Department of the Interior awards $2.6M contract for Hyrum Dam outlet works, with completion by May 2025

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,600,812 ($2.6M)

Contractor: Ironwood Commercial Builders Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-09-20

End Date: 2025-05-31

Contract Duration: 253 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO UPDATE THE OUTLET WORKS AT HYRUM DAM, APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES SOUTH OF LOGAN, UTAH IN CACHE COUNTY. THE PRINCIPLE COMPONENTS OF THE WORK ARE AS FOLLOWS: REMOVE THE EXISTING 24-INCH OUTLET WORKS PIPE, REMOVE THE CONCRE

Place of Performance

Location: HYRUM, CACHE County, UTAH, 84319

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $2.6 million to IRONWOOD COMMERCIAL BUILDERS INC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO UPDATE THE OUTLET WORKS AT HYRUM DAM, APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES SOUTH OF LOGAN, UTAH IN CACHE COUNTY. THE PRINCIPLE COMPONENTS OF THE WORK ARE AS FOLLOWS: REMOVE THE EXISTING 24-INCH OUTLET WORKS PIPE, REMOVE THE CONCRE Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical infrastructure upgrades at Hyrum Dam, ensuring operational integrity. 2. Competition was robust, indicating potential for competitive pricing and value for taxpayer funds. 3. The project duration of 253 days suggests a focused scope of work for timely completion. 4. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 5. This project aligns with the Bureau of Reclamation's broader mission of water resource management and infrastructure maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.6 million for updating outlet works at Hyrum Dam appears reasonable given the scope of work, which includes removing and replacing a 24-inch pipe and associated concrete structures. Benchmarking against similar dam infrastructure repair projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is a positive indicator 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,' indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This competitive process is crucial for ensuring fair market pricing and preventing inflated costs. The presence of multiple bidders typically leads to better price discovery and a higher likelihood of selecting a contractor offering the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for infrastructure projects like this one helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, leading to cost savings and better overall value for public investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the communities relying on the Hyrum Dam for water supply and flood control. The project will deliver updated and more reliable outlet works, enhancing the dam's safety and functionality. The geographic impact is localized to Cache County, Utah, where Hyrum Dam is situated. The project will likely involve local construction workforce, contributing to regional employment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions requiring additional work beyond the initial scope.
Reliance on specialized materials or equipment that could face supply chain disruptions.
Weather-related delays impacting the construction schedule, especially during critical phases.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract structure limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
Clear project scope and defined deliverables reduce ambiguity and potential disputes.
Experienced contractor likely selected through a competitive process, suggesting capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Construction and Engineering sector, specifically related to heavy civil construction and infrastructure maintenance. The market for dam maintenance and repair is specialized, often involving firms with expertise in civil engineering, hydraulics, and construction management. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain aging water infrastructure across the United States, ensuring public safety and water resource availability.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside requirement for this particular award (ss: false, sb: false). While the prime contractor, Ironwood Commercial Builders Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data, the contract's nature might involve subcontracting opportunities for smaller firms specializing in specific trades or material supply. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, a division of the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract, which obligates the contractor to complete the work within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting. The Inspector General of the Department of the Interior would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Reclamation Dam Safety Program
Federal Water Infrastructure Projects
Civil Works Construction Contracts
Department of the Interior Capital Improvement Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions
Weather-related schedule delays
Supply chain disruptions for materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $2.6 million to IRONWOOD COMMERCIAL BUILDERS INC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO UPDATE THE OUTLET WORKS AT HYRUM DAM, APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES SOUTH OF LOGAN, UTAH IN CACHE COUNTY. THE PRINCIPLE COMPONENTS OF THE WORK ARE AS FOLLOWS: REMOVE THE EXISTING 24-INCH OUTLET WORKS PIPE, REMOVE THE CONCRE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IRONWOOD COMMERCIAL BUILDERS 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 $2.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-20. End: 2025-05-31.

What is the track record of Ironwood Commercial Builders Inc. on similar federal contracts?

A review of federal contract databases would be necessary to fully assess Ironwood Commercial Builders Inc.'s track record. However, their selection for this project by the Bureau of Reclamation suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience for dam infrastructure work. Examining past performance on projects of similar size and scope, particularly those involving outlet works or concrete structures, would provide insight into their reliability, quality of work, and adherence to schedules and budgets. Any history of contract disputes, performance issues, or successful project completions would be relevant to understanding their capabilities and potential risks associated with this award.

How does the $2.6 million cost compare to similar dam outlet work projects?

Benchmarking this $2.6 million contract against similar projects requires access to a comprehensive database of federal and state infrastructure contracts. Factors such as the specific scope of work (pipe size, material, concrete complexity), geographic location (labor and material costs vary), and the age and condition of the existing infrastructure significantly influence project costs. Projects involving the replacement of 24-inch outlet pipes and associated concrete structures at dams of comparable size and complexity could serve as benchmarks. Without specific comparable data, it's challenging to definitively state if this contract represents excellent or questionable value, though the competitive bidding process is a positive indicator.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract?

The primary risks for this contract include potential unforeseen site conditions, such as discovering unexpected structural issues or hazardous materials during excavation, which could lead to scope changes and cost increases. Weather-related delays are also a significant risk, particularly given the outdoor nature of the work and the potential for seasonal impacts on construction timelines. Furthermore, the availability and timely delivery of specialized materials and equipment could pose a risk, especially in the current economic climate. The contractor's ability to manage these risks effectively will be crucial for successful project completion within the allocated budget and timeframe.

How effective is the Bureau of Reclamation in managing dam infrastructure contracts?

The Bureau of Reclamation has a long history and extensive experience in managing dam infrastructure projects across the western United States. Their effectiveness is generally considered high, given their technical expertise and established processes for project planning, execution, and oversight. They typically employ rigorous contract management strategies, including detailed specifications, regular progress monitoring, and quality assurance protocols. While specific contract performance can vary, the Bureau's overall track record in maintaining and upgrading critical water infrastructure suggests a high degree of effectiveness in managing projects like the Hyrum Dam outlet works update.

What has been the historical spending trend for Hyrum Dam maintenance and upgrades?

To determine historical spending trends for Hyrum Dam maintenance and upgrades, a detailed review of past Bureau of Reclamation contracts and budget allocations specifically for this facility would be required. This would involve searching federal procurement databases for previous awards related to Hyrum Dam. Analyzing this data over several years would reveal patterns in the frequency and cost of maintenance activities, identifying any significant capital improvement projects undertaken. Understanding these historical spending patterns can help contextualize the current $2.6 million contract, indicating whether it represents a routine maintenance cost, a major upgrade, or an anomaly.

What are the potential long-term benefits of updating the Hyrum Dam outlet works?

The long-term benefits of updating the Hyrum Dam outlet works are significant and multi-faceted. Primarily, it enhances the safety and reliability of the dam, reducing the risk of failure or malfunction which could have severe consequences for downstream communities and ecosystems. Improved outlet works ensure more efficient and controlled water release, crucial for managing water resources, supporting irrigation, and mitigating flood risks. Modernized infrastructure is also less prone to costly emergency repairs, leading to reduced long-term operational and maintenance expenses for the Bureau of Reclamation. Ultimately, this investment contributes to the sustained viability of the dam as a critical water management asset for the region.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140R4024R0018

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3953 INDUSTRIAL WAY STE E, CONCORD, CA, 94520

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: $2,600,812

Exercised Options: $2,600,812

Current Obligation: $2,600,812

Actual Outlays: $2,570,547

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140F0822D0057

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline