GSA's $14.9M Border Station Project Awarded to URS Group, Inc. Amidst Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,912,843 ($14.9M)

Contractor: URS Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2008-07-28

End Date: 2015-02-27

Contract Duration: 2,405 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR SAN YSIDRO BORDER STATION PROJECT

Place of Performance

Location: SAN YSIDRO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92173

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $14.9 million to URS GROUP, INC. for work described as: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR SAN YSIDRO BORDER STATION PROJECT Key points: 1. The contract value of $14.9 million for construction management services is significant for a single project. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The project duration of 2405 days (approx. 6.6 years) indicates a long-term commitment and potential for cost escalation. 4. The sector is Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, a critical area for infrastructure development.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $14.9 million for construction management services is substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale public infrastructure projects would be necessary to definitively assess its value, but the duration suggests significant complexity.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically allows for the widest possible range of bidders and can lead to better price discovery. The number of bids received (19) is a positive indicator of competitive interest.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment for awarding contracts.

Public Impact

Border infrastructure projects directly impact national security and trade facilitation. The San Ysidro Border Station is a major port of entry, and its modernization is crucial for efficient operations. Long-term construction projects can cause temporary disruptions to local communities and businesses. The success of this project could influence future federal investments in border infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 60 / 10

Warning Flags

Long project duration (2405 days) increases risk of cost overruns and scope creep.
Firm Fixed Price contract may not adequately account for unforeseen construction challenges over a long period.
Lack of specific small business participation noted (sb: false).

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Received a significant number of bids (19), indicating strong market interest.
Project addresses critical border infrastructure needs.

Sector Analysis

The Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector is vital for public infrastructure. Federal spending in this area often involves large, complex projects with long timelines, requiring robust oversight to manage costs and ensure quality.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific requirement or was not met for this contract (sb: false). For large federal construction projects, ensuring opportunities for small businesses is often a goal to promote economic diversity.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for overseeing federal building projects. The Public Buildings Service (PBS) within GSA manages these acquisitions. Oversight would focus on project milestones, budget adherence, and quality control throughout the extended contract period.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
General Services Administration Contracting
Public Buildings Service Programs

Risk Flags

Extended contract duration increases risk of cost escalation and scope creep.
Firm Fixed Price contract may be insufficient for long-term projects with potential for market volatility.
Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
Complexity of border station construction requires stringent oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $14.9 million to URS GROUP, INC.. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR SAN YSIDRO BORDER STATION PROJECT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is URS GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-07-28. End: 2015-02-27.

What were the key performance indicators used to evaluate the bids during the full and open competition, and how did they balance cost against technical expertise for this complex construction managem

Evaluating bids for complex construction management services typically involves a balance of technical qualifications, past performance, management approach, and price. Agencies often use a source selection plan outlining specific evaluation criteria and their relative importance. For a project of this scale and duration, technical expertise and a proven track record in managing similar large-scale public works would likely be heavily weighted to ensure successful project delivery and mitigate risks associated with complexity and long timelines.

Given the 2405-day duration and Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type, what mechanisms were in place to manage potential cost increases due to inflation, material price volatility, or unforeseen site c

An FFP contract generally places the risk of cost increases on the contractor. However, for very long-duration projects, contracts may include economic price adjustment clauses or specific provisions for change orders to address significant, unforeseen fluctuations in material costs or labor rates. The agency's oversight would be critical in managing any requests for equitable adjustments or contract modifications to ensure they are justified and do not unduly inflate the final cost to taxpayers.

How effectively did the competition ensure value for money, considering the long project timeline and the specific nature of construction management services for a border station?

The full and open competition with 19 bids suggests a robust market response, which is a positive sign for value for money. However, the true measure of value lies in the project's successful completion within budget and schedule, and to the required quality standards. The long duration necessitates vigilant oversight to ensure the contractor maintains efficiency and cost control throughout the project lifecycle, preventing potential cost overruns that could negate the initial competitive advantage.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: AECOM Global II, LLC (UEI: 043271568)

Address: 1615 MURRAY CANYON RD STE 1000, SAN DIEGO, CA, 90

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,912,843

Exercised Options: $14,912,843

Current Obligation: $14,912,843

Timeline