NARA awards $599K firm-fixed-price contract for Hoover Library ADA renovations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $599,150 ($599.1K)

Contractor: Jacobs Project Management CO

Awarding Agency: National Archives and Records Administration

Start Date: 2025-09-15

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 380 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: THIS IS A FIRM-FIXED-PRICE TASK ORDER FOR THE ADA ACCESSIBILITY RENOVATION PROJECT AT THE HERBERT HOOVER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM FOR THE POP: 9/30/2025 - 2/15/2026

Place of Performance

Location: WEST BRANCH, CEDAR County, IOWA, 52358

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Archives and Records Administration obligated $599,150 to JACOBS PROJECT MANAGEMENT CO for work described as: THIS IS A FIRM-FIXED-PRICE TASK ORDER FOR THE ADA ACCESSIBILITY RENOVATION PROJECT AT THE HERBERT HOOVER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM FOR THE POP: 9/30/2025 - 2/15/2026 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a specialized renovation project. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Project duration is within typical construction timelines. 4. Focus on accessibility aligns with federal mandates. 5. Geographic concentration in Iowa may limit broader economic impact. 6. Fixed-price contract shifts risk to the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $599,150 for ADA accessibility renovations at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum seems appropriate given the scope of work. While direct comparisons are difficult without detailed project specifications, similar federal renovation projects of this nature typically fall within a comparable cost range. The firm-fixed-price structure indicates that the price was determined upfront, suggesting a degree of confidence in cost estimation by the procuring agency and the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which is beneficial for price discovery and potentially leads to more favorable pricing for the government. The agency's choice of full and open competition suggests confidence in the availability of qualified contractors in the market for this type of construction work.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is the most taxpayer-friendly approach, as it maximizes the pool of potential bidders, driving down costs through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are visitors and staff of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, who will experience improved accessibility. The project delivers essential renovations to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The geographic impact is localized to West Branch, Iowa, where the library is located. The contract supports the construction workforce involved in the renovation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the number of bidders limits assessment of competitive intensity.
No information provided on contractor's past performance on similar ADA projects.
Potential for scope creep if unforeseen issues arise during renovation.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process.
Project addresses a critical accessibility need at a federal facility.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. This sector encompasses a wide range of construction activities for non-residential buildings. Federal spending in this area is often driven by infrastructure maintenance, upgrades, and compliance with accessibility standards. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be derived from data on similar renovation projects at federal or state historical sites and public institutions.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. Therefore, small businesses would have had the opportunity to compete directly or potentially participate as subcontractors. The extent of small business subcontracting, if any, is not detailed in the provided data, but federal regulations encourage such participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is responsible for the oversight of this contract. As a firm-fixed-price contract, the primary oversight will focus on ensuring the contractor adheres to the specified scope of work, quality standards, and completion timeline. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting mechanisms. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Renovations
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Projects
Presidential Library and Museum Operations
Historic Preservation Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen conditions in historic building renovations.
Risk of schedule delays impacting project completion.
Contractor's ability to manage fixed-price budget effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Archives and Records Administration awarded $599,150 to JACOBS PROJECT MANAGEMENT CO. THIS IS A FIRM-FIXED-PRICE TASK ORDER FOR THE ADA ACCESSIBILITY RENOVATION PROJECT AT THE HERBERT HOOVER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM FOR THE POP: 9/30/2025 - 2/15/2026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JACOBS PROJECT MANAGEMENT CO.

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 $599,150.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-15. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the contractor's track record with the National Archives and Records Administration or similar federal agencies on accessibility renovation projects?

Information regarding Jacobs Project Management Co.'s specific track record with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) or on similar federal accessibility renovation projects is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough review would require accessing contract databases like SAM.gov or FPDS to examine past performance evaluations, any documented disputes, or awards on previous NARA or other federal agency contracts. Understanding their experience with ADA compliance, historic building renovations, and firm-fixed-price contracts would be crucial for assessing their capability to successfully execute this project within the specified timeline and budget.

How does the awarded price of $599,150 compare to similar ADA renovation projects at federal libraries or museums?

Benchmarking the $599,150 contract value requires comparing it to similar ADA renovation projects at federal libraries or museums. Without specific project details (e.g., square footage, complexity of work, specific accessibility features required), a precise comparison is challenging. However, general industry data suggests that specialized renovations in historic or public-facing federal buildings can range significantly. Factors like the extent of structural modifications, material costs, and labor rates in West Branch, Iowa, would influence the final price. A detailed analysis would involve reviewing cost breakdowns of comparable projects, considering the duration of the project (380 days), and assessing the scope against the price.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm-fixed-price contract for ADA renovations?

The primary risks associated with this firm-fixed-price contract for ADA renovations, while generally favorable to the government by capping costs, include potential contractor underestimation of project complexity or costs. If unforeseen issues arise during the renovation of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum (e.g., hidden structural problems, unexpected material price increases), the contractor may face financial strain, potentially leading to delays or quality compromises if they attempt to cut corners. The government's risk is primarily related to ensuring the contractor has adequately accounted for all potential challenges within the fixed price to avoid project failure or significant delays. The relatively short performance period (approx. 1 year) also presents a risk of schedule slippage.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for money for this type of construction contract?

Full and open competition is generally highly effective in ensuring value for money for construction contracts like this ADA renovation project. By allowing all qualified contractors to bid, it creates a competitive marketplace that incentivizes bidders to offer their most competitive pricing and efficient solutions to win the contract. This process helps prevent cost overruns that might occur with less competitive procurement methods and increases the likelihood that the government secures the best possible price for the required services. The agency's decision to use this method suggests a belief that sufficient market capacity exists to support robust competition.

What is the historical spending pattern for ADA compliance or renovation projects at NARA facilities?

Historical spending patterns for ADA compliance or renovation projects at National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) facilities are not provided in the current data. To assess this, one would need to analyze NARA's procurement history over several fiscal years, identifying contracts specifically tagged for accessibility upgrades, renovations, or compliance work across its various sites. This analysis would reveal trends in contract values, types of services procured, and the frequency of such projects. Understanding past spending can help contextualize the current $599,150 award and identify potential patterns or shifts in NARA's investment in facility accessibility.

What are the implications of the project's short duration (380 days) on contractor performance and potential risks?

The 380-day duration for the ADA accessibility renovation project at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum implies a relatively focused and potentially intensive construction schedule. For the contractor, this necessitates efficient project management, timely procurement of materials, and adequate staffing to meet the deadline. For the government, a shorter duration can mean quicker realization of the accessibility benefits and reduced disruption to library operations. However, it also increases the risk of schedule slippage if unforeseen issues arise, potentially leading to cost overruns if not managed proactively. The firm-fixed-price nature means the contractor bears the risk of delays impacting their profit margin.

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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

Address: 1100 N GLEBE RD STE 500, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $599,150

Exercised Options: $599,150

Current Obligation: $599,150

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $429,187

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 88310320D00009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline