State Department awarded $30M+ in miscellaneous design services to The Miller/Hull Partnership, LLP over 5 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,153,549 ($30.2M)

Contractor: THE Miller/Hull Partnership, LLP

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2017-07-25

End Date: 2022-07-24

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 88

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MISCELLANEOUS DESIGN SERVICES. IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98104

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $30.2 million to THE MILLER/HULL PARTNERSHIP, LLP for work described as: MISCELLANEOUS DESIGN SERVICES. IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract value of over $30 million suggests a significant need for design services. 2. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified bidders. 3. A long duration of 1825 days (5 years) points to a sustained requirement for these services. 4. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests that cost risks are largely borne by the contractor. 5. The contract was awarded as a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle or framework. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541310 points to architectural services, a specialized field.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the value of this contract requires more specific data on the scope of 'miscellaneous design services.' However, a $30M+ award over five years for architectural services indicates a substantial engagement. Comparing this to similar large-scale design contracts for federal agencies would provide better context. The firm fixed-price nature suggests the government secured predictable costs, assuming the scope was well-defined.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This typically leads to a wider pool of potential bidders and can foster competitive pricing. The fact that 88 bids were received suggests strong interest and a robust competitive environment for these architectural services.

Taxpayer Impact: A high number of bidders in a full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices and ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of State, which receives essential architectural and design support for its facilities and projects. Services delivered likely include architectural design, planning, and potentially related consulting for various state department infrastructure needs. The geographic impact is likely broad, potentially covering domestic and international facilities managed by the State Department. The contract supports specialized architectural and design professionals, contributing to the workforce in this sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if 'miscellaneous design services' are not tightly defined.
Long contract duration could lead to challenges in adapting to evolving design standards or technologies.
Dependence on a single contractor for a significant period might limit flexibility.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition with 88 bidders suggests a competitive award process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to a specialized firm (The Miller/Hull Partnership, LLP) indicates selection based on expertise.
Long-term contract allows for continuity and deep understanding of agency needs.

Sector Analysis

The architectural services sector (NAICS 541310) is a critical component of the construction and facilities management industry. Federal spending in this area supports the maintenance, modernization, and construction of government infrastructure worldwide. This contract represents a significant portion of spending within this specific service category for the Department of State, reflecting the agency's ongoing need for specialized design expertise.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. It is also unclear if subcontracting opportunities for small businesses were mandated or encouraged. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation, if any.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules for Architectural and Engineering Services
Department of Defense (DoD) Facility Design and Construction Contracts
Public Buildings Service (PBS) Contracts
Architectural and Engineering Services for Federal Agencies

Risk Flags

Potential for undefined scope in 'miscellaneous design services'
Long contract duration may lead to outdated designs or changing requirements
Contract type is delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger IDIQ structure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $30.2 million to THE MILLER/HULL PARTNERSHIP, LLP. MISCELLANEOUS DESIGN SERVICES. IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MILLER/HULL PARTNERSHIP, LLP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-07-25. End: 2022-07-24.

What specific types of 'miscellaneous design services' were procured under this contract?

The term 'miscellaneous design services' is broad and could encompass a wide range of architectural and engineering support. Without the specific contract statement of work (SOW), it's difficult to pinpoint the exact services. However, given the NAICS code (541310 - Architectural Services), these likely include preliminary design studies, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and potentially interior design, space planning, and master planning for Department of State facilities. This could range from renovations of existing buildings to design for new embassies or consulates, both domestically and abroad. The 'miscellaneous' nature might imply a need for flexible support across various project types and scales.

How does the awarded amount of over $30 million compare to typical federal architectural services contracts?

A contract value exceeding $30 million over five years for architectural services is substantial, placing it among larger federal design contracts. While many federal architectural contracts are smaller, agencies like the Department of State, Department of Defense, and General Services Administration frequently award large IDIQ vehicles or single contracts in the tens or hundreds of millions for major infrastructure projects, renovations, and new constructions. The size of this award suggests a significant, ongoing requirement for The Miller/Hull Partnership's expertise, potentially supporting multiple projects or a large-scale, long-term initiative.

What are the potential risks associated with a 5-year contract duration for design services?

A five-year duration for design services presents several potential risks. Firstly, design standards, building codes, and technological advancements can evolve significantly over five years, potentially making initial designs outdated or requiring costly revisions. Secondly, the specific needs of the Department of State might change, leading to scope creep or the need for contract modifications if the initial scope is not flexible enough. Thirdly, maintaining consistent quality and contractor performance over such an extended period can be challenging. Finally, if the contractor's key personnel change, there could be a loss of institutional knowledge and continuity. However, a long duration also allows for deeper understanding and continuity.

What does the high number of bidders (88) indicate about the market for federal architectural services?

Receiving 88 bids for this contract indicates a highly competitive and robust market for federal architectural services. It suggests that numerous firms possess the necessary qualifications and are actively seeking federal contracts. This level of competition is beneficial for the government as it increases the likelihood of obtaining competitive pricing and selecting the most capable firm. It also implies that the barriers to entry for firms interested in federal work, at least for this type of service, may not be excessively high, or that the contract's scope and value are attractive enough to draw significant interest from a wide range of architectural practices.

How does the firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type impact cost control for the government?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally favorable for government cost control, assuming the scope of work is well-defined. Under an FFP contract, the contractor agrees to a total price for a well-defined product or service. This shifts the risk of cost overruns from the government to the contractor. If the contractor's costs exceed the agreed-upon price, their profit margin decreases. Conversely, if they manage costs effectively, their profit increases. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage their resources efficiently and control costs, providing the government with budget certainty. However, if the scope is poorly defined, it can lead to disputes or change orders.

What is the significance of this contract being awarded as a 'delivery order'?

The designation of this award as a 'delivery order' typically implies that it is part of a larger, pre-existing contract vehicle, such as an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract or a Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC). This means that the Department of State likely had a master contract in place, and this delivery order represents a specific task or project awarded under that umbrella agreement. This approach allows agencies to procure services more efficiently and rapidly once the initial IDIQ contract has been established through its own competitive process. It streamlines the acquisition process for individual task orders.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 88

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 71 COLUMBIA ST STE 600, SEATTLE, WA, 98104

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,153,549

Exercised Options: $30,153,549

Current Obligation: $30,153,549

Actual Outlays: $321,456

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA13D0092

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline