NIH Awards $60M Design-Build Contract for Utility Vault and Parking Garage to Coakley & Williams Construction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $60,016,226 ($60.0M)

Contractor: Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2019-09-24

End Date: 2024-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,650 days

Daily Burn Rate: $36.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: C104771 - DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR UTILITY VAULT AND PATIENT PARKING GARAGE (UVPPG), NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH (NIH)

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20892

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $60.0 million to COAKLEY & WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION, INC. for work described as: C104771 - DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR UTILITY VAULT AND PATIENT PARKING GARAGE (UVPPG), NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH (NIH) Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The project involves significant construction for critical NIH infrastructure. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs, but duration is lengthy. 4. The awardee, Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc., is a Maryland-based firm.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $60M for a design-build utility vault and patient parking garage appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale institutional construction projects would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield a fair price, maximizing taxpayer value for this essential infrastructure project.

Public Impact

Enhances critical infrastructure at the National Institutes of Health. Supports patient access and operational needs through improved facilities. Provides construction jobs and economic activity in Maryland. Long-term asset for a leading biomedical research institution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long project duration (over 5 years) may introduce cost escalation risks.
Potential for scope creep in complex design-build projects.
Reliance on a single awardee for a significant project.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm Fixed Price contract type for cost certainty.
Addresses critical NIH infrastructure needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, a sector vital for public infrastructure development. The $60M award is substantial, reflecting the complexity and scale of the NIH's needs for utility and parking facilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to a single large business. There is no explicit information on small business subcontracting participation in this award notice.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a delivery order under an existing contract vehicle, suggesting prior oversight. Further oversight would focus on project execution, adherence to schedule, and budget management throughout the contract's life.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration
Firm Fixed Price on a large project
Potential for scope creep
Lack of explicit small business set-aside

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $60.0 million to COAKLEY & WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION, INC.. C104771 - DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR UTILITY VAULT AND PATIENT PARKING GARAGE (UVPPG), NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH (NIH)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COAKLEY & WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $60.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-24. End: 2024-03-31.

What was the basis for the $60M award value, and how does it compare to similar NIH construction projects?

The $60M award value is based on the firm fixed price for the design and construction of a utility vault and patient parking garage. A detailed cost breakdown was likely evaluated during the full and open competition. Comparing this to similar NIH projects would require access to historical contract data and project specifications to ensure a like-for-like analysis.

What are the primary risks associated with the long duration and firm fixed price nature of this contract?

The primary risks with a long duration (1650 days) and firm fixed price include potential for unforeseen site conditions, material price fluctuations, and labor cost increases impacting the contractor's profitability or leading to change orders. For the government, the risk is ensuring the contractor can maintain quality and schedule over an extended period without significant cost overruns through change orders.

How effectively does this contract support the NIH's mission and operational requirements?

This contract is crucial for supporting the NIH's mission by providing essential infrastructure. The utility vault ensures reliable power and services, while the patient parking garage improves accessibility for patients and visitors. These facilities are foundational for the seamless operation of research and healthcare activities at the NIH campus.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: NIHOF2011367

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7475 WISCONSIN AVENUE, SUITE 900, BETHESDA, MD, 20814

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $60,016,226

Exercised Options: $60,016,226

Current Obligation: $60,016,226

Actual Outlays: $34,006,503

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN292201400007I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline