National Park Service awards $5.1M contract for Joshua Tree National Park entrance, aiming to improve safety and traffic flow

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,055,559 ($5.1M)

Contractor: L & J Building Company LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-05-01

End Date: 2026-02-20

Contract Duration: 660 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCT NEW ENTRANCE STATION TO REDUCE TRAFFIC AND PROVIDE A SAFER WORKING ENVIRONMENT, JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

Place of Performance

Location: TWENTYNINE PALMS, SAN BERNARDINO County, CALIFORNIA, 92277

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $5.1 million to L & J BUILDING COMPANY LLC for work described as: CONSTRUCT NEW ENTRANCE STATION TO REDUCE TRAFFIC AND PROVIDE A SAFER WORKING ENVIRONMENT, JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. Key points: 1. Contract aims to enhance visitor experience and operational efficiency at a popular national park. 2. The project focuses on infrastructure improvements, suggesting a need for modernization or expansion. 3. Fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government, assuming scope is well-defined. 4. The project's success hinges on timely completion and adherence to construction quality standards. 5. Geographic location in California may present logistical challenges and specific environmental considerations. 6. The exclusion of sources in the competition type warrants further investigation into procurement rationale.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $5.1 million for constructing a new entrance station appears within a reasonable range for a federal construction project of this nature. However, without specific benchmarks for similar park entrance constructions or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm fixed-price nature provides cost control, but the final value will depend on the scope and any potential change orders. Benchmarking against similar projects in other national parks or for comparable public infrastructure would offer a clearer picture of its cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources were excluded, suggesting a specific reason or requirement that narrowed the field. The number of bidders (5) is moderate, but the exclusion of sources raises questions about the extent of true competition. A more open competition might have yielded more bids and potentially more competitive pricing. Understanding the rationale behind the source exclusion is key to assessing the impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources, even with a moderate number of bidders, may have limited the potential for the most competitive pricing, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers than if all qualified sources had been allowed to compete.

Public Impact

Visitors to Joshua Tree National Park will benefit from reduced traffic congestion and a safer entry experience. Park staff and contractors will have a safer working environment with the new entrance station. The project's geographic impact is localized to Joshua Tree National Park in San Bernardino County, California. Construction activities will likely involve local labor and potentially support local businesses for materials and services. Improved park infrastructure could lead to increased visitor satisfaction and potentially higher park visitation rates.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition type needs clarification to ensure fair market access and optimal taxpayer value.
Potential for scope creep or change orders in construction projects can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Environmental impact assessments and mitigation strategies during construction are critical for a national park setting.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract provides a degree of cost certainty for the government.
The project addresses a clear need for improved safety and traffic management within the park.
The award to L & J BUILDING COMPANY LLC, a specific entity, suggests a focused procurement process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the broader construction industry. Federal spending in this area often supports public infrastructure, national parks, and government facilities. The market for such construction is competitive, with numerous firms capable of undertaking projects of this scale. Benchmarking against similar park infrastructure projects or visitor center constructions would provide context for the awarded amount, considering factors like location, complexity, and specific requirements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to L & J BUILDING COMPANY LLC, and the data indicates no specific small business set-aside (sb: false) or subcontracting requirements explicitly mentioned in this summary. This suggests the primary award was not targeted towards small businesses. Further review of the contract details would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the scope of this project, which could still provide some benefit to the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Park Service, a division of the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver the specified work within the agreed budget. Transparency regarding project progress and any potential issues would typically be available through federal contract databases and agency reporting. The Inspector General for the Department of the Interior would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Infrastructure Projects
Federal Construction Contracts
Department of the Interior Capital Investments
Joshua Tree National Park Operations

Risk Flags

Competition Level: 'Exclusion of sources' warrants scrutiny.
Scope Definition: Potential for change orders in construction.
Environmental Compliance: Construction in a National Park requires strict adherence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $5.1 million to L & J BUILDING COMPANY LLC. CONSTRUCT NEW ENTRANCE STATION TO REDUCE TRAFFIC AND PROVIDE A SAFER WORKING ENVIRONMENT, JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is L & J BUILDING COMPANY LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-01. End: 2026-02-20.

What specific factors led to the exclusion of certain sources in the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' award?

The rationale behind excluding specific sources in a 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' award typically stems from pre-qualification requirements, specific technical capabilities, past performance criteria, or unique project needs that only a subset of potential contractors can meet. For this Joshua Tree National Park entrance station project, the National Park Service might have had stringent requirements related to experience with environmental regulations in sensitive park areas, specialized construction techniques for park infrastructure, or a demonstrated ability to manage projects with minimal disruption to ongoing park operations. Without explicit documentation from the solicitation, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons, but these are common drivers for such procurement strategies. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing whether the exclusion genuinely served the government's best interest or potentially limited competition unnecessarily.

How does the $5.1 million cost compare to similar entrance station construction projects in other National Parks?

Benchmarking the $5.1 million cost against similar projects requires access to detailed data on comparable National Park entrance station constructions. Factors such as the size and complexity of the station, the specific site conditions (e.g., terrain, accessibility), the materials used, and the prevailing labor costs in the region all significantly influence project expenses. For instance, an entrance station in a remote, high-altitude park might incur higher logistical costs than one in a more accessible location. Similarly, projects requiring extensive environmental mitigation or unique architectural designs will naturally be more expensive. A preliminary assessment suggests the figure is within a plausible range for federal construction, but a definitive comparison would necessitate a detailed analysis of project scope, duration, and location-specific economic factors for several comparable projects across the National Park System.

What are the primary risks associated with the firm fixed-price contract type for this construction project?

The primary risk associated with a firm fixed-price (FFP) contract for a construction project like the Joshua Tree National Park entrance station lies in the potential for the contractor to cut corners on quality or scope to maintain profitability if costs escalate unexpectedly. While FFP offers cost certainty to the government, it places the risk of cost overruns on the contractor. If unforeseen site conditions arise, material prices surge significantly, or labor shortages occur, the contractor might face financial strain. This could lead to disputes, delays, or a temptation to reduce the quality of work to meet the fixed price. Effective government oversight, clear contract specifications, and robust inspection protocols are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure the project is completed to the required standards despite the fixed-price nature.

What is the expected impact of this new entrance station on visitor flow and safety within Joshua Tree National Park?

The construction of a new entrance station is explicitly intended to reduce traffic congestion and provide a safer working environment, which directly translates to improved visitor flow and safety. By potentially adding capacity or reconfiguring entry points, the station aims to alleviate bottlenecks that often occur during peak visitation times, leading to shorter wait times for visitors. A more efficient entry process enhances the overall visitor experience. Furthermore, a well-designed entrance station can improve safety by clearly delineating traffic lanes, providing better visibility for both drivers and park staff, and potentially incorporating features like improved lighting and pedestrian walkways. This infrastructure upgrade is a proactive measure to manage increasing park visitation while prioritizing the safety and satisfaction of those entering Joshua Tree National Park.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar infrastructure projects managed by the National Park Service?

Historical spending patterns for similar infrastructure projects managed by the National Park Service (NPS) reveal a consistent need for capital investment in park facilities, roads, and visitor services. The NPS budget typically allocates funds for maintenance, repair, and new construction, often competing for resources with operational needs and conservation efforts. Projects like entrance stations, visitor centers, and campgrounds can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on scale, location, and complexity. Spending can fluctuate based on congressional appropriations, specific legislative mandates (like the Great American Outdoors Act), and the prioritization of deferred maintenance. Analyzing past NPS project costs, contract types, and completion timelines provides valuable context for evaluating current and future investments, including this Joshua Tree project.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140P8523R0001

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 130 E 13TH AVE, KANSAS CITY, MO, 64116

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: $5,055,559

Exercised Options: $5,055,559

Current Obligation: $5,055,559

Actual Outlays: $4,841,678

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline