NASA Access Bridge repairs awarded to RBA Engineering for $4.9M, focusing on immediate and long-term rehabilitation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,941,312 ($4.9M)

Contractor: RBA Engineering International, PLLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2023-12-18

End Date: 2027-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,290 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: PROJECT MD SP NASA 2(1) THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF IMMEDIATE REPAIRS OF THE NASA ACCESS BRIDGE OVER BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON PARKWAY, REHABILITATION OF THE NASA ACCESS BRIDGE, PAVEMENT REHABILITATION OF BRIDGE APPROACHES AND INTERCHANGE RAMPS, REPLACEMENT

Place of Performance

Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $4.9 million to RBA ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL, PLLC for work described as: PROJECT MD SP NASA 2(1) THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF IMMEDIATE REPAIRS OF THE NASA ACCESS BRIDGE OVER BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON PARKWAY, REHABILITATION OF THE NASA ACCESS BRIDGE, PAVEMENT REHABILITATION OF BRIDGE APPROACHES AND INTERCHANGE RAMPS, REPLACEMENT Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the scope of immediate repairs and long-term rehabilitation of critical infrastructure. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting a competitive bidding environment. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with potential for scope creep or unforeseen site conditions common in construction projects. 4. Performance context is tied to ensuring safe access to NASA facilities. 5. Sector positioning is within highway, street, and bridge construction, a vital component of transportation infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.9 million for bridge repairs and rehabilitation seems aligned with the project's scope. Benchmarking against similar federal highway construction projects of comparable complexity and scale would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests that cost overruns are primarily the contractor's responsibility, which can be a positive indicator for cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and quality.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for competitive pricing and ensures that the government receives the best value through a wide range of offers.

Public Impact

Benefits NASA personnel and operations by ensuring safe and reliable access to facilities. Services delivered include immediate repairs, rehabilitation, and pavement work on the NASA Access Bridge and its approaches. Geographic impact is localized to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center area in Maryland. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for construction workers, engineers, and project managers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting schedule and cost.
Coordination with ongoing NASA operations and traffic management.
Ensuring compliance with stringent federal construction and environmental standards.

Positive Signals

Clear definition of scope for immediate repairs and rehabilitation.
Firm-fixed-price contract type limits cost escalation risk for the government.
Experienced contractor likely selected through a competitive process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the highway, street, and bridge construction sector, a critical part of the broader transportation infrastructure industry. This sector is characterized by significant public investment and a mix of large and small contracting firms. Federal spending in this area supports national mobility and economic activity. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in projects managed by the Federal Highway Administration or state Departments of Transportation for similar bridge repair and rehabilitation efforts.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus, as the 'sb' field is false. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award was likely made to a larger firm, and the impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether the prime contractor engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) through its contracting officers and project managers. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Highway Administration Construction Projects
NASA Facility Maintenance and Repair
Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Programs
Bridge Rehabilitation Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays due to weather or unforeseen site conditions.
Risk of cost overruns if scope is not tightly managed, despite fixed-price contract.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations during construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $4.9 million to RBA ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL, PLLC. PROJECT MD SP NASA 2(1) THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF IMMEDIATE REPAIRS OF THE NASA ACCESS BRIDGE OVER BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON PARKWAY, REHABILITATION OF THE NASA ACCESS BRIDGE, PAVEMENT REHABILITATION OF BRIDGE APPROACHES AND INTERCHANGE RAMPS, REPLACEMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RBA ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL, PLLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-18. End: 2027-06-30.

What is the track record of RBA Engineering International, PLLC with federal contracts, particularly in bridge construction?

A review of federal contract databases would be necessary to fully assess RBA Engineering International, PLLC's track record. However, their selection for this NASA access bridge project suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. Federal agencies typically vet contractors based on past performance, financial stability, and technical capabilities. Further investigation into their past federal awards, including project types, values, and performance ratings, would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and expertise in similar infrastructure projects.

How does the $4.9 million contract value compare to similar bridge rehabilitation projects managed by the Federal Highway Administration?

The $4.9 million contract value for the NASA Access Bridge project needs to be benchmarked against similar federal highway and bridge construction projects. Factors such as the bridge's size, complexity, age, specific repair needs (e.g., structural, pavement, drainage), and geographic location influence costs. Projects involving immediate repairs alongside long-term rehabilitation, as in this case, can be more expensive than routine maintenance. A comparative analysis with projects of similar scope, duration, and location managed by the FHWA or state DOTs would help determine if this contract represents a fair market price and good value for the government.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific bridge construction project, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this project include unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., soil instability, underground utilities), potential for weather delays impacting the construction schedule, and coordination challenges with NASA's operational needs. Mitigation strategies likely involve thorough site investigations prior to construction, contingency planning for schedule disruptions, and robust communication protocols between the contractor, FHWA, and NASA. The firm-fixed-price contract also shifts some financial risk to the contractor, incentivizing efficient project management.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method in ensuring competitive pricing for infrastructure projects of this nature?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method is generally considered effective for ensuring competitive pricing in infrastructure projects. It allows all responsible bidders to participate, thereby increasing the pool of potential offers and driving down prices through market forces. While it aims for broad competition, the 'exclusion of sources' aspect might imply specific pre-qualification criteria were met by a subset of potential bidders. The effectiveness is maximized when the solicitation is clear, the evaluation criteria are objective, and the market has sufficient capable contractors.

What is the historical spending pattern for bridge construction and repair contracts awarded by the Federal Highway Administration in Maryland?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for bridge construction and repair by the FHWA in Maryland would reveal trends in contract values, types of projects, and typical contractor awards. This data can help contextualize the $4.9 million contract for the NASA Access Bridge. Such analysis might show whether this award is within the typical range for similar projects in the state or if it represents a significant outlier. Understanding these patterns can inform future budget allocations and procurement strategies, ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 693C7324B000003

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5796 BIRCH WHITE CT, WOODBRIDGE, VA, 22193

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,941,312

Exercised Options: $4,941,312

Current Obligation: $4,941,312

Actual Outlays: $4,904,733

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline