government facility.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 78 / 10

Warning Flags

Long project duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
Potential for scope creep given the complexity of defense training facilities.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm Fixed Price contract type mitigates cost risk.
Experienced contractor (AECOM Technical Services) likely to deliver quality services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically related to government facility design and construction support. Spending in this area is often driven by national security needs and infrastructure upgrades.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were included or pursued.

Oversight & Accountability

The U.S. Secret Service, under the Department of Homeland Security, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard government oversight mechanisms for large A&E contracts would apply.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Secret Service Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (1828 days).
Potential for scope creep in complex defense facilities.
No small business participation indicated.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown for justification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $14.4 million to AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC.. WHITE HOUSE DEFENSE TRAINING FACILITY A&E EFFORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Secret Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-28. End: 2028-09-29.

What specific technological or security features are incorporated into the training facility design that justify the project's scale and cost?

The provided data does not detail the specific features of the training facility. However, defense training facilities often incorporate advanced simulation capabilities, specialized security measures, and adaptable spaces to accommodate evolving threats and training methodologies. The scale and cost likely reflect the integration of these sophisticated requirements to ensure readiness and effectiveness for the U.S. Secret Service.

How does the $14.4M A&E cost compare to similar defense training facility projects, and what factors might explain any significant deviations?

Without specific project details or comparable benchmarks, a precise comparison is difficult. Factors influencing cost deviations could include the facility's size, complexity, specific technological requirements (e.g., advanced simulation rooms, secure communication infrastructure), geographic location impacting labor and material costs, and the level of security clearance required for personnel involved. The duration of nearly five years also suggests a complex, multi-phased design and oversight process.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for AECOM Technical Services to ensure the successful completion of the architectural and engineering services within the specified timeframe and budget?

Key performance indicators would likely include adherence to design schedules, timely submission of design documents and reviews, compliance with all relevant building codes and security standards, effective coordination with stakeholders (Secret Service, DHS), and managing the design within the firm-fixed-price budget. Successful completion would be measured by the final design's approval and its ability to meet the functional and operational requirements of the training facility.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 S GRAND AVE STE 1100, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90071

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,537,240

Exercised Options: $14,401,883

Current Obligation: $14,401,883

Actual Outlays: $11,468,775

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $21,555

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z05018DAECOMT06

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline