Interior Department Awards $117 Million for USGS Facilities Construction on Hawaii's Big Island
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $117,001,937 ($117.0M)
Contractor: Hensel Phelps Construction CO
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2022-09-01
End Date: 2026-12-31
Sector: Construction
Official Description: CONSTRUCTION OF USGS FACILITIES ON BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $117.0 million to HENSEL PHELPS CONSTRUCTION CO for work described as: CONSTRUCTION OF USGS FACILITIES ON BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical scientific infrastructure. 2. Competition appears limited, with one primary contractor identified. 3. Potential risks include project delays and cost overruns. 4. Ensures USGS can continue vital research and monitoring.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $117 million represents a substantial investment in scientific infrastructure. While the exact breakdown of costs is not provided, the scale suggests a complex and lengthy construction project.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded to Hensel Phelps Construction Co. The limited information available suggests this may not have been a full and open competition, potentially indicating a sole-source or limited solicitation process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding the development of essential research facilities.
Public Impact
Improved scientific research capabilities for the USGS. Potential for local job creation during the construction phase. Enhanced monitoring of geological hazards on the Big Island.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Construction delays due to remote location or environmental factors.
- Potential for cost increases beyond the initial award.
- Ensuring compliance with local building codes and environmental regulations.
Positive Signals
- Modernization of critical scientific facilities.
- Support for long-term geological research and public safety.
- Investment in a key federal agency's operational capacity.
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the construction sector, specifically for government facilities. Such projects often involve complex logistics, environmental considerations, and adherence to stringent federal standards.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Hensel Phelps Construction Co., a large firm. There is no indication of small business set-asides in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Geological Survey to ensure the project adheres to specifications, timelines, and budget. Regular progress reports and site inspections are expected.
Related Government Programs
- USGS Facilities Construction
- Big Island Infrastructure Projects
Risk Flags
- Limited Competition
- Long Project Duration
Tags
construction, usgs, department-of-the-interior, hawaii, scientific-infrastructure, federal-spending, government-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $117.0 million to HENSEL PHELPS CONSTRUCTION CO. CONSTRUCTION OF USGS FACILITIES ON BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HENSEL PHELPS CONSTRUCTION CO.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $117.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-01. End: 2026-12-31.
Analysis insight 1
The contract's definitive nature suggests a fixed price or cost-plus structure, impacting financial risk.
Analysis insight 2
The long duration from award to estimated completion indicates a multi-year construction effort.
Analysis insight 3
The specific location on the Big Island may introduce unique logistical and environmental challenges.