DoD's $8.4M contract for asset evaluations awarded to Michael Baker International, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,410,801 ($8.4M)

Contractor: Michael Baker International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2026-03-29

Contract Duration: 545 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ASSET EVALUATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: CORAOPOLIS, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15108

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $8.4 million to MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: ASSET EVALUATIONS Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the scope of architectural services required. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 3. Risk indicators are low due to a firm fixed-price contract type and a single award. 4. Performance context involves architectural services for asset evaluations, a critical function for infrastructure management. 5. This contract fits within the broader Defense sector's need for facility and asset assessment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.4 million for architectural services over approximately 18 months appears to be within a reasonable range for asset evaluation projects of this nature. Benchmarking against similar contracts for architectural and engineering services for the Department of Defense suggests that the pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure also provides cost certainty for the government, contributing to good value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of multiple bidders in such a competitive process generally leads to more favorable pricing and better quality services as contractors vie for the award. The specific number of bidders was not provided, but the competition type suggests a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a market where the best value is offered at a competitive price.

Public Impact

The Department of the Army benefits from enhanced asset evaluation capabilities. Architectural services will be delivered to support infrastructure management and planning. The geographic impact is primarily within Pennsylvania, where the contractor is based. Workforce implications include employment for architects, engineers, and support staff at Michael Baker International.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Contractor has a track record with government contracts.
Services are essential for asset management and infrastructure upkeep.

Sector Analysis

The architectural services sector is a vital component of the broader construction and engineering industry, supporting government infrastructure needs. This contract for asset evaluations falls under the professional services category within the Defense sector. Comparable spending benchmarks for architectural and engineering services for federal agencies often range from millions to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the project's complexity and scale. This $8.4 million contract is a moderate-sized engagement within this context.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses and the prime contractor, Michael Baker International, Inc., is a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of the Army, likely through contracting officers and technical representatives who will monitor performance and ensure compliance with contract terms. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price structure, which incentivizes the contractor to complete the work within budget. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though specific performance details may be internal.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Asset Management Programs
Army Corps of Engineers Architectural Services
Federal Facilities Asset Evaluations
Professional Services Contracts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $8.4 million to MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.. ASSET EVALUATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2026-03-29.

What is the track record of Michael Baker International, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense?

Michael Baker International, Inc. has a significant history of performing contracts for various U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. Their portfolio typically includes a wide range of engineering, architectural, and consulting services. While specific details on past performance for asset evaluations are not provided in this data snippet, their extensive experience suggests a capacity to handle complex projects. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise in this specific service area.

How does the $8.4 million value compare to similar asset evaluation contracts awarded by the Department of the Army?

The $8.4 million contract value for asset evaluations is a moderate figure for the Department of the Army. Similar contracts for architectural and engineering services related to facility assessments and evaluations can vary widely based on the scope, duration, and complexity of the assets being evaluated. Larger-scale infrastructure projects or comprehensive base-wide assessments could easily exceed this amount. Conversely, smaller, more targeted evaluations might be awarded for less. Without specific details on the number and type of assets to be evaluated under this contract, a precise comparison is difficult, but the value appears aligned with typical professional services engagements of this nature.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract for asset evaluations?

The primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract are generally low, as this contract type is designed to transfer risk to the contractor. The main risk for the government is that the contractor may cut corners on quality to maintain profitability if not adequately monitored. For the contractor, the risk lies in underestimating the scope or complexity of the asset evaluations, leading to reduced profit margins or even a loss. However, the firm fixed-price structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently and deliver the specified services within the agreed-upon price. Robust government oversight and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate any potential quality concerns.

How effective are architectural services in supporting the Department of Defense's asset management and infrastructure upkeep?

Architectural services are highly effective and crucial for the Department of Defense's asset management and infrastructure upkeep. These services provide the technical expertise needed to assess the condition, functionality, and lifecycle of various assets, including buildings, facilities, and infrastructure. Accurate asset evaluations inform critical decisions regarding maintenance, repair, replacement, and modernization, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that military readiness is maintained. By identifying potential issues early and providing detailed plans, architectural services contribute significantly to the long-term sustainability and operational effectiveness of defense installations.

What are the historical spending patterns for architectural services within the Department of the Army?

Historical spending patterns for architectural services within the Department of the Army show a consistent and significant investment in maintaining and developing its vast infrastructure. The Army procures these services regularly to support new construction, renovations, repairs, and asset management across its numerous installations worldwide. Spending can fluctuate based on military construction priorities, modernization initiatives, and infrastructure condition assessments. While specific annual totals vary, the Army consistently allocates substantial funds to architectural and engineering services, reflecting the critical role these services play in supporting its operational mission and maintaining its real property assets.

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

Solicitation ID: W912DY21R0050

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 100 AIRSIDE DR, MOON TOWNSHIP, PA, 15108

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,410,801

Exercised Options: $8,410,801

Current Obligation: $8,410,801

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912DY23D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline