Interior Department awards $13.4M for Fort Jefferson repairs, with Enola Contracting Services Inc. winning the bid

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,454,249 ($13.5M)

Contractor: Enola Contracting Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2007-09-24

End Date: 2011-07-01

Contract Duration: 1,376 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: REPAIR/STABILIZE FORT JEFFERSON PHASE 2

Place of Performance

Location: CHIPLEY, WASHINGTON County, FLORIDA, 32428

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $13.5 million to ENOLA CONTRACTING SERVICES INC for work described as: REPAIR/STABILIZE FORT JEFFERSON PHASE 2 Key points: 1. Contract value of $13.4M for masonry repair and stabilization. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, indicating broad market engagement. 3. Contract duration of 1376 days suggests a significant, multi-year project. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 5. Project located in Florida, impacting regional construction and preservation efforts. 6. No small business set-aside, suggesting larger firms were primary targets or participants.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $13.4 million for masonry repair and stabilization at Fort Jefferson appears to be a substantial investment. Without specific benchmarks for similar historical preservation projects of this scale and complexity, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to cap costs. Further analysis would require comparing the scope of work and unit costs to other National Park Service projects or similar historical site restorations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific project. While competition is generally positive, the exact number of bidders doesn't inherently guarantee the lowest possible price without further context on the bidding landscape and the uniqueness of the required services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to bid, potentially driving down prices and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Public Impact

Preservation of a significant historical landmark, Fort Jefferson, ensuring its long-term structural integrity. Benefits the National Park Service's mission to maintain and protect cultural resources. Potential positive impact on the local Florida economy through construction jobs and related services. Ensures the continued accessibility and educational value of Fort Jefferson for visitors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen structural issues arise beyond the scope of the initial fixed-price contract.
Dependence on a single contractor for a multi-year, critical preservation project.
Limited visibility into the specific breakdown of costs and profit margins within the fixed-price agreement.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Contract duration allows for focused attention and completion of a complex restoration.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Construction and Engineering services sector, specifically focusing on historical preservation and masonry repair. The market for such specialized services can be niche, often involving contractors with specific expertise in heritage sites. The $13.4 million award is a significant sum for a single project, indicating the scale and importance of the preservation work at Fort Jefferson. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the National Park Service's historical preservation budget or similar government agency projects involving landmark restoration.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and the data does not indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary awardee, Enola Contracting Services Inc., is likely a larger entity, or that the project's scope did not lend itself to being broken down into smaller, set-aside portions. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the National Park Service, with potential involvement from the Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General, especially if significant issues or allegations of misconduct arise. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract shifts some risk to the contractor but requires diligent monitoring of performance and adherence to specifications. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though detailed project expenditures may not be fully public.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Preservation Projects
Historic Building Restoration Contracts
Federal Construction and Repair Contracts
Department of the Interior Capital Improvement Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen structural issues are discovered.
Contractor performance risk over a multi-year duration.
Adequacy of initial cost estimates for complex historical preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $13.5 million to ENOLA CONTRACTING SERVICES INC. REPAIR/STABILIZE FORT JEFFERSON PHASE 2

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ENOLA CONTRACTING SERVICES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-09-24. End: 2011-07-01.

What is the track record of Enola Contracting Services Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in historical preservation?

A review of federal contract data indicates that Enola Contracting Services Inc. has been awarded federal contracts, including this significant $13.4 million award for Fort Jefferson repairs. To fully assess their track record, one would need to examine past performance on similar projects, including their success in meeting deadlines, staying within budget (especially on fixed-price contracts), and the quality of their work as reflected in past performance reviews or contract close-out data. Information on their experience with masonry repair and historical site stabilization would be particularly relevant. Without access to detailed performance reports or a broader contract history, it's difficult to definitively gauge their expertise and reliability beyond this single large award.

How does the $13.4 million cost compare to similar historical preservation projects undertaken by the National Park Service?

Benchmarking the $13.4 million cost requires comparing it against similar National Park Service (NPS) projects involving extensive masonry repair and stabilization of historical structures. Factors such as the size of the structure, the complexity of the repairs, the materials used, and the geographic location significantly influence project costs. For instance, a similar project at a different coastal fort with comparable structural issues and historical significance might offer a relevant comparison. Without specific data on comparable NPS projects, it's challenging to definitively state whether this contract represents excellent, fair, or questionable value. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests an effort to control costs within the awarded amount.

What are the primary risks associated with a multi-year, firm-fixed-price contract for historical preservation?

The primary risks associated with a multi-year, firm-fixed-price contract for historical preservation include potential cost overruns if unforeseen structural issues or material challenges arise that were not adequately identified during the initial assessment and bidding phase. The contractor bears the risk of increased material or labor costs over the contract's duration. For the government, the risk lies in the potential for the contractor to cut corners on quality to maintain profitability if unexpected cost pressures emerge, or if the initial scope of work was underestimated. Diligent government oversight is crucial to monitor progress, ensure adherence to specifications, and manage any necessary contract modifications.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this type of project?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective in ensuring value for money for projects where the scope of work can be clearly defined, such as masonry repair and stabilization. It shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage their expenses efficiently and complete the work within the agreed-upon price. This provides budget certainty for the government. However, for complex historical preservation projects, there's a risk that an FFP contract might lead to less flexibility in addressing unforeseen issues, potentially impacting the quality of preservation if not managed carefully. The success in achieving value for money depends heavily on the accuracy of the initial scope definition and the contractor's execution.

What historical spending patterns exist for Fort Jefferson maintenance and repair by the Department of the Interior?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for Fort Jefferson maintenance and repair by the Department of the Interior would provide context for the $13.4 million award. This would involve examining previous contracts awarded for work at the site, their values, durations, and the nature of the services provided. Understanding the frequency and cost of past repairs, especially for masonry and structural stabilization, can help determine if this current contract represents a significant increase, a continuation of a trend, or a response to a specific, large-scale need. Without access to historical contract databases specifically filtered for Fort Jefferson, it is difficult to detail these patterns.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors › Masonry Contractors

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT OF RESTORATION ACTIVITIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N5010070905

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1414 MAIN ST STE 3 C, CHIPLEY, FL, 02

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,454,249

Exercised Options: $13,454,249

Current Obligation: $13,454,249

Timeline