GSA Awards $28.3M for Neal Smith Federal Building Upgrades, Including ARRA Energy Projects

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,259,589 ($28.3M)

Contractor: Neumann Brothers, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2010-03-15

End Date: 2013-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,387 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: RECOVERY: BUILDING #IA0112ZZ, NEAL SMITH FEDERAL BUILDING ARRA PROJECT (PROJECT #IIA00013), 210 WALNUT STREET, DES MOINES, IA. CONTRACT AWARD - WORK TO BE DELIVERED UNDER THIS TASK ORDER INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: CHANGE OUT EXISTING ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS TO UPGRADE PERFORMANCE OF ELECTRICAL AND HVAC SYSTEMS. AS OPTIONS, THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF WORK: A. OPTION NO. 1 - CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES: OPTION #1: A) ARRA REQUIRED PROJECTS-PROVIDE AND INSTALL ADVANCED METERING ON GAS AND WATER BUILDING SERVICE ENTRANCES; AND UPGRADES TO THE EXISTING ENERGY MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM (EMCS); B) ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES-PROVIDE AND INSTALL ENERGY SAVING LAMPS; OFFICE LIGHTING AND SWITCHING REVISIONS; DAYLIGHTING ENHANCEMENTS; PUBLIC AREA TIME OF DAY CONTROLS; COOLING TOWER SEWER ABATEMENT; BOILER AUTOMATIC BLOWDOWN; TIME OF DAY CONTROLS FOR EXISTING AIR HANDLING UNITS AND EXHAUST FANS; RESET DUAL DUCT MIXING BOX STATIC PRESSURE SENSORS; CHILLER CONTROL OPTIMIZATION; REPLACE EXISTING AIR HANDLING UNITS (ONE FOR ONE). B. OPTION #2: REMOVE BUILDING'S EXISTING PERIMETER INDUCTION UNITS. PROVIDE AND INSTALL A NEW PERIMETER RADIANT HEAT SYSTEM, INCLUDING A NEW VENTILATION AIR SYSTEM. C. OPTION #3: REMOVE BUILDING'S EXISTING ELECTRICAL POWER TRANSFORMERS. PROVIDE AND INSTALL NEW HIGHER EFFICIENCY TRANSFORMERS. D. OPTION #4: PROVIDE AND INSTALL NEW MOTORIZED AND CONTROLLED WINDOW BLIND SYSTEM AND NEW HIGHLY REFLECTIVE CEILING SYSTEM. E. OPTION #5: REMODEL THE EXISTING RESTROOMS ON FLOORS 2 THROUGH 10. PROVIDE AND INSTALL NEW EFFICIENT PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL FIXTURES, INCLUDING UPGRADES ON FINISHES AND ADA COMPLIANCE. F. OPTION #6: REMODEL THE EXISTING RESTROOMS ON THE FIRST FLOOR. PROVIDE AND INSTALL NEW EFFICIENT PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL FIXTURES, INCLUDING UPGRADES ON FINISHES AND ADA COMPLIANCE. LOCATION OF THE RESTROOMS MAY CHANGE. G. OPTION #7: REMODEL THE EXISTING KITCHEN. PROVIDE AND INSTALL NEW EFFICIENT FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT, HVAC UPGRADES, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL FIXTURES, INCLUDING NEW FINISHES. H. OPTION #8: REMOVE THE EXISTING TWO-CELL COOLING TOWER. PROVIDE AND INSTALL A NEW FOUR-CELL COOLING TOW.

Place of Performance

Location: DES MOINES, POLK County, IOWA, 50314

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $28.3 million to NEUMANN BROTHERS, INC. for work described as: RECOVERY: BUILDING #IA0112ZZ, NEAL SMITH FEDERAL BUILDING ARRA PROJECT (PROJECT #IIA00013), 210 WALNUT STREET, DES MOINES, IA. CONTRACT AWARD - WORK TO BE DELIVERED UNDER THIS TASK ORDER INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: CHANGE OUT EXISTING ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL … Key points: 1. Significant investment in federal building infrastructure and energy efficiency. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Project scope includes critical system upgrades and ARRA-mandated energy conservation measures. 4. Construction services are a key component, indicating physical building work. 5. Long project duration of nearly four years.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $28.3 million for a multi-year building renovation project appears reasonable given the scope of electrical, mechanical, and energy system upgrades. Benchmarking against similar federal building modernization contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market prices for the services rendered.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential infrastructure upgrades and energy efficiency improvements in a federal building, aiming for long-term cost savings and modernization.

Public Impact

Modernized federal facilities enhance government operational efficiency. Investment in energy efficiency contributes to environmental sustainability goals. ARRA funding directed towards infrastructure projects stimulates economic activity. Improved building systems ensure a safer and more functional workspace for federal employees. Upgrades to electrical and HVAC systems can lead to reduced utility costs for taxpayers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long project duration may indicate potential for cost overruns or delays.
Scope includes options, which could increase the final contract value.
No explicit mention of small business participation.

Positive Signals

ARRA funding ensures project completion and economic stimulus.
Focus on energy efficiency aligns with federal sustainability mandates.
Full and open competition suggests a robust procurement process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically focusing on upgrades to electrical and mechanical systems, and energy conservation measures. Federal building modernization projects often involve significant capital investment to improve performance and reduce operational costs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that 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 pursued or mandated.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for managing federal building infrastructure. Oversight would involve monitoring project progress, adherence to scope, and financial accountability throughout the contract duration.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Long project duration
Inclusion of options that could increase cost
No small business award noted
Lack of quantifiable energy savings data
Potential for scope creep with options

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $28.3 million to NEUMANN BROTHERS, INC.. RECOVERY: BUILDING #IA0112ZZ, NEAL SMITH FEDERAL BUILDING ARRA PROJECT (PROJECT #IIA00013), 210 WALNUT STREET, DES MOINES, IA. CONTRACT AWARD - WORK TO BE DELIVERED UNDER THIS TASK ORDER INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: CHANGE OUT EXISTING ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS TO UPGRADE PERFORMANCE OF ELECTRICAL AND HVAC SYSTEMS. AS OPTIONS, THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF WORK: A. OPTION NO. 1 - CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES: OPTION #1: A) ARRA REQUIRED PROJECTS-P

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NEUMANN BROTHERS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-03-15. End: 2013-12-31.

What was the final contract value after all options were exercised?

The provided data lists the initial award amount at $28,259,588.81. However, the contract includes options for additional work, such as construction phase services and specific energy conservation measures. Without data on the exercise of these options, the final expenditure remains unknown. A follow-up inquiry would be necessary to ascertain the total cost.

What were the specific energy savings achieved from the ARRA-funded measures?

The contract details the installation of advanced metering, EMCS upgrades, and energy-saving lamps as part of the ARRA project. However, the data does not quantify the actual energy savings realized post-implementation. Measuring and reporting these savings would be crucial to assess the return on investment and the effectiveness of the energy conservation measures funded by taxpayers.

Were there any significant delays or cost overruns during the project's 1387-day duration?

The project had a substantial duration of 1387 days (approximately 3.8 years). While the contract was awarded under firm fixed price, long-duration construction projects are susceptible to unforeseen issues. Information regarding project milestones, adherence to schedule, and any change orders or modifications that impacted cost or timeline would be needed to assess potential delays or overruns.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: IIA00013

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1435 OHIO ST, DES MOINES, IA, 50314

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,259,589

Exercised Options: $28,259,589

Current Obligation: $28,259,589

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS06P07GYD0059

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline