Forest Service Awards $4.5M Contract for Scenic Byway Rehab to K. W. Emerson, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,505,872 ($4.5M)

Contractor: K. W. Emerson, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-10-14

End Date: 2026-10-30

Contract Duration: 381 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: 127EAW25C0019 - GAOA, SCENIC BYWAY REC SITE REHAB

Place of Performance

Location: MADERA, MADERA County, CALIFORNIA, 93637

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $4.5 million to K. W. EMERSON, INC. for work described as: 127EAW25C0019 - GAOA, SCENIC BYWAY REC SITE REHAB Key points: 1. Contract awarded for rehabilitation of a scenic byway recreation site. 2. K. W. Emerson, Inc. is the prime contractor. 3. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price type. 4. The award falls under 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' NAICS code. 5. The project duration is 381 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.5M appears reasonable for a heavy civil engineering construction project of this nature. Benchmarking against similar recreation site rehabilitation projects would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. This suggests a limited competition where initial sources were excluded, potentially impacting price discovery and overall competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for infrastructure improvement. The limited competition may have resulted in a higher price than a fully open competition.

Public Impact

Enhances public access and enjoyment of a scenic byway. Supports local economies through construction jobs and material sourcing. Improves environmental conditions and sustainability of the recreation site. Potential for increased tourism and recreational activity in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise.

Positive Signals

Project addresses infrastructure needs for public recreation.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically related to public land management and recreation infrastructure. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on federal agency priorities and available funding for land improvement projects.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if K. W. Emerson, Inc. is a small business. Further analysis is needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this contract, either as the prime or through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service is responsible for oversight. The contract type and duration suggest a need for diligent monitoring to ensure project completion on time and within budget, with accountability for deliverables.

Related Government Programs

Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about price competitiveness.
Potential for scope creep or change orders impacting final cost.
Environmental risks associated with construction in natural areas.
Dependence on a single contractor for project completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $4.5 million to K. W. EMERSON, INC.. 127EAW25C0019 - GAOA, SCENIC BYWAY REC SITE REHAB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is K. W. EMERSON, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-14. End: 2026-10-30.

What specific criteria led to the exclusion of certain sources in the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' process, and how did this impact the final price?

The exclusion of sources typically occurs when specific technical capabilities, past performance, or unique requirements are necessary, and only a limited number of contractors can meet them. This can reduce the pool of bidders, potentially leading to less competitive pricing compared to a truly open competition. Understanding the justification for exclusion is key to assessing if the price achieved was fair and reasonable under the circumstances.

What are the primary risks associated with rehabilitating a recreation site on a scenic byway, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include environmental impacts during construction, potential for unforeseen site conditions (e.g., geological instability, historical artifacts), and disruption to public access. Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed environmental assessments, site surveys, contingency planning for unexpected issues, and clear communication with the public regarding access limitations during the project timeline.

How effectively will this $4.5M investment contribute to the long-term preservation and accessibility of the scenic byway recreation site?

The effectiveness hinges on the quality of the rehabilitation work and its alignment with conservation goals. If the project addresses critical infrastructure needs, enhances visitor experience without compromising ecological integrity, and is maintained post-completion, it will be highly effective. Success metrics should include improved safety, accessibility, and environmental health of the site.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 127EAW25R0024

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 413 W SAINT CHARLES ST, SAN ANDREAS, CA, 95249

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,505,872

Exercised Options: $4,505,872

Current Obligation: $4,505,872

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline