Army's $36.7M Missouri River Levee Rehab Contract Awarded to Weston Solutions Inc. Faces Scrutiny
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,753,819 ($36.8M)
Contractor: Weston Solutions Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-11-30
End Date: 2014-06-30
Contract Duration: 1,308 days
Daily Burn Rate: $28.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: ER - PROJECT NUMBER: 332157 - MISSOURI RIVER LEVEE REHABILITATION
Place of Performance
Location: COUNCIL BLUFFS, POTTAWATTAMIE County, IOWA, 51501
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $36.8 million to WESTON SOLUTIONS INC for work described as: ER - PROJECT NUMBER: 332157 - MISSOURI RIVER LEVEE REHABILITATION Key points: 1. The contract awarded to Weston Solutions Inc. for $36.7 million addresses critical infrastructure needs for the Missouri River levee system. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The project's duration of 1308 days (over 3.5 years) indicates a significant, long-term commitment of federal funds. 4. The sector is heavy and civil engineering construction, vital for public safety and disaster preparedness.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar levee rehabilitation projects is needed to assess value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, which typically promotes competitive pricing. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee payment type requires careful oversight to ensure cost efficiency.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential infrastructure repair, contributing to public safety and flood control.
Public Impact
Ensures flood protection for communities along the Missouri River, mitigating risks of natural disasters. Supports the region's economic stability by safeguarding infrastructure critical to commerce and agriculture. Provides employment opportunities in the construction sector during the project's multi-year duration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Long project duration may increase risk of scope creep or unforeseen cost increases.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Addresses critical infrastructure needs.
- Awarded by the Department of the Army, suggesting a focus on national security or public safety.
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, which is crucial for national infrastructure. Spending benchmarks for similar levee rehabilitation projects are essential for evaluating cost-effectiveness.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not directly awarded this contract, as the prime contractor is Weston Solutions Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army is responsible for oversight. The contract's long duration and cost-plus-fixed-fee nature necessitate robust monitoring to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively.
Related Government Programs
- Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to cost-plus-fixed-fee structure.
- Long project duration increases risk of unforeseen issues and cost escalation.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data.
- No indication of small business subcontracting participation.
Tags
other-heavy-and-civil-engineering-constr, department-of-defense, ia, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $36.8 million to WESTON SOLUTIONS INC. ER - PROJECT NUMBER: 332157 - MISSOURI RIVER LEVEE REHABILITATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WESTON SOLUTIONS 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 $36.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-11-30. End: 2014-06-30.
What specific performance metrics were established to measure the success and efficiency of the levee rehabilitation?
The provided data does not specify performance metrics. Robust performance metrics are crucial for cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts to ensure the contractor meets objectives and delivers value. Without them, it's difficult to assess if the project is on track or if costs are justified beyond the fixed fee.
How does the final cost compare to initial estimates, and were there significant cost variances during the project?
The provided data shows the award amount ($36.7M) but not the final cost or initial estimates. For cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts, tracking variances is key. Understanding if the final cost exceeded projections and the reasons why is vital for assessing financial accountability and future contract planning.
What was the process for ensuring the 'full and open competition' truly fostered the most cost-effective bids for this specialized construction?
While 'full and open competition' was stated, the effectiveness relies on the solicitation's clarity, the evaluation criteria, and the market's responsiveness. Ensuring that the bidding process attracted qualified bidders and that the evaluation prioritized value and cost-efficiency is important for taxpayer protection.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT NONBUILDING FACILITIES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: W9128F07R0022
Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Weston Solutions Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 118341234)
Address: 1400 WESTON WAY, WEST CHESTER, PA, 19380
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Small Agricultural Cooperative, Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $53,065,328
Exercised Options: $36,753,819
Current Obligation: $36,753,819
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W9128F08D0031
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-11-30
Current End Date: 2014-06-30
Potential End Date: 2014-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-04-29
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