GSA's $30.5M Helix Award for Architectural Services: A 14-Year Contract with Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,491,521 ($30.5M)
Contractor: Helix Architecture & Design Inc
Awarding Agency: General Services Administration
Start Date: 2001-02-15
End Date: 2015-09-30
Contract Duration: 5,340 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: HELIX AWARD - GS06P00GZC0007
Place of Performance
Location: KANSAS CITY, JACKSON County, MISSOURI, 64108, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Missouri Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
General Services Administration obligated $30.5 million to HELIX ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN INC for work described as: HELIX AWARD - GS06P00GZC0007 Key points: 1. The contract value of $30.5 million over 14 years indicates a significant investment in architectural services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process, which can lead to better pricing. 3. The absence of small business participation is a notable point for consideration. 4. The sector is architectural services, a critical component of public infrastructure development.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $30.5 million spread over 14 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar large-scale architectural contracts would be necessary for a precise assessment, but the duration implies a stable, long-term relationship.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value through a broad range of potential providers.
Public Impact
This contract supports the development and maintenance of federal buildings, impacting public spaces and infrastructure. The long duration of the contract suggests a sustained need for architectural expertise within the General Services Administration. The award to a single firm, HELIX ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN INC, highlights the importance of specialized firms in government projects.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of small business participation.
- Long contract duration could potentially lead to cost inefficiencies if not managed closely.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Long-term contract provides stability for project execution.
Sector Analysis
The architectural services sector is crucial for government infrastructure projects. The $30.5 million award over 14 years represents a substantial commitment within this sector, suggesting significant project scope or ongoing needs for the General Services Administration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to understand if opportunities for small business subcontracting were explored or if the nature of the work precluded their involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for overseeing federal building projects. The long duration of this contract necessitates ongoing oversight to ensure adherence to scope, budget, and quality standards.
Related Government Programs
- Architectural Services
- General Services Administration Contracting
- Public Buildings Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of small business participation.
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for cost creep if not managed effectively.
- Limited transparency on specific project deliverables.
Tags
architectural-services, general-services-administration, mo, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
General Services Administration awarded $30.5 million to HELIX ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN INC. HELIX AWARD - GS06P00GZC0007
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HELIX ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Public Buildings Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $30.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2001-02-15. End: 2015-09-30.
What specific architectural projects or types of facilities did this $30.5 million award cover over its 14-year duration?
The contract likely encompassed a range of architectural services for federal buildings managed by the Public Buildings Service. This could include design, planning, renovation, and potentially oversight of construction for various government facilities across Missouri, given the 'MO' state code. Specific project details would require access to contract modifications and task orders.
How did the pricing structure and final costs compare to industry benchmarks for similar architectural services over the contract's lifespan?
Without specific cost breakdowns and task order details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the initial price was set and any cost overruns would be borne by the contractor. Periodic reviews against market rates would have been crucial for GSA to ensure continued value.
What was the rationale for awarding such a long-term contract (14 years) for architectural services, and were there mechanisms for performance review and adjustment?
Long-term contracts can provide stability and continuity for complex, multi-year projects or ongoing facility needs. The rationale likely involved ensuring consistent access to specialized architectural expertise. Performance reviews and potential adjustments would typically be governed by contract clauses, allowing for modifications based on performance or changing requirements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Architectural Services
Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Contractor Details
Address: 1629 WALNUT ST, KANSAS CITY, MO, 64108
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $30,491,521
Exercised Options: $30,491,521
Current Obligation: $30,491,521
Timeline
Start Date: 2001-02-15
Current End Date: 2015-09-30
Potential End Date: 2015-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-08-18
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