Forest Service awards $4.3M highway reconstruction contract to Q. King Trucking & Construction, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,317,385 ($4.3M)

Contractor: Q. King Trucking & Construction, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-07-16

End Date: 2026-02-27

Contract Duration: 591 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: GIP NFSR 5200 SKATE CREEK ROAD RECONSTRUCTION

Place of Performance

Location: ASHFORD, LEWIS County, WASHINGTON, 98304

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $4.3 million to Q. KING TRUCKING & CONSTRUCTION, INC for work described as: GIP NFSR 5200 SKATE CREEK ROAD RECONSTRUCTION Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is a firm fixed-price delivery order, providing cost certainty. 3. Project duration of 591 days indicates a significant infrastructure undertaking. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 237310 points to highway, street, and bridge construction. 5. Awarded by the Forest Service, likely for infrastructure supporting national forest access or management. 6. The contract value of $4.3 million falls within a moderate spending range for such projects.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.3 million for highway reconstruction appears reasonable given the project's scope and duration. Without specific benchmarks for the 'GIP NFSR 5200 SKATE CREEK ROAD RECONSTRUCTION' project, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the award suggests that the contractor has assessed risks and costs, providing a predictable outcome for the government. Further analysis would require comparing this cost to similar reconstruction projects in similar geographic and environmental conditions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. This indicates that the opportunity was broadly advertised, and multiple responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The specific exclusion of sources, if any, would need further investigation but the primary mechanism was open competition. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by promoting a competitive marketplace, which can lead to lower prices and better value compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely users of the national forest road system, including recreational visitors, timber operations, and emergency services. The contract will deliver reconstruction services for a specific segment of the GIP NFSR 5200 road. The geographic impact is localized to the area where the Skate Creek Road is located within the national forest. The project will likely create temporary employment opportunities for construction workers and related support staff in the local area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite the fixed-price nature.
Risk of project delays due to weather or environmental factors common in forest road construction.
Dependence on the contractor's ability to manage complex logistics in a potentially remote location.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Clear project scope and defined deliverables for the reconstruction work.
Project duration is specified, allowing for planning and oversight.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Construction sector, specifically Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction (NAICS 237310). This sector is characterized by projects that build and maintain transportation infrastructure. Federal spending in this area often supports national transportation networks, access to public lands, and economic development. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other federal or state contracts for road reconstruction in similar terrains and climates.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate a specific small business set-aside. As it was awarded under full and open competition, there is no explicit mandate for small business participation. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors. Further review of subcontracting plans would be necessary to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Forest Service contracting officer and project managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified reconstruction services. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where award details are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) programs
National Forest System Road Maintenance
Public Lands Infrastructure Fund
Department of Transportation Construction Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for environmental impact during construction.
Risk of unforeseen geological conditions.
Dependence on contractor's logistical capabilities in remote areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $4.3 million to Q. KING TRUCKING & CONSTRUCTION, INC. GIP NFSR 5200 SKATE CREEK ROAD RECONSTRUCTION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is Q. KING TRUCKING & CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-16. End: 2026-02-27.

What is the historical spending pattern for highway and bridge construction by the Forest Service?

The Forest Service, as part of the Department of Agriculture, manages an extensive network of roads within national forests. Historical spending on road construction and maintenance fluctuates based on appropriations, infrastructure needs, and specific program initiatives. While precise figures for highway and bridge construction alone are not readily available without deep dives into agency budget documents, the Forest Service consistently allocates significant funds towards maintaining and improving access roads. These expenditures are often driven by needs related to resource management, recreation, fire suppression, and public safety. Trends can show increased investment during periods of infrastructure focus or decreased spending during budget constraints. Analyzing past contract awards for similar projects can provide a more granular view of the agency's spending trajectory in this specific sub-sector.

How does the awarded price compare to similar reconstruction projects in Washington state?

Benchmarking the $4.3 million award for the GIP NFSR 5200 Skate Creek Road reconstruction against similar projects in Washington state requires detailed comparative data. Factors such as project scope (linear feet, square footage, complexity of terrain), materials used, labor costs, and environmental mitigation requirements significantly influence pricing. Without specific details on these comparable projects, a direct price-to-price comparison is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price nature of this award suggests the contractor has factored in these variables. Generally, reconstruction projects in mountainous or remote areas, common in Washington's national forests, tend to be more expensive due to logistical challenges and specialized equipment needs. A thorough analysis would involve identifying projects with similar characteristics (e.g., Forest Service roads, state highways in similar terrain) and comparing cost per mile or cost per unit of work.

What are the potential risks associated with constructing roads in a national forest environment?

Constructing roads in a national forest environment presents several unique risks. Environmental factors are paramount; potential risks include encountering protected wildlife habitats, sensitive plant species, or archaeological sites, which can lead to work stoppages or require costly mitigation measures. Weather conditions can be unpredictable and severe, causing delays and impacting material integrity. Terrain challenges, such as steep slopes, unstable soil, and the need for extensive drainage structures, increase complexity and cost. Furthermore, logistical challenges related to transporting equipment and materials to remote work sites can lead to higher operational costs and potential delays. Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and permits adds another layer of complexity. Finally, the potential for unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., rock formations, groundwater) can significantly impact project timelines and budgets, even under a fixed-price contract.

What is the track record of Q. King Trucking & Construction, Inc. on federal contracts?

Information regarding Q. King Trucking & Construction, Inc.'s track record on federal contracts would typically be available through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS. These systems often contain data on past performance, contract values, agencies served, and types of services rendered. A review would focus on the number of federal contracts awarded, their value, the timeliness of performance, and any reported issues or disputes. Examining their history in highway, street, and bridge construction specifically would be most relevant. Positive indicators would include a history of successful, on-time, and within-budget project completions. Conversely, a history of contract terminations, significant cost overruns, or negative past performance reviews would raise concerns. Without direct access to their detailed federal contract history, a definitive assessment cannot be made here.

How does the Forest Service typically procure road reconstruction services?

The Forest Service procures road reconstruction services through various contract vehicles, often tailored to the project's scope, value, and urgency. For smaller projects, they might utilize existing indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts or task orders against larger, pre-competed contracts. For larger, more complex projects like the Skate Creek Road reconstruction, they commonly employ full and open competition, as seen in this award, to solicit bids from qualified contractors. The type of contract used (e.g., firm fixed-price, cost-plus) depends on the level of uncertainty and risk associated with the project. The Forest Service also increasingly uses specialized contracting mechanisms, such as those focused on environmental restoration or timber access, which may have specific requirements. Their procurement process emphasizes compliance with federal acquisition regulations (FAR) and often involves detailed technical specifications and performance requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 12048924R0010

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 473 PETERS RD, RANDLE, WA, 98377

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,827,183

Exercised Options: $4,317,385

Current Obligation: $4,317,385

Actual Outlays: $4,317,156

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1240BH23D0034

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline