Interior Department awards $3.76M contract for Azotea Portal and Drop Structures to Robins Construction, LLLP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,758,366 ($3.8M)

Contractor: Robins Construction, Lllp

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-01-23

End Date: 2027-06-13

Contract Duration: 506 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: SJC AZOTEA PORTAL AND DROP STRUCTURES

Place of Performance

Location: CHAMA, RIO ARRIBA County, NEW MEXICO, 87520

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $3.8 million to ROBINS CONSTRUCTION, LLLP for work described as: SJC AZOTEA PORTAL AND DROP STRUCTURES Key points: 1. Contract value of $3.76M for construction services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Contract duration of 506 days. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type. 5. Project located in New Mexico. 6. No small business set-aside indicated.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.76M for the SJC Azotea Portal and Drop Structures appears to be a specific project cost. Without comparable project data or detailed cost breakdowns, it is difficult to definitively benchmark the value for money. The firm fixed price nature suggests cost certainty for the government, but the overall value proposition depends on the quality of work and adherence to schedule. Further analysis would require understanding the scope of work and comparing it to similar civil engineering projects in the region.

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 open, certain sources were excluded, suggesting a potentially limited pool of bidders. The number of bids received (4) is moderate, but the exclusion of sources raises questions about the breadth of competition. This procurement method might lead to less aggressive pricing compared to a truly open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may have resulted in higher costs for taxpayers than if a broader range of qualified contractors had been able to bid.

Public Impact

The contract will benefit the Bureau of Reclamation by providing necessary infrastructure for water management. Services delivered include the construction of portal and drop structures. The project has a geographic impact in New Mexico. The construction activities will likely involve a skilled labor force in the civil engineering and construction sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to exclusion of sources may impact price discovery.
Lack of transparency on the reasons for excluding certain sources.
Firm Fixed Price contracts can sometimes lead to change order disputes if scope is not perfectly defined.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to a specific contractor suggests they met the technical and performance requirements.
Project completion is scheduled within a defined timeframe.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically related to water infrastructure. This sector is characterized by large-scale projects requiring specialized engineering and construction expertise. The market size for such projects can be substantial, driven by government investments in public works and resource management. This specific contract for drop structures and portals is a component of broader water management and conservation efforts.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific contract may be limited unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small business subcontractors.

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 inherent in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules tied to milestones. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed project progress reports may not be publicly available. 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 Water Infrastructure Projects
Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction Contracts
Department of the Interior Construction Awards

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to source exclusion.
Potential for cost overruns if scope is not perfectly defined under FFP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $3.8 million to ROBINS CONSTRUCTION, LLLP. SJC AZOTEA PORTAL AND DROP STRUCTURES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ROBINS CONSTRUCTION, LLLP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-23. End: 2027-06-13.

What is the specific scope of work for the SJC Azotea Portal and Drop Structures project?

The specific scope of work for the SJC Azotea Portal and Drop Structures project involves the construction of essential components for water management systems. This typically includes building retaining structures (portals) at water intake or outlet points and constructing drop structures to manage water flow and elevation changes within canals or channels. These structures are critical for controlling water levels, preventing erosion, and ensuring efficient water delivery for irrigation, municipal use, or other purposes managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. Detailed specifications would be outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW), including materials, dimensions, and construction methodologies.

How does the $3.76M contract value compare to similar Bureau of Reclamation projects?

Benchmarking the $3.76M contract value against similar Bureau of Reclamation projects requires access to a database of comparable projects, including their scope, location, and final cost. Without such data, a direct comparison is challenging. However, projects involving water infrastructure, such as canal lining, dam maintenance, or the construction of water control structures, can range significantly in cost depending on scale, complexity, and environmental factors. A value of $3.76M suggests a moderately sized project within the Bureau's portfolio. Further analysis would involve identifying projects with similar technical requirements and geographical contexts to establish a more precise value-for-money assessment.

What are the potential risks associated with a 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' contract type?

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' contract type presents specific risks. While aiming for competition, the exclusion of certain sources inherently limits the bidder pool. This limitation can reduce the likelihood of receiving the most competitive pricing, as fewer contractors are vying for the work. It also raises concerns about fairness and transparency if the reasons for exclusion are not clearly justified and communicated. Potential risks include a contractor having less incentive to offer the lowest price, a higher likelihood of change orders if the limited pool did not fully understand the scope, and potential contractor dissatisfaction or legal challenges from excluded parties if the exclusion criteria are perceived as arbitrary or unfair.

What is the track record of Robins Construction, LLLP with federal contracts?

Robins Construction, LLLP has a track record of federal contracting, as evidenced by this award. To assess their track record thoroughly, one would need to examine their past performance on similar projects, including contract values, timeliness of delivery, quality of work, and any history of disputes or contract terminations. Information on their past federal awards, including agency, type of work, and performance ratings (if available through systems like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and capability in executing government contracts.

How might the firm fixed price (FFP) contract type impact project outcomes?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type generally offers the most price certainty for the government, as the contractor assumes most of the risk for cost overruns. This can be advantageous in controlling the overall budget. However, for complex projects with potential for unforeseen issues, an FFP contract can incentivize the contractor to cut corners on quality or scope to maintain profitability, potentially leading to disputes over change orders if the initial scope was not perfectly defined. It also means the government does not benefit from cost savings if the contractor performs more efficiently than anticipated. For this project, the success of the FFP structure hinges on a well-defined scope of work and robust oversight.

What are the implications of this contract for water management in New Mexico?

This contract directly impacts water management in New Mexico by funding the construction of critical infrastructure – the Azotea Portal and Drop Structures. These structures are vital for controlling and regulating water flow within the Bureau of Reclamation's systems, likely serving irrigation districts or other water users in the state. By ensuring efficient water delivery and preventing issues like erosion or uncontrolled releases, these improvements contribute to the reliability and sustainability of water resources for agricultural, municipal, or environmental purposes in New Mexico, a state where water management is particularly crucial.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering 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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140R4024R0026

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 38767 STATE HIGHWAY 17, ANTONITO, CO, 81120

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,758,366

Exercised Options: $3,758,366

Current Obligation: $3,758,366

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline