Arlington Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation: $201.5M Contract for Concrete and Bascule Span Work

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $201,451,161 ($201.5M)

Contractor: Kiewit Infrastructure CO.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2017-11-27

End Date: 2024-06-21

Contract Duration: 2,398 days

Daily Burn Rate: $84.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THIS PROJECT CONSISTS OF THE PERMANENT REHABILITATION OF THE CONCRETE APPROACH SPANS AND REPLACEMENT OF THE BASCULE SPAN ON THE ARLINGTON MEMORIAL BRIDGE.

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22201

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $201.5 million to KIEWIT INFRASTRUCTURE CO. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THIS PROJECT CONSISTS OF THE PERMANENT REHABILITATION OF THE CONCRETE APPROACH SPANS AND REPLACEMENT OF THE BASCULE SPAN ON THE ARLINGTON MEMORIAL BRIDGE. Key points: 1. The project focuses on critical infrastructure rehabilitation for the Arlington Memorial Bridge. 2. Kiewit Infrastructure Co. is the primary contractor. 3. The contract type is a Firm Fixed Price Definitive Contract. 4. The project spans over 6 years, indicating a long-term commitment. 5. The total value is substantial at over $201 million.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $201.5M for bridge rehabilitation appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale bridge construction projects would provide a more precise assessment, but the scale of work suggests a significant investment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple bidders vie for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: The significant investment in critical infrastructure aims to ensure public safety and transportation efficiency, representing a necessary use of taxpayer funds for long-term public benefit.

Public Impact

Ensures the structural integrity and safety of a vital transportation link. Improves traffic flow and reduces potential disruptions from aging infrastructure. Supports economic activity by maintaining a key transportation corridor. Preserves a significant historical landmark through necessary repairs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 84 / 10

Warning Flags

Long project duration could lead to cost overruns or scope creep.
Potential for unforeseen structural issues during rehabilitation.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Focus on critical infrastructure maintenance.

Sector Analysis

This project falls under Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction, a sector critical for national infrastructure. Spending in this area is often driven by the need to maintain and upgrade aging public works, with significant federal investment typically allocated to major projects.

Small Business Impact

While the primary contractor is Kiewit Infrastructure Co., the data does not indicate specific subcontracting efforts or set-asides for small businesses on this particular contract. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Transportation, through the Federal Highway Administration, is the awarding agency. Oversight would typically involve regular progress reviews, quality control inspections, and financial audits to ensure contract compliance and project success.

Related Government Programs

Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Highway Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Long project duration (2398 days).
Potential for unforeseen conditions in aging infrastructure.
Reliance on a single primary contractor for a complex project.
Significant taxpayer investment requires robust oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $201.5 million to KIEWIT INFRASTRUCTURE CO.. IGF::OT::IGF THIS PROJECT CONSISTS OF THE PERMANENT REHABILITATION OF THE CONCRETE APPROACH SPANS AND REPLACEMENT OF THE BASCULE SPAN ON THE ARLINGTON MEMORIAL BRIDGE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KIEWIT INFRASTRUCTURE CO..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $201.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-11-27. End: 2024-06-21.

What is the projected impact of the rehabilitation on traffic flow and potential disruptions during construction?

The rehabilitation of the Arlington Memorial Bridge is expected to significantly improve its structural integrity and long-term usability. However, the construction phase itself will likely cause considerable traffic disruptions. The Department of Transportation will need to implement comprehensive traffic management plans, including detours and phased construction, to minimize impacts on commuters and the surrounding area. Public communication regarding expected delays and alternative routes will be crucial.

Are there any identified risks associated with the age and condition of the bascule span that could affect the project timeline or cost?

The bascule span's age and condition present inherent risks. Unforeseen structural deterioration or mechanical issues discovered during replacement could lead to delays and increased costs beyond the initial estimates. A thorough pre-construction assessment and contingency planning by the contractor and agency are essential. The firm fixed price contract offers some protection, but significant unforeseen issues might necessitate contract modifications or change orders.

How does the $201.5M expenditure compare to similar large-scale bridge rehabilitation projects in terms of cost-effectiveness?

The $201.5M expenditure for the Arlington Memorial Bridge rehabilitation is substantial, reflecting the complexity and scale of replacing a bascule span and rehabilitating concrete approach spans. To assess cost-effectiveness, it should be benchmarked against similar projects in terms of square footage, complexity of structural elements (like bascule mechanisms), and regional construction costs. Without specific comparative data, it's difficult to definitively label it as highly cost-effective, but it aligns with the significant investment required for critical infrastructure renewal.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: DTFH7117R00006

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Kiewit-Turner a Joint Venture

Address: KIEWIT PLAZA, OMAHA, NE, 68131

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $201,451,161

Exercised Options: $201,451,161

Current Obligation: $201,451,161

Actual Outlays: $113,819,676

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline