NASA's $62.4M Human Health Lab Construction Awarded to Hensel Phelps via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $62,371,386 ($62.4M)
Contractor: Hensel Phelps Construction CO.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2015-06-29
End Date: 2018-09-15
Contract Duration: 1,174 days
Daily Burn Rate: $53.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF CONSTRUCT HUMAN HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE LABORATORY, BUILDING 21
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $62.4 million to HENSEL PHELPS CONSTRUCTION CO. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF CONSTRUCT HUMAN HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE LABORATORY, BUILDING 21 Key points: 1. The contract value of $62.4 million for the Human Health and Performance Laboratory Building 21 is a significant investment in research infrastructure. 2. Hensel Phelps Construction Co. secured the award, indicating strong competition within the commercial and institutional building construction sector. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and potential for cost savings if managed efficiently. 4. The project falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a vital area for government infrastructure development.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $62.4 million appears reasonable for a large-scale laboratory construction project. Benchmarking against similar government-funded research facility constructions would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust process for soliciting bids and ensuring fair pricing. This method typically leads to competitive pricing as multiple qualified contractors vie for the contract.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to maximize taxpayer value by securing the best possible price and quality for the construction services.
Public Impact
Enhances NASA's research capabilities in human health and performance, potentially leading to breakthroughs in space exploration and terrestrial applications. Supports the construction industry and creates jobs in the Texas region where the facility is located. The new laboratory will serve as a critical asset for scientific advancement and technological development within NASA.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen construction challenges arise.
- Long-term operational and maintenance costs are not detailed in this award.
- Dependency on specific construction materials and labor availability.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating competitive pricing.
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
- Project supports critical scientific research infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, which is essential for developing specialized facilities like research laboratories. Spending benchmarks for similar NASA or federal research facility constructions would offer further context.
Small Business Impact
While the prime contractor is Hensel Phelps Construction Co., a large firm, the contract details do not specify the extent of small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were utilized effectively for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight procedures for construction projects, including site inspections and progress reviews, would be in place to ensure compliance and quality.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Schedule adherence risks.
- Technical specification compliance.
- Long-term operational costs.
- Environmental and safety compliance.
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $62.4 million to HENSEL PHELPS CONSTRUCTION CO.. IGF::OT::IGF CONSTRUCT HUMAN HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE LABORATORY, BUILDING 21
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HENSEL PHELPS CONSTRUCTION CO..
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 $62.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-06-29. End: 2018-09-15.
What is the projected return on investment for the Human Health and Performance Laboratory?
The return on investment for the Human Health and Performance Laboratory is primarily measured by its contribution to scientific advancement and mission success rather than direct financial returns. Expected outcomes include improved astronaut health and safety, leading to more ambitious space missions, and potential spin-off technologies benefiting public health on Earth. Quantifying this ROI is complex and spans decades.
What are the primary risks associated with the construction of this specialized laboratory?
Key risks include potential cost overruns due to unforeseen site conditions or material price fluctuations, schedule delays impacting NASA's research timelines, and ensuring the specialized technical requirements for human health research are met. Ensuring compliance with stringent safety and environmental regulations during construction also presents a risk that requires careful management.
How effective is the full and open competition method in ensuring value for this type of specialized construction project?
Full and open competition is generally effective for specialized construction by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. For a project like this laboratory, it allows NASA to access a wider pool of qualified contractors, increasing the likelihood of selecting a firm with the best technical expertise and cost-efficiency, thereby maximizing taxpayer value.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: NNJ15520170R
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Hensel Phelps Construction CO (UEI: 063322085)
Address: 8326 CROSS PARK DR, AUSTIN, TX, 78754
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $62,786,386
Exercised Options: $62,371,386
Current Obligation: $62,371,386
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNJ11JC90B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-06-29
Current End Date: 2018-09-15
Potential End Date: 2018-09-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-10-25
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