DOI awards $4.7M for Henry Mountains Field Station construction to Wasatch West Contracting

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,744,407 ($4.7M)

Contractor: Wasatch West Contracting LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-12-05

End Date: 2027-01-19

Contract Duration: 410 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.6K/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: GAOA-HENRY MOUNTAINS FIELD STATION, UT

Place of Performance

Location: HANKSVILLE, WAYNE County, UTAH, 84734

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $4.7 million to WASATCH WEST CONTRACTING LLC for work described as: GAOA-HENRY MOUNTAINS FIELD STATION, UT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of construction services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of over a year indicates a significant project timeline. 4. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts risk to the contractor. 5. This contract supports infrastructure development in a remote federal area.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $4.7 million for the Henry Mountains Field Station construction appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of this nature. Benchmarking against similar federal construction contracts for field stations or administrative buildings of comparable size and complexity would provide a more precise assessment. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type suggests that the contractor bears the primary responsibility for cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator of value if the contractor manages costs effectively. Without specific cost breakdowns or detailed comparisons to market rates for similar construction services in Utah, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the FFP structure is generally favorable for the government.

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,' which indicates that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of 9 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this construction project. A higher number of bidders generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of technical solutions, benefiting the government by ensuring it receives the best value. The exclusion of sources clause might apply to specific pre-qualification criteria or specific types of small businesses, but the overall intent was broad competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition among 9 bidders is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down the final contract price through competitive bidding. This process helps ensure that federal funds are used efficiently by selecting the most cost-effective and technically sound offer.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and its personnel who will utilize the new field station. The contract will result in the construction of a new field station facility, enhancing operational capabilities. The project's geographic impact is focused on the Henry Mountains region of Utah, supporting federal land management activities. The construction work will likely create temporary employment opportunities for skilled trades and laborers in the local or regional workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, though mitigated by FFP.
Ensuring timely completion within the specified duration to avoid project delays.
Verifying the quality of construction meets all federal standards and specifications.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
High number of bidders indicates strong market interest and potential for competitive pricing.
Contract supports essential federal infrastructure for land management operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Construction sector, specifically Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. The federal government is a significant consumer of construction services for a wide range of facilities, including administrative buildings, research stations, and infrastructure projects. Spending in this category is influenced by infrastructure needs, agency operational requirements, and federal budget allocations. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing the cost per square foot for similar federal buildings or the total value of construction contracts awarded by agencies like the Department of the Interior annually.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While there were 9 bidders, it is unclear if any were small businesses or if subcontracting opportunities will be available to small businesses. Without specific set-aside provisions or subcontracting goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is uncertain. Further analysis would be needed to determine if the prime contractor has a history of utilizing small business subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a division of the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures will be embedded in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards, inspection protocols, and payment schedules tied to milestones. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where award details are published. The Inspector General for the Department of the Interior would have jurisdiction to investigate any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Land Management Facility Construction
Federal Building and Renovation Projects
Department of the Interior Infrastructure Spending
Commercial and Institutional Building Construction Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions in a remote area.
Risk of weather-related delays impacting the construction schedule.
Need for robust quality assurance to ensure construction meets federal standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $4.7 million to WASATCH WEST CONTRACTING LLC. GAOA-HENRY MOUNTAINS FIELD STATION, UT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WASATCH WEST CONTRACTING LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-05. End: 2027-01-19.

What is the contractor's track record with the federal government, particularly with the Department of the Interior?

Wasatch West Contracting LLC's track record with the federal government, particularly the Department of the Interior, would need to be thoroughly reviewed. This involves examining past performance on similar construction projects, including adherence to schedules, budget management, quality of work, and any history of disputes or contract modifications. A review of their contract history in federal databases like SAM.gov or FPDS would reveal the number and type of previous federal awards, their performance ratings, and any significant issues encountered. A strong past performance record with the agency or on comparable projects would increase confidence in their ability to successfully execute the Henry Mountains Field Station contract.

How does the awarded price compare to similar federal construction projects in the region?

To benchmark the $4.7 million award, a comparison with similar federal construction projects in Utah or the surrounding Mountain West region is necessary. This would involve identifying contracts for constructing administrative buildings, field stations, or similar commercial/institutional structures of comparable size (square footage), complexity, and scope of work. Key metrics for comparison include cost per square foot, unit costs for specific construction elements (e.g., foundation, roofing, HVAC), and the overall contract value relative to project duration. Analyzing the number of bids received in those comparable contracts can also provide context on the competitiveness of the market at the time of award.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific construction project, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks for the Henry Mountains Field Station construction likely include potential for unforeseen site conditions (geological, environmental), weather-related delays given the remote location, and potential labor or material cost fluctuations. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract structure inherently mitigates financial risk for the government by placing the burden of cost overruns on Wasatch West Contracting LLC. Mitigation strategies for schedule and quality risks would involve robust project management by the BLM contracting officer's representative (COR), regular site inspections, adherence to detailed construction schedules, and clear communication channels with the contractor. Pre-construction site assessments and contingency planning would also address potential unforeseen conditions.

What is the expected impact of this new field station on the Bureau of Land Management's operational effectiveness in the Henry Mountains region?

The construction of a new field station is expected to significantly enhance the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) operational effectiveness in the Henry Mountains region. A modern, purpose-built facility can provide improved workspace, better equipment storage, enhanced communication capabilities, and potentially living quarters for personnel, which is crucial for managing remote public lands. This improved infrastructure can lead to more efficient deployment of resources for activities such as land monitoring, wildfire suppression, recreation management, and law enforcement. Ultimately, it supports the BLM's mission to manage public lands for sustainable use and conservation by providing a more robust and reliable base of operations.

What has been the historical spending trend for similar construction projects by the Department of the Interior over the past five years?

Analyzing the historical spending trend for similar construction projects by the Department of the Interior (DOI) over the past five years would provide valuable context. This involves examining aggregate spending data for contracts categorized under 'Commercial and Institutional Building Construction' or similar classifications awarded by DOI agencies. Trends might reveal an increase or decrease in investment in facility infrastructure, fluctuations in average contract values, or shifts in the types of projects prioritized. Understanding these patterns can help assess whether the current $4.7 million award is consistent with historical investment levels or represents a significant deviation, potentially indicating a strategic shift or a response to specific infrastructure needs.

Were there any specific requirements or exclusions in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' that might have influenced the bidder pool?

The designation 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' implies that while the competition was broadly open, certain categories of potential offerors were intentionally excluded based on specific criteria outlined in the solicitation. This exclusion could be based on factors such as minimum experience requirements, specific technical capabilities, geographic location, or adherence to certain regulatory standards. The intent is typically to ensure that only qualified and capable sources participate, thereby streamlining the evaluation process and increasing the likelihood of selecting a contractor best suited for the project's complexities. Understanding the exact nature of the exclusion is key to assessing its impact on the diversity and competitiveness of the bidder pool.

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: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 140L0625B0010

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 700 W 1850 S, SYRACUSE, UT, 84075

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,744,407

Exercised Options: $4,744,407

Current Obligation: $4,744,407

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline