Interior Department Awards Major Contract for Arroyo Canal Fish Passage Project
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $92,773,209 ($92.8M)
Contractor: NW Construction, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2025-07-15
End Date: 2028-07-09
Sector: Other
Official Description: IMPROVE OPERATIONS AT ARROYO CANAL FISH SCREEN/SACK DAM FISH PASSAGE PROJECT
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $92.8 million to NW CONSTRUCTION, INC for work described as: IMPROVE OPERATIONS AT ARROYO CANAL FISH SCREEN/SACK DAM FISH PASSAGE PROJECT Key points: 1. Significant investment to improve fish passage at a critical water infrastructure site. 2. Competition for this contract was not publicly disclosed, raising potential concerns. 3. Project completion is scheduled for mid-2028, indicating a multi-year effort. 4. The contract value represents a substantial commitment to environmental infrastructure.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $92.7 million is substantial and reflects the scope of work required for the Arroyo Canal Fish Screen/Sack Dam Fish Passage Project. This investment is crucial for improving ecological conditions and ensuring fish migration.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The award type is a definitive contract, but details regarding the solicitation process and the level of competition are not readily available. Further information is needed to assess if full and open competition was pursued.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a project aimed at environmental improvement and infrastructure modernization.
Public Impact
Improved fish migration routes will benefit local aquatic ecosystems. Potential for enhanced water flow management in the region. Long-term environmental benefits for the local watershed.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of transparency regarding competition could indicate potential for non-competitive awards.
- The multi-year duration of the project presents risks related to cost overruns and schedule delays.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical environmental infrastructure needs.
- Aims to improve ecological health and water management.
- Long-term project with a defined completion date.
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the environmental and water infrastructure sector, focusing on ecological restoration and operational improvements for water management systems. Such projects often involve significant engineering and construction efforts.
Small Business Impact
Information regarding small business participation or set-aside goals for this contract was not provided. Further investigation would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The Bureau of Reclamation, under the Department of the Interior, is responsible for overseeing this project. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal contracts will apply, but specific details on accountability measures are not detailed here.
Related Government Programs
- Arroyo Canal Fish Screen/Sack Dam Fish Passage Project
- Water Infrastructure Improvement
- Ecological Restoration
Risk Flags
- Competition details not fully disclosed
- Potential for schedule delays and cost overruns on multi-year projects
Tags
environmental-infrastructure, water-management, fish-passage, bureau-of-reclamation, department-of-the-interior, arroyo-canal, sack-dam, definitive-contract, ecological-restoration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $92.8 million to NW CONSTRUCTION, INC. IMPROVE OPERATIONS AT ARROYO CANAL FISH SCREEN/SACK DAM FISH PASSAGE PROJECT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NW CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $92.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-07-15. End: 2028-07-09.
Analysis insight 1
The project aims to mitigate the impact of the dam and canal on fish populations.
Analysis insight 2
Understanding the specific environmental challenges addressed by this project is key to evaluating its success.
Analysis insight 3
The long-term operational and maintenance costs post-construction should be considered.