Transportation contract for Stevens Canyon Road rehabilitation awarded to Tucci & Sons LLC for over $36.6 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,666,730 ($36.7M)

Contractor: Tucci & Sons LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2022-05-26

End Date: 2024-08-13

Contract Duration: 810 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: WA NPS MORA 13(7), REHABILITATE STEVENS CANYON ROAD, MP 5.0 TO 14.0 THE WORK CONSISTS OF GRADING, STONE MASONRY, WALLS, PAVED WATERWAY REPAIR, PAVING, DRAINAGE, SIGNING, STRIPING, WATERPROOF MEMBRANE, CONCRETE GUTTER REPAIR AND OTHER MINOR WORK ITEM

Place of Performance

Location: PACKWOOD, LEWIS County, WASHINGTON, 98361

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $36.7 million to TUCCI & SONS LLC for work described as: WA NPS MORA 13(7), REHABILITATE STEVENS CANYON ROAD, MP 5.0 TO 14.0 THE WORK CONSISTS OF GRADING, STONE MASONRY, WALLS, PAVED WATERWAY REPAIR, PAVING, DRAINAGE, SIGNING, STRIPING, WATERPROOF MEMBRANE, CONCRETE GUTTER REPAIR AND OTHER MINOR WORK ITEM Key points: 1. The contract value of over $36.6 million represents a significant investment in critical infrastructure. 2. The project involves extensive rehabilitation work, including grading, paving, and drainage improvements. 3. The use of a firm-fixed-price contract suggests a defined scope and budget, potentially mitigating cost overruns. 4. The duration of 810 days indicates a substantial, multi-year project requiring careful project management. 5. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, implying a competitive bidding process. 6. The project is located in Washington state, impacting regional transportation networks.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $36.6 million for rehabilitating 9 miles of road appears reasonable given the scope of work, which includes grading, paving, drainage, and structural repairs. Benchmarking against similar large-scale highway construction projects suggests that the pricing is within expected ranges for complex infrastructure development. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, assuming the scope is well-defined and managed effectively.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 4 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this significant infrastructure project. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and can lead to more cost-effective outcomes for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition process likely resulted in a more competitive bid, potentially saving taxpayer dollars compared to a less competitive procurement. It also ensures that the government has access to a wider pool of qualified contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are users of Mount Rainier National Park and surrounding areas, who will experience improved road conditions and safety. The project delivers essential road rehabilitation services, enhancing the durability and functionality of Stevens Canyon Road. The geographic impact is concentrated in Washington state, specifically within the Mount Rainier National Park area. The project will likely involve a workforce of construction laborers, engineers, and project managers, contributing to local employment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen geological or environmental issues arise during rehabilitation.
Risk of delays due to weather conditions or environmental restrictions common in mountainous park areas.
Contractor performance on similar large-scale, complex projects needs thorough review to ensure successful execution.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive bid and potentially better value.
The project addresses critical infrastructure needs, enhancing safety and accessibility.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, a vital part of the broader Construction industry. This sector is characterized by large-scale projects requiring specialized equipment and expertise. Spending in this area is often driven by government infrastructure initiatives aimed at maintaining and upgrading transportation networks. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar road rehabilitation projects of this scale can vary significantly based on location, complexity, and specific requirements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger firm, and the impact on the small business ecosystem will depend on whether the prime contractor engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) through contract officers and project managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules tied to milestones. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though detailed project-specific oversight activities may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Federal Highway Administration Capital Improvement Projects
National Park Service Infrastructure Maintenance
State Department of Transportation Road Construction Grants

Risk Flags

Potential for environmental impact in a national park setting.
Risk of weather-related delays impacting project schedule.
Complexity of large-scale infrastructure rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $36.7 million to TUCCI & SONS LLC. WA NPS MORA 13(7), REHABILITATE STEVENS CANYON ROAD, MP 5.0 TO 14.0 THE WORK CONSISTS OF GRADING, STONE MASONRY, WALLS, PAVED WATERWAY REPAIR, PAVING, DRAINAGE, SIGNING, STRIPING, WATERPROOF MEMBRANE, CONCRETE GUTTER REPAIR AND OTHER MINOR WORK ITEM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TUCCI & SONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Highway Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $36.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-05-26. End: 2024-08-13.

What is the track record of Tucci & Sons LLC on similar federal infrastructure projects?

A thorough review of Tucci & Sons LLC's past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving highway and bridge construction in challenging environments, is crucial. Examining their history with the Department of Transportation and other agencies for projects of similar scale and complexity would reveal their ability to manage budgets, adhere to schedules, and meet quality standards. Data on past project completion times, cost variances, and any documented performance issues or commendations would provide valuable insight into their reliability and expertise for the Stevens Canyon Road rehabilitation.

How does the awarded price compare to industry benchmarks for similar road rehabilitation projects?

To assess the value for money, the awarded price of $36.6 million needs to be benchmarked against similar projects. This involves comparing the cost per mile, cost per square foot of paving, or cost per unit of specific repair work (e.g., retaining wall construction) against industry averages for projects of comparable scope, complexity, and geographic location. Factors such as terrain, material costs, and labor rates in Washington state would need to be considered. If the price falls within or below established benchmarks, it suggests good value; if it significantly exceeds them, further investigation into the justification for the higher cost would be warranted.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific rehabilitation project?

The primary risks for the Stevens Canyon Road rehabilitation project likely include environmental challenges inherent to a national park setting, such as protected species, sensitive ecosystems, and potential archaeological findings that could lead to delays or increased costs. Weather-related disruptions are also a significant risk, given the mountainous terrain and potential for harsh conditions during construction seasons. Furthermore, the complexity of integrating new construction with existing infrastructure, managing traffic flow during repairs, and ensuring the long-term durability of the rehabilitated road present technical and logistical risks that require robust mitigation strategies.

How effective has the Federal Highway Administration been in managing similar large-scale road construction contracts?

The effectiveness of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in managing large-scale road construction contracts can be assessed by examining historical data on project delivery. Key performance indicators include the percentage of projects completed on time and within budget, the frequency of contract modifications, and the overall quality of completed infrastructure. Analyzing FHWA's oversight mechanisms, their utilization of project management tools, and their ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances on complex projects would provide insight into their management capabilities. Positive trends in project success rates and efficient resource allocation would indicate strong effectiveness.

What has been the historical spending trend for highway and bridge construction by the Department of Transportation?

Analyzing historical spending trends for highway and bridge construction by the Department of Transportation (DOT) reveals patterns in investment priorities and budget allocations. Examining annual expenditures over the past 5-10 years would show whether spending in this category has been increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable. This trend analysis can be correlated with national infrastructure needs, economic conditions, and legislative funding initiatives. Understanding these patterns helps contextualize the current $36.6 million contract within the broader DOT financial landscape and assess the government's commitment to infrastructure maintenance and development.

What are the potential long-term impacts of this rehabilitation on visitor access and park infrastructure?

The long-term impacts of rehabilitating Stevens Canyon Road are expected to be overwhelmingly positive for visitor access and park infrastructure. Improved road surfaces will enhance safety for drivers and reduce wear and tear on vehicles, leading to a more pleasant visitor experience. Enhanced drainage and structural integrity will ensure the road's longevity, reducing the need for frequent, disruptive repairs and minimizing the risk of closures due to road failure. This sustained accessibility is crucial for tourism, emergency services, and the overall operational efficiency of the national park, contributing to its preservation and public enjoyment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 69056719B000034

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4224 WALLER RD E, TACOMA, WA, 98443

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,666,730

Exercised Options: $36,666,730

Current Obligation: $36,666,730

Actual Outlays: $36,666,730

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 195

Total Subaward Amount: $178,508,111

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline