Army awards $23.7M watershed stone repair contract to Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Company

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,694,128 ($23.7M)

Contractor: Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-08-12

End Date: 2014-08-30

Contract Duration: 383 days

Daily Burn Rate: $61.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: OP WATERSHED STONE REPAIRS

Place of Performance

Location: NEW ORLEANS, ORLEANS County, LOUISIANA, 70118

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $23.7 million to PINE BLUFF SAND AND GRAVEL COMPANY for work described as: OP WATERSHED STONE REPAIRS Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in critical infrastructure maintenance. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding environment for this type of work. 3. Contract duration and fixed-price nature indicate a defined scope and cost control measures. 4. Geographic focus on Louisiana highlights regional infrastructure needs. 5. The award falls within the broader category of heavy civil engineering construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $23.7 million for watershed stone repairs appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale civil engineering projects suggests that costs are within expected ranges for specialized repair work. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, implying that the initial pricing was deemed competitive and reflective of market rates for materials and labor in the region.

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 bids. The presence of 6 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this project. A competitive bidding process typically leads to more favorable pricing for the government as contractors vie for the award.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition and multiple bidders indicate that taxpayer dollars were likely used efficiently, securing a competitive price for essential infrastructure repairs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the communities and ecosystems protected by the watershed repairs, ensuring flood control and environmental stability. Services delivered include essential stone repair and maintenance to critical watershed infrastructure. The geographic impact is concentrated in Louisiana, addressing specific regional needs. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for skilled labor in the construction and engineering sectors within Louisiana.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite fixed-price contract.
Dependence on contractor's ability to procure specialized materials and equipment within schedule.
Risk of delays due to weather or environmental factors common in civil construction projects.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and limits government exposure to price fluctuations.
Award to an established company suggests a degree of contractor reliability and experience.
Full and open competition indicates a robust market assessment and potential for best value.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, a vital industry responsible for public infrastructure. The market for such specialized repair services can be competitive, with a mix of large and small firms. The $23.7 million award is a substantial project within this sector, likely requiring significant resources and expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar Army Corps of Engineers projects in the region would provide further context.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger firm, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless the prime contractor actively engages small business subcontractors. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess the impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Department of the Army, ensuring compliance with contract terms, quality standards, and delivery schedules. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for the contractor's performance and cost management. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting mechanisms.

Related Government Programs

Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Projects
Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies
Environmental Restoration Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Environmental compliance and permitting challenges.
Contractor's ability to manage complex logistics and specialized equipment.
Weather-related delays common in civil construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $23.7 million to PINE BLUFF SAND AND GRAVEL COMPANY. OP WATERSHED STONE REPAIRS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PINE BLUFF SAND AND GRAVEL COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-08-12. End: 2014-08-30.

What is the track record of Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Company with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of the Army?

Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Company has a history of federal contracting, primarily with the Department of the Army and the Army Corps of Engineers. Their contract portfolio often includes civil works, construction, and dredging projects. Analyzing their past performance on similar projects, including adherence to schedules, budget, and quality standards, is crucial for assessing their capability to execute the OP WATERSHED STONE REPAIRS contract effectively. A review of their award history, including any past disputes or performance issues, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability as a federal contractor.

How does the awarded price of $23.7 million compare to similar watershed repair projects in Louisiana or the Gulf Coast region?

Benchmarking the $23.7 million award against similar watershed stone repair projects in Louisiana and the broader Gulf Coast region is essential for evaluating value for money. Factors such as project scale, complexity, environmental conditions, and the specific types of stone and repair methods used would need to be considered for a fair comparison. If data from comparable projects indicates significantly higher or lower costs for similar scopes of work, it could suggest either exceptional value or potential overpricing for this specific contract. The firm fixed-price nature implies the government sought cost certainty, but understanding market rates is key to assessing if that certainty came at a premium.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract, considering its scope and the contractor's background?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential unforeseen site conditions that could lead to cost increases or delays, despite the firm fixed-price structure. Environmental factors common in Louisiana, such as weather events and soil stability, could also impact project timelines and execution. Given the nature of civil engineering projects, ensuring the quality of materials and workmanship is paramount to prevent future failures. The contractor's experience with large-scale, complex repair projects and their ability to manage subcontractors effectively are also key risk factors. A thorough risk assessment would also consider the contractor's financial stability and capacity to mobilize necessary resources.

How effective are the oversight mechanisms in place for this contract to ensure successful project completion and taxpayer value?

Oversight for this contract is primarily driven by the Department of the Army's contracting officer and their designated representative (COR). These officials are responsible for monitoring the contractor's performance, ensuring adherence to contract specifications, quality control, and timely delivery. The firm fixed-price contract itself acts as a mechanism to incentivize cost control by the contractor. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements. However, the effectiveness of oversight ultimately depends on the diligence of the COR, the clarity of the contract's performance metrics, and the contractor's commitment to quality and timely execution.

What has been the historical spending pattern for watershed stone repairs by the Department of the Army, and how does this award fit within that trend?

Historical spending on watershed stone repairs by the Department of the Army, particularly through the Army Corps of Engineers, is often tied to specific infrastructure needs, flood control mandates, and environmental restoration efforts. Annual spending can fluctuate based on the condition of existing infrastructure, the occurrence of natural disasters, and the availability of congressional appropriations. This $23.7 million award represents a significant, but likely not unprecedented, investment for a single project of this nature. Understanding the typical scale and frequency of such awards would help contextualize this contract within the Army's broader infrastructure maintenance and improvement budget.

What are the potential long-term implications of this contract for watershed management and environmental protection in the affected Louisiana region?

The long-term implications of this contract are primarily positive, focusing on enhancing the resilience and functionality of the watershed infrastructure. Successful completion of the stone repairs should improve flood control capabilities, thereby protecting communities and ecosystems from water-related damage. This can lead to reduced long-term costs associated with disaster recovery and environmental remediation. Furthermore, well-maintained watershed structures contribute to better water quality management and habitat preservation. The project's success could also serve as a model for future infrastructure investments in similar regions facing comparable environmental challenges.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W912P813B0048

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1501 HEARTWOOD ST, WHITE HALL, AR, 71602

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,694,128

Exercised Options: $23,694,128

Current Obligation: $23,694,128

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912P813D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline