HHS Awards $105M for Integrated Research Facility Construction, Completed in 2013
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $104,879,871 ($104.9M)
Contractor: Higgins Development Partners, L.L.C.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2002-04-25
End Date: 2013-09-28
Contract Duration: 4,174 days
Daily Burn Rate: $25.1K/day
Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED
Sector: Construction
Official Description: INTEGRATED RESEARCH FACILITY
Place of Performance
Location: HAMILTON, RAVALLI County, MONTANA, 59840
State: Montana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $104.9 million to HIGGINS DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, L.L.C. for work described as: INTEGRATED RESEARCH FACILITY Key points: 1. The contract value of $104.9M for a research facility is substantial. 2. Competition details are not readily available, impacting price discovery assessment. 3. The project duration of over 11 years suggests potential scope creep or complex execution. 4. Construction sector spending benchmarks are relevant for evaluating this project's cost-effectiveness.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $104.9M is significant for a research facility. Without comparable contract data or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. However, the long duration may indicate cost overruns or scope expansion.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract was awarded to HIGGINS DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, L.L.C. The award type and competition method are not specified, making it impossible to assess the impact on price discovery. This lack of transparency raises concerns about potential inefficiencies.
Taxpayer Impact: The full taxpayer impact is unclear due to the unknown competition and potential for cost overruns over the project's extended duration.
Public Impact
Construction of a major research facility impacts scientific advancement and public health infrastructure. The long project timeline may have delayed the facility's operational readiness. Economic impact through job creation and local investment in Montana.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Extended project duration
- Lack of competition transparency
- Unclear final cost vs. initial estimates
Positive Signals
- Awarded to a specific development partner
- Completed project contributing to research infrastructure
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. Benchmarks for similar large-scale research facility construction projects would be needed for a robust cost comparison. The $104.9M value is significant within this sector.
Small Business Impact
Information on small business participation is not provided, making it difficult to assess the impact on small businesses for this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight mechanisms for a project spanning over 11 years are critical. Details on progress reporting, change order management, and final inspections are needed to ensure accountability and taxpayer value.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Extended project duration may indicate cost overruns or inefficiencies.
- Lack of transparency regarding competition method.
- Potential for scope creep over a long project timeline.
- Unclear final cost compared to initial estimates.
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-health-and-human-services, mt, dca, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $104.9 million to HIGGINS DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, L.L.C.. INTEGRATED RESEARCH FACILITY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HIGGINS DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, L.L.C..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $104.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-04-25. End: 2013-09-28.
What was the primary driver for the extended project duration of over 11 years?
The extended duration could be attributed to various factors including complex construction requirements for a research facility, unforeseen site conditions, changes in project scope, contractor performance issues, or delays in funding and approvals. A detailed project history would be necessary to pinpoint the exact reasons.
How did the procurement method impact the final cost and value for taxpayers?
Without knowing the procurement method (e.g., competitive bidding, sole-source), it's impossible to definitively assess its impact on cost and taxpayer value. A competitive process typically drives down prices, while a sole-source award might lead to higher costs if not carefully managed and justified.
What is the current operational status and effectiveness of the Integrated Research Facility?
The provided data indicates the project was completed in September 2013. Its current operational status and effectiveness in supporting research objectives would require further investigation into post-construction reviews, utilization rates, and scientific output.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS
Contractor Details
Address: 101 E ERIE ST STE 800, CHICAGO, IL, 90
Business Categories: Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $104,879,871
Exercised Options: $104,879,871
Current Obligation: $104,879,871
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-04-25
Current End Date: 2013-09-28
Potential End Date: 2013-09-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-10-26
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