NASA awards $63.3M contract for Exploration Sciences Building construction, completed on time and within budget
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $63,270,261 ($63.3M)
Contractor: Manhattan Construction Company LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2007-06-04
End Date: 2011-07-30
Contract Duration: 1,517 days
Daily Burn Rate: $41.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXPLORATION SCIENCES BUILDING AT THE GSFC
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGE'S County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $63.3 million to MANHATTAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LLC for work described as: CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXPLORATION SCIENCES BUILDING AT THE GSFC Key points: 1. Project delivered successfully, indicating effective project management and execution by the contractor. 2. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests well-defined scope and minimized cost overrun risk. 3. Full and Open Competition likely resulted in competitive pricing, benefiting taxpayers. 4. Construction completed within the planned duration, demonstrating efficient scheduling. 5. The contract aligns with NASA's mission to advance space exploration through infrastructure development. 6. Location in Maryland places the facility within a hub of aerospace activity.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The final award amount of $63.3 million for the Exploration Sciences Building appears reasonable given the scope of constructing a significant institutional building. Benchmarking against similar large-scale government construction projects would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the absence of significant cost overruns suggests that the initial pricing and subsequent management were effective in controlling expenses.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under Full and Open Competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This process typically involves a competitive bidding phase where multiple contractors vie for the award. The presence of two bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this project.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and Open Competition generally leads to better price discovery and ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by selecting the most cost-effective offer.
Public Impact
The Exploration Sciences Building directly supports NASA's mission by providing necessary facilities for scientific research and development. Scientists, engineers, and support staff at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center will benefit from enhanced research capabilities. The project's geographic impact is concentrated in Maryland, supporting the local economy through construction jobs and related services. The facility will enable advancements in space exploration and Earth science research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if initial requirements were not fully defined, though the firm fixed price contract mitigates this.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a large-scale project introduces execution risk.
Positive Signals
- Successful completion within the original timeframe and budget is a strong positive signal.
- Firm Fixed Price contract structure provides cost certainty.
- Full and Open Competition suggests a competitive award process.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant part of the broader construction industry. NASA's investment in specialized research facilities like the Exploration Sciences Building is crucial for maintaining its scientific and technological leadership. Comparable spending benchmarks for large government research facilities can vary widely based on size, complexity, and location, but this project represents a substantial investment in critical infrastructure.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of small business subcontracting requirements. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, with the primary contractor, Manhattan Construction Company LLC, handling the bulk of the work.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would have been managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a large federal contract, it would be subject to standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and agency reporting. The Inspector General's office at NASA would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research Facility Construction
- Federal Building and Infrastructure Projects
- Goddard Space Flight Center Capital Investments
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if scope was not well-defined (mitigated by FFP).
- Execution risk associated with a single large contractor.
- Dependence on timely delivery of specialized materials or equipment.
Tags
construction, nasa, maryland, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, institutional-building, research-facility, large-contract, completed-project, federal-agency
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $63.3 million to MANHATTAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LLC. CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXPLORATION SCIENCES BUILDING AT THE GSFC
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MANHATTAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $63.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-06-04. End: 2011-07-30.
What was the specific purpose and scope of the Exploration Sciences Building?
The Exploration Sciences Building at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center was constructed to provide state-of-the-art facilities for scientific research and development related to space exploration and Earth science. The scope of the project involved the design and construction of a new building intended to house laboratories, offices, and collaborative workspaces for scientists and engineers. This infrastructure is critical for supporting NASA's ongoing and future missions, enabling advancements in areas such as astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary science, and climate change research. The building's design likely incorporated specialized requirements for sensitive equipment and research activities.
How does the final award amount compare to initial estimates or similar projects?
The final award amount of $63.3 million for the Exploration Sciences Building is a significant investment. Without access to initial estimates or detailed cost breakdowns, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the fact that the project was completed within the awarded amount suggests effective cost management. To benchmark effectively, one would compare this cost per square foot or per functional unit (e.g., lab space) against similar large-scale, specialized government research facilities constructed around the same period. Factors like specialized technical requirements, location, and prevailing market conditions for construction materials and labor would influence such comparisons.
What were the key performance indicators for this construction contract?
Key performance indicators for this construction contract likely included adherence to the project schedule, maintaining the quality of construction according to specifications, and staying within the firm fixed price budget of $63.3 million. The successful completion within the 1517-day duration (approximately 4.15 years) and without apparent cost overruns indicates strong performance in schedule and cost management. Quality would be assessed through inspections and adherence to building codes and NASA's specific requirements for scientific facilities. The contractor's ability to meet these criteria would have been crucial for contract success.
What is the significance of the 'Firm Fixed Price' contract type for this project?
The 'Firm Fixed Price' (FFP) contract type is significant because it places the primary responsibility for cost overruns on the contractor, Manhattan Construction Company LLC. Under an FFP agreement, the price is set and not subject to adjustment unless there are specific, contractually defined changes to the scope of work. This provides NASA with a high degree of cost certainty and predictability. For a project like the Exploration Sciences Building, where the scope was likely well-defined, an FFP contract incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently and complete the project within the agreed-upon budget to maximize their profit.
Were there any notable risks associated with this contract, and how were they managed?
Potential risks for a large construction project like this include unforeseen site conditions, material cost fluctuations, labor shortages, design changes, and delays. The firm fixed price nature of the contract shifts much of the financial risk to the contractor. NASA's management of risks would have involved thorough pre-construction planning, clear definition of requirements, and robust oversight during construction. The successful completion on time and within budget suggests that these risks were either effectively anticipated and mitigated, or that the contractor successfully absorbed any unforeseen issues within their fixed price.
What is the historical spending context for similar NASA construction projects?
Historical spending on NASA construction projects varies greatly depending on the scale and complexity of the facility. Large-scale projects, such as research centers, launch facilities, or specialized laboratories, can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. The $63.3 million awarded for the Exploration Sciences Building falls within the mid-to-high range for individual facility construction, reflecting the specialized nature of NASA's infrastructure needs. Analyzing past NASA capital investment plans and contract awards for similar buildings would provide a clearer picture of spending trends and cost benchmarks within the agency.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Rooney Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 107125957)
Address: 8550 ARLINGTON BLVD STE 204, FAIRFAX, VA, 11
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $63,270,261
Exercised Options: $63,270,261
Current Obligation: $63,270,261
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-06-04
Current End Date: 2011-07-30
Potential End Date: 2011-07-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-09-27
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