Forest Service Awards $2.16M Design-Build Contract for English Chapel Bridge Repair to Williams Construction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,158,180 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Williams Construction & Cabinetry, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-07-29

End Date: 2026-07-03

Contract Duration: 704 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: DESIGN-BUILD TO PROVIDE THE SURVEY, DESIGN, PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, COST ESTIMATES, CONSTRUCTION, AND QUALITY CONTROL FOR THE REPAIR AND REHABILITATION OF THE ENGLISH CHAPEL BRIDGE.

Place of Performance

Location: PISGAH FOREST, TRANSYLVANIA County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28768

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $2.2 million to WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION & CABINETRY, INC. for work described as: DESIGN-BUILD TO PROVIDE THE SURVEY, DESIGN, PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, COST ESTIMATES, CONSTRUCTION, AND QUALITY CONTROL FOR THE REPAIR AND REHABILITATION OF THE ENGLISH CHAPEL BRIDGE. Key points: 1. The contract covers a comprehensive scope including survey, design, construction, and quality control for bridge rehabilitation. 2. Williams Construction & Cabinetry, Inc. secured the award, indicating a specific capability in this niche construction area. 3. The project's fixed-price nature aims to control costs, but the design-build approach requires careful oversight. 4. This expenditure falls within the broader 'Commercial and Institutional Building Construction' sector, relevant for infrastructure projects.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.16 million for a design-build bridge repair project appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar bridge rehabilitation projects would provide a more precise assessment, but the fixed-price structure suggests an effort to establish a clear cost ceiling.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a specific justification for limiting the pool of bidders. This method can sometimes lead to higher prices if the exclusion is not well-founded or if the remaining pool is small.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are impacted by the efficient use of funds for necessary infrastructure repair. The competition method's effectiveness in securing competitive pricing is a key factor in taxpayer value.

Public Impact

Enhances local transportation infrastructure by repairing a critical bridge. Supports economic activity through construction jobs and material procurement. Ensures public safety by addressing structural integrity concerns. Demonstrates federal investment in maintaining national forest access and facilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition raises questions about optimal price discovery.
Potential for scope creep in design-build projects if not tightly managed.
Reliance on a single awardee for a complex, multi-phase project.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical infrastructure need for bridge repair.
Consolidated design and construction responsibilities can streamline project delivery.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically focusing on infrastructure repair. Spending benchmarks for similar bridge rehabilitation projects would typically vary based on size, complexity, and location, but this $2.16 million award represents a significant investment in local infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that Williams Construction & Cabinetry, Inc. received the award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if this is a small business and if the contract included provisions for small business subcontracting, which is not evident from the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure the design-build process meets specifications, stays within budget, and adheres to the timeline. The Forest Service's quality control measures will be key to verifying the rehabilitation's effectiveness and long-term durability.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may have reduced price competitiveness.
Design-build complexity requires robust government oversight.
Potential for cost overruns if scope is not tightly controlled.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical infrastructure repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $2.2 million to WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION & CABINETRY, INC.. DESIGN-BUILD TO PROVIDE THE SURVEY, DESIGN, PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, COST ESTIMATES, CONSTRUCTION, AND QUALITY CONTROL FOR THE REPAIR AND REHABILITATION OF THE ENGLISH CHAPEL BRIDGE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION & CABINETRY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-29. End: 2026-07-03.

What was the specific justification for excluding sources in this 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award, and how did it impact the final price?

The justification for excluding sources typically relates to specific technical requirements, unique capabilities, or urgent needs that only a limited number of contractors can meet. Without detailed documentation, it's difficult to ascertain the precise reason. However, such exclusions can sometimes limit competitive pressure, potentially leading to a higher price than if broader competition were pursued.

How does the $2.16 million cost compare to industry benchmarks for similar bridge repair and rehabilitation projects of this scale and complexity?

Benchmarking this $2.16 million contract requires detailed comparison with similar projects considering factors like bridge type, length, material, specific repair needs (e.g., structural, deck, substructure), and geographic location. While the fixed-price nature provides cost certainty, a thorough analysis against comparable projects is necessary to definitively assess value for money and potential cost efficiencies.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and quality assurance measures the Forest Service will employ to ensure the successful and effective rehabilitation of the English Chapel Bridge?

Key performance indicators likely include adherence to the project schedule, compliance with design specifications, and successful completion of all required inspections and tests. The Forest Service's quality assurance program will involve regular site visits, material testing, review of design documents, and verification of construction methods to ensure the bridge's structural integrity and longevity post-rehabilitation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3148 TALLULAH RD, ROBBINSVILLE, NC, 28771

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,158,180

Exercised Options: $2,158,180

Current Obligation: $2,158,180

Actual Outlays: $1,486,700

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140FGA23D0142

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline