Interior Department awards $2.96M contract for Humboldt Bay tide gate construction to Water, Civil and Environmental Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,962,527 ($3.0M)

Contractor: Water, Civil and Environmental Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-09-05

End Date: 2026-04-15

Contract Duration: 587 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CA-HUMBOLDT BAY NWR-LONG POND TIDE GATE

Place of Performance

Location: LOLETA, HUMBOLDT County, CALIFORNIA, 95551

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $3.0 million to WATER, CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL INCORPORATED for work described as: CA-HUMBOLDT BAY NWR-LONG POND TIDE GATE Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, raising questions about potential price efficiencies. 2. The project aims to improve water flow and infrastructure at the Long Pond tide gate. 3. Construction services fall under NAICS code 237110, indicating a focus on utility infrastructure. 4. The contract duration is 587 days, suggesting a moderately complex construction project. 5. The firm fixed-price structure shifts cost risk to the contractor. 6. This award represents a significant investment in coastal resilience and environmental management for the region.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.96 million for a tide gate construction project requires careful benchmarking against similar infrastructure projects. Without specific details on the scope of work, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, sole-source awards can sometimes lead to higher costs due to a lack of competitive pressure. Further analysis would involve comparing the per-unit costs of materials and labor to regional averages and similar past projects undertaken by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or other federal agencies.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one contractor, Water, Civil and Environmental Incorporated, was solicited. This approach bypasses the standard competitive bidding process. While sole-source awards are permissible under certain circumstances (e.g., urgency, unique capabilities), they limit the opportunity for price discovery through competition. The absence of multiple bids means the government did not benefit from the potential for lower prices that a competitive environment typically fosters.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for this project due to the lack of competition. Without bids from other qualified firms, it is harder to ensure the awarded price reflects the most cost-effective solution available in the market.

Public Impact

The project directly benefits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by improving the functionality of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Services delivered include the construction and repair of a tide gate, crucial for managing water levels and flow. The geographic impact is concentrated in Humboldt Bay, California, affecting the local ecosystem and potentially nearby communities. The project will likely involve local construction labor, contributing to the regional economy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing, potentially increasing costs for taxpayers.
Lack of transparency in the selection process for a sole-source award.
Potential for cost overruns if the fixed-price contract does not adequately account for unforeseen construction challenges.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Project addresses critical infrastructure needs for a National Wildlife Refuge.
Contract awarded to a company with relevant expertise in civil and environmental engineering.

Sector Analysis

The construction of water and sewer lines and related structures (NAICS 237110) is a significant sector within the broader construction industry, often involving substantial federal investment for infrastructure projects. This contract for a tide gate fits within the environmental infrastructure and civil works sub-sectors. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing the cost per linear foot of similar utility construction or the cost of similar water control structures across different federal agencies and regions.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to Water, Civil and Environmental Incorporated, a single entity, suggests that small business participation may be limited unless they are direct subcontractors to the prime. Further investigation into the contractor's subcontracting plan would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a division of the Department of the Interior. As a definitive contract, it is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. Transparency regarding the sole-source justification and the contractor's performance reporting will be key. The Inspector General for the Department of the Interior would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this award.

Related Government Programs

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Operations
Coastal Infrastructure Projects
Water Management Systems
Environmental Restoration Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $3.0 million to WATER, CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL INCORPORATED. CA-HUMBOLDT BAY NWR-LONG POND TIDE GATE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WATER, CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-05. End: 2026-04-15.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data indicates the contract was awarded as 'NOT COMPETED,' which typically signifies a sole-source or limited competition scenario. Federal procurement regulations allow for sole-source awards under specific conditions, such as when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services, or when there is a compelling urgency. Without further documentation from the agency, the precise justification remains unclear. However, common reasons include the unique capabilities of the contractor, the need for specialized equipment or expertise not readily available elsewhere, or a critical and immediate need that precludes a full and open competition process. Understanding this justification is crucial for assessing whether the lack of competition was warranted and if it potentially impacted the final price.

How does the $2.96 million cost compare to similar tide gate construction projects?

Benchmarking the $2.96 million cost requires comparing it to similar tide gate construction projects, considering factors like size, complexity, location, and materials. As this is a sole-source award, direct price comparison is challenging without knowing the specific scope of work and the contractor's cost breakdown. However, similar projects can range significantly in price. For instance, smaller tide gate repairs might cost hundreds of thousands, while major new constructions or complex retrofits in challenging environments could easily exceed several million dollars. To provide a more accurate comparison, one would need to analyze data from past federal contracts (e.g., through FPDS or SAM.gov) for projects with similar NAICS codes (237110) and project descriptions, looking at cost per square foot of gate, per linear foot of associated structure, or total project cost relative to the environmental impact addressed.

What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source contract?

The primary risks associated with this sole-source contract stem from the lack of competition. Firstly, there's a significant risk of paying a higher price than might be achieved through a competitive bidding process, as the contractor faces less pressure to offer the most cost-effective solution. Secondly, without multiple bidders, there's a reduced assurance of the contractor's technical approach and capacity, although the agency presumably vetted the sole source. Thirdly, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of market research or planning by the agency, potentially leading to missed opportunities for innovation or better value from other providers. Finally, there's a reputational risk if the sole-source justification is perceived as weak or if the project encounters significant cost overruns or delays.

What is the expected impact of this project on the Humboldt Bay ecosystem?

The construction of a tide gate at Long Pond is intended to improve water flow and management within the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Tide gates are critical infrastructure for controlling the movement of water between estuarine environments and inland areas, often to prevent flooding or manage salinity levels. By improving the functionality of this tide gate, the project is expected to positively impact the local ecosystem by potentially restoring or enhancing tidal exchange, supporting native habitats for fish and wildlife, and improving water quality. The specific ecological benefits will depend on the precise design and operational goals of the new or repaired gate, such as optimizing conditions for specific species or habitats within the refuge.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar infrastructure projects by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

Historical spending patterns for similar infrastructure projects by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) would typically show a mix of competitive and sole-source awards, with costs varying widely based on project scope. The USFWS manages numerous refuges and conservation areas, requiring ongoing investment in infrastructure like water control structures, roads, and visitor facilities. Analyzing past contracts under NAICS code 237110 or related codes for construction and engineering services would reveal average contract values, durations, and the typical procurement methods used. While specific historical data for tide gate projects isn't provided, general trends might indicate that larger, more complex projects often involve competitive bidding to ensure value, whereas smaller, specialized, or emergency repairs might lean towards sole-source or limited competition awards. Understanding this pattern helps contextualize the current sole-source award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Utility System Construction › Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 140FC324R0016

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3813 W STATE ST, BOISE, ID, 83703

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,962,527

Exercised Options: $2,962,527

Current Obligation: $2,962,527

Actual Outlays: $2,862,470

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline