Department of Health and Human Services Awarded a Contract to HDR ARCHITECTURE, INC. for $5,178,933.51

Summary of Award

The awarded contract under consideration, identified by award ID "47PF0020C0015," represents a definitive contract between the US federal government and HDR Architecture, Inc. This agreement falls under the category of architectural services, specifically aimed at providing architect/engineer design services for the lab expansion of the FDA Forensic Chemistry Center located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The contract, with a total obligation amount of $5,178,933.51, is classified under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541310, which pertains to Architectural Services.

### Recipient Overview

HDR Architecture, Inc., a U.S.-owned business, is located in Chicago, Illinois, operating under a corporate structure classified as a "Category Business," "Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt," "Not Designated a Small Business," and "Subchapter S Corporation." As a prominent player in the architectural sector, HDR Architecture is part of a wider organizational network under the parent company HDR, Inc., allowing it to leverage extensive resources and expertise in delivering specialized architectural and engineering services. ### Contract and Transaction Details The contract was signed on February 25, 2020, and has a period of performance extending from February 24, 2020, to May 31, 2025. Notably, the contract did not follow traditional competitive bidding processes, being awarded under the "Other than Full and Open Competition" category due to urgency, as specified in FAR 6.302-2. The "Firm Fixed Price" classification ensures stability and predictability in budget considerations for both the contractor and the government. The contract involves no subawards, and all obligations are directly managed by the awarding agency, the General Services Administration, through its Public Buildings Service. The funding agency, however, is the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Office of Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, indicating a collaborative federal approach to this contract. The transactions related to the contract highlight various financial exchanges that underscore the project's progression. Some of the notable transactions include: 1. **August 13, 2020:** A significant transaction amounting to $2,224,048.37 was recorded, reflecting a major commitment to advancing the initial phases of the project. 2. **November 9, 2020:** Another large transaction of $1,300,425.77 further supported the project, ensuring continued momentum. 3. **April 27, 2021:** A transaction of $90,762.92 was executed, indicative of additional progress within the fiscal year. 4. **September 29, 2021:** With an amount of $77,496.29, this transaction underscores ongoing development activities. 5. **November 16, 2021:** The sum of $195,332 was transacted, further financing project advancement. 6. **December 8, 2022:** The project received another financial installment of $135,251, maintaining project flow. 7. **March 14, 2023:** A transaction of $76,346.43 denotes continued work and financial flow as the project neared later stages. 8. **July 17, 2024:** Approaching the final phases, a transaction of $75,534.67 was recorded. 9. **December 19, 2024:** A smaller transaction of $22,420.54 is recorded as finishing touches and smaller tasks were likely addressed. These financial distributions align with the project's timeline, allowing HDR Architecture, Inc. to strategically manage resources and operations. Smaller transactions interspersed with more substantial ones highlight careful financial planning to cater to immediate needs while ensuring long-term project sustainability. ### Government and Strategic Importance The collaboration between General Services Administration’s Public Buildings Service (awarding agency) and the Department of Health and Human Services (funding agency) is emblematic of an integrated approach embracing both agency expertise and federal cooperation. The contract's urgency indicates a critical need, likely reflective of increased demand for forensic services or enhanced capabilities at the FDA Forensic Chemistry Center. Such infrastructural developments play a pivotal role in reinforcing national public health objectives, particularly in forensic and chemical examination capacities. The culmination of skills from HDR Architecture, Inc. and federal agencies underscores the importance of architecture and engineering in supporting essential government functions and preparations for future demands. ### Summary Overall, this contract showcases the dynamics of government procurement in specialized sectors, reflecting how federal contracts facilitate important infrastructural advancements that are critical to national interests. The procedural nuances and financial strategies highlighted in the transactions reaffirm the strategic alignment of resources to meet time-sensitive goals. Through this definitive contract, HDR Architecture, Inc. is not only contributing to enhancing the capabilities of the FDA Forensic Chemistry Center but also setting a benchmark in architectural excellence within public sector contracts.