DOJ awards $2.6M FFP construction contract for Chicago erosion control to WBK Engineering LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,599,233 ($2.6M)

Contractor: WBK Engineering LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-09-26

End Date: 2027-01-04

Contract Duration: 465 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: SBA # VQ1757619359Z FIRM-FIXED PRICE (FFP) CONSTRUCTION FOR CHICAGO EROSION CONTROL AND SLOPE STABILIZATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROPOSAL DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2025.

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT CHARLES, KANE County, ILLINOIS, 60174

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $2.6 million to WBK ENGINEERING LLC for work described as: SBA # VQ1757619359Z FIRM-FIXED PRICE (FFP) CONSTRUCTION FOR CHICAGO EROSION CONTROL AND SLOPE STABILIZATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROPOSAL DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2025. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for erosion control and slope stabilization in Chicago. 2. WBK Engineering LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is Firm Fixed Price (FFP). 4. The NAICS code 541330 indicates Engineering Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2,599,232.80 for engineering services appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of this scope. However, without specific benchmarks for erosion control and slope stabilization projects in the Chicago area, a precise comparison is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers as competitive pressures are absent.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if the contract had been competitively bid.

Public Impact

Improved infrastructure and environmental protection in Chicago. Potential for enhanced public safety through slope stabilization. Supports local economic activity through construction services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns due to sole-source award

Positive Signals

Addresses critical infrastructure need
Clear project scope and fixed price

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330). Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project complexity and location. Federal spending on engineering services is often driven by infrastructure projects and national security needs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business, as indicated by 'sb': false. There is no information provided on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a definitive contract, suggesting it has undergone some level of review. However, the sole-source nature warrants close oversight to ensure fair pricing and effective execution.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Bureau of Investigation Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Potential for inflated pricing
Limited transparency in price negotiation
No small business participation noted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $2.6 million to WBK ENGINEERING LLC. SBA # VQ1757619359Z FIRM-FIXED PRICE (FFP) CONSTRUCTION FOR CHICAGO EROSION CONTROL AND SLOPE STABILIZATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROPOSAL DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2025.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WBK ENGINEERING LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-26. End: 2027-01-04.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of available sources. Without further details, it's difficult to assess the validity of this justification. Agencies are expected to conduct market research and negotiate pricing diligently, even in sole-source situations, to protect taxpayer interests.

What are the specific risks associated with the lack of competition for this erosion control project?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the absence of competitive pressure, which can lead to inflated prices and reduced innovation. For an erosion control project, this could mean paying more than necessary for materials and labor, and potentially receiving a less optimal solution if the chosen vendor's capabilities are not thoroughly vetted against alternatives.

How will the effectiveness of the erosion control and slope stabilization be measured and ensured?

Effectiveness is typically measured through performance metrics outlined in the contract, such as adherence to design specifications, successful mitigation of erosion, and long-term stability of slopes. Regular site inspections, progress reports, and final acceptance testing by the agency are crucial for ensuring the project meets its intended objectives and provides lasting environmental benefits.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 116 W MAIN ST, SAINT CHARLES, IL, 60174

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,599,233

Exercised Options: $2,599,233

Current Obligation: $2,599,233

Actual Outlays: $138,210

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline