NARA awards $519K contract for Presidential Library operations and maintenance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $519,433 ($519.4K)

Contractor: Kroeschell Engineering CO. Inc.

Awarding Agency: National Archives and Records Administration

Start Date: 2024-03-27

End Date: 2027-03-26

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $475/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IS FOR OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT THE HERBERT HOOVER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM.

Place of Performance

Location: WEST BRANCH, CEDAR County, IOWA, 52358

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Archives and Records Administration obligated $519,433.34 to KROESCHELL ENGINEERING CO. INC. for work described as: IS FOR OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT THE HERBERT HOOVER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential facilities support for a historic institution. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of nearly three years provides stability for services. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. Services are critical for preserving historical assets at the library.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $519,433.34 for nearly three years of operations and maintenance at a Presidential Library appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar facilities support contracts for government buildings of comparable size and complexity would provide a more precise assessment. However, given the specialized nature of maintaining a historical archive and museum, the price seems aligned with the scope of work. The firm-fixed-price structure also indicates that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition suggests a robust process that likely encouraged competitive pricing. This approach is generally preferred by the government as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors and promotes price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing services at the most competitive prices available in the market, thereby optimizing the use of public funds.

Public Impact

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum benefits from uninterrupted operations and maintenance. Preservation of historical documents and artifacts is supported by these services. The public gains continued access to a significant historical site. Local workforce in Iowa may be supported through employment opportunities. The National Archives and Records Administration ensures the upkeep of a federal asset.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for service disruptions if contractor performance falters.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical infrastructure maintenance.
Scope creep could lead to cost increases if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Contractor has experience in facilities support services.
Firm-fixed-price contract aligns incentives for cost control.
Longer contract duration provides service continuity.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive award.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, a broad category encompassing a wide range of services necessary for the operation and maintenance of buildings and grounds. The market for these services is extensive, with numerous providers ranging from small local businesses to large national corporations. Government contracts in this space often involve specialized requirements, such as those for historical preservation or secure environments. The value of this specific contract is relatively modest within the broader federal spending landscape for facilities management.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have explicit subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized support. Further analysis of the prime contractor's subcontracting plan, if available, would be necessary to fully assess the implications for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) contracting officer and program officials. They are responsible for monitoring contractor performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where award details are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would typically apply if significant fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Presidential Libraries Operations and Maintenance
Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
National Archives and Records Administration Facilities Management
Historic Preservation Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to unforeseen issues in historic infrastructure.
Risk of compromised quality if contractor faces financial pressure.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical facility operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Archives and Records Administration awarded $519,433.34 to KROESCHELL ENGINEERING CO. INC.. IS FOR OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT THE HERBERT HOOVER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KROESCHELL ENGINEERING CO. INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Archives and Records Administration (National Archives and Records Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $519,433.34.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-27. End: 2027-03-26.

What is the track record of Kroeschell Engineering Co. Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in facilities support?

Kroeschell Engineering Co. Inc. has a history of performing federal contracts, including those related to facilities operations and maintenance. A review of federal procurement data would reveal the number and types of contracts they have held, their performance ratings on past awards, and any instances of contract disputes or terminations. Understanding their past performance is crucial for assessing their capability to successfully execute this current contract for the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. Specific details on past performance metrics, such as on-time delivery, quality of work, and adherence to budget, would provide a more comprehensive picture of their reliability as a government contractor.

How does the awarded price compare to similar facilities support contracts for presidential libraries or museums?

Benchmarking this $519,433.34 contract against similar facilities support contracts for other presidential libraries or museums is essential for a value-for-money assessment. Factors such as the size of the facility, the age and historical significance of the infrastructure, the specific services required (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing, security, groundskeeping), and the duration of the contract all influence pricing. Without direct comparative data on contracts for institutions of similar scope and complexity, it is difficult to definitively state if this price is high or low. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests the government has secured a defined cost for the services.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this facilities support contract?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this facilities support contract would likely focus on ensuring the continuous and safe operation of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. These could include metrics such as response times for maintenance requests, preventative maintenance completion rates, energy efficiency targets, compliance with safety regulations, and the overall condition of the facility's infrastructure. The contract itself, along with any associated performance work statement (PWS), would detail the specific KPIs and the acceptable performance standards. Regular performance reviews between NARA and Kroeschell Engineering Co. Inc. would track progress against these KPIs.

What is the historical spending pattern for facilities support at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum?

Analyzing historical spending for facilities support at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum would provide context for the current $519,433.34 award. This involves examining past contracts for similar services, noting any trends in contract values, durations, and the contractors utilized. Significant year-over-year increases or decreases in spending could indicate changes in facility needs, maintenance strategies, or market pricing. Understanding this historical context helps in evaluating whether the current contract represents a reasonable continuation of past investment or a notable shift in resource allocation for the library's upkeep.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for facilities maintenance in a historic building?

While firm-fixed-price contracts are generally favored for cost certainty, they can introduce risks, especially in maintaining a historic building. The primary risk is that unforeseen issues specific to older infrastructure (e.g., unique materials, complex systems, accessibility challenges for repairs) could lead to cost overruns for the contractor. If the contractor underestimated these complexities, they might cut corners on quality to maintain profitability, potentially impacting the preservation of historical assets. Conversely, a well-resourced contractor with experience in historic sites might price this risk into their bid, leading to a higher initial cost for the government. Effective oversight is crucial to ensure quality is not compromised.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 88310324Q00032

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3222 N KENNICOTT AVE, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL, 60004

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,158,553

Exercised Options: $692,113

Current Obligation: $519,433

Actual Outlays: $390,590

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSHA21D000D

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline