Interior Department Awards $92M Contract for Milk River Project Dam Replacement and Fish Modification
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $92,177,122 ($92.2M)
Contractor: NW Construction, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2024-06-03
End Date: 2028-07-25
Sector: Construction
Official Description: ST. MARY CANAL DIVERSION WORKS DAM REPLACEMENT AND FISH MODIFICATION, MILK RIVER PROJECT, MONTANA
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $92.2 million to NW CONSTRUCTION, INC for work described as: ST. MARY CANAL DIVERSION WORKS DAM REPLACEMENT AND FISH MODIFICATION, MILK RIVER PROJECT, MONTANA Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical water infrastructure. 2. Competition was limited, with NW Construction, Inc. securing the award. 3. Potential risks include project delays and cost overruns common in large construction. 4. Focus on environmental improvements alongside infrastructure upgrades.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $92.2 million represents a substantial commitment to upgrading vital water infrastructure. The Bureau of Reclamation's investment aims to ensure the long-term functionality and environmental compatibility of the Milk River Project.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The award to NW Construction, Inc. suggests a limited competition environment for this specific project. Further details on the solicitation process would clarify the extent of competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding essential upgrades to water management systems that support agriculture and ecosystems.
Public Impact
Improved water supply reliability for agricultural users. Enhanced fish passage and habitat in the Milk River. Potential for local job creation during the construction phase.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Construction project timelines can be subject to delays due to weather or unforeseen site conditions.
- Ensuring effective environmental mitigation measures are implemented as planned.
Positive Signals
- Modernizing aging infrastructure for long-term reliability.
- Addressing ecological concerns through fish modification features.
- Investment in a key water resource project for Montana.
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the civil engineering and construction sector, specifically focusing on water resource management and environmental infrastructure. Such projects are crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity and ecological health.
Small Business Impact
Information regarding small business participation or set-asides was not explicitly provided in the data. Further review of the contract details would be needed to assess 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 construction contracts will apply, including progress monitoring and quality assurance.
Related Government Programs
- Milk River Project
- Dam Replacement
- Fish Modification
- Canal Diversion Works
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Construction project risks
Tags
water-infrastructure, dam-replacement, fish-passage, milk-river-project, bureau-of-reclamation, department-of-the-interior, montana, construction, environmental-mitigation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $92.2 million to NW CONSTRUCTION, INC. ST. MARY CANAL DIVERSION WORKS DAM REPLACEMENT AND FISH MODIFICATION, MILK RIVER PROJECT, MONTANA
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 $92.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-06-03. End: 2028-07-25.
Analysis insight 1
The project addresses the aging infrastructure of the St. Mary Canal Diversion Works.
Analysis insight 2
Environmental considerations, specifically fish passage, are integrated into the dam replacement.
Analysis insight 3
The contract duration spans over four years, indicating a significant scope of work.