Trump Administration Awards No-Bid Contract to Clark Construction for Lafayette Park Fountain Repairs

The National Park Service (NPS) sought to repair two ornamental fountains located in Lafayette Park, a public space directly across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House. In January, federal documents indicate that the Trump administration awarded a sole-source contract to Maryland-based Clark Construction to perform the repairs. The contract initially stipulated a payment of $11.9 million, and subsequent additions increased the total to $17.4 million.

New York Times

President Trump previously selected Clark Construction for the construction of a large ballroom in the West Wing of the White House last summer. He has publicly praised Clark, expressing a desire for the firm to handle additional refurbishment projects throughout Washington, D.C. Unlike the ballroom project, which Trump has said will be financed through private donations, the fountain repair contract is funded by federal appropriations.

New York Times

The Biden administration’s 2022 estimate for the fountain repairs was $3.3 million. The Trump administration’s contract with Clark Construction was initially set at $11.9 million, representing a cost increase of approximately 260 % over the earlier estimate. Additional tasks added after the initial award raised the contract value to $17.4 million, a further increase of roughly 47 % over the original contract amount.

New York Times

Federal procurement regulations generally require agencies to solicit competing bids to secure the most advantageous price. The Trump administration invoked a rarely used “urgency” exception to bypass the standard open-bidding process. The “urgency” clause is typically reserved for emergencies such as war or natural disasters, according to the agency’s justification.

New York Times

In public remarks, President Trump has lauded Clark Construction’s capabilities and indicated an intention to involve the firm in future Washington-area refurbishment projects. He has also asserted that the White House ballroom will be financed through private contributions, distinguishing it from the publicly funded fountain repairs.

New York Times

Critics have highlighted the substantial disparity between the Biden administration’s $3.3 million estimate and the $11.9 million contract awarded, describing the price as sharply inflated. Observers note that the use of the “urgency” exception for a non-emergency project deviates from standard procurement practice and raises concerns about transparency and fiscal stewardship.

New York Times

The documents present two differing cost figures: the 2022 estimate of $3.3 million versus the $11.9 million contract, later expanded to $17.4 million. The sources do not provide a detailed breakdown of the additional tasks that justified the contract’s escalation, leaving a gap in public understanding of the scope changes.

New York Times