DOT Awards $44.4M Design-Build Contract for Mount Vernon Trail Reconstruction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $44,366,162 ($44.4M)

Contractor: Fort Myer Construction Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-11-03

End Date: 2029-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,305 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (DESIGN BUILD) FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL PARKWAY MOUNT VERNON TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION, PROJECT NO. VA NP GWMP MVT(4) LOCATED IN ARLINGTON COUNTY AND THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WASHINGTON

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22210

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $44.4 million to FORT MYER CONSTRUCTION CORP for work described as: THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (DESIGN BUILD) FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL PARKWAY MOUNT VERNON TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION, PROJECT NO. VA NP GWMP MVT(4) LOCATED IN ARLINGTON COUNTY AND THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WASHINGTON Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Fort Myer Construction Corp for a significant infrastructure project. 2. Project involves reconstruction of the George Washington Memorial Parkway's Mount Vernon Trail. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 4. The sector is Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction, a critical area for transportation infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) type, which shifts risk to the contractor and provides cost certainty. The awarded amount of $44.4 million for a 1305-day duration appears reasonable for a large-scale design-build project of this nature, though a direct per-unit cost comparison is difficult without detailed project specifications.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This competitive environment is expected to drive a fair and reasonable price discovery process, ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to secure the best value for taxpayers by fostering a competitive bidding environment.

Public Impact

Improved recreational access and safety for users of the Mount Vernon Trail. Potential for enhanced transportation connectivity and reduced congestion in the affected areas. Economic stimulus through construction jobs and related industry support. Preservation and modernization of a key historical and recreational asset.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise during design-build.
Schedule delays due to weather, permitting, or contractor performance.
Impact of construction on local traffic and community access.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Design-build approach can streamline project delivery.
Full and open competition likely resulted in competitive pricing.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, which is vital for national infrastructure. Spending in this sector is often substantial, driven by the need for maintenance, repair, and expansion of transportation networks.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not directly awarded this contract, as it went to Fort Myer Construction Corp. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Federal Highway Administration, under the Department of Transportation, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight will be crucial to ensure project milestones are met, quality standards are upheld, and funds are managed effectively throughout the design and construction phases.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Dependency on contractor's design and construction capabilities.
Schedule risk due to weather and permitting processes.
Potential for disruption to local traffic and park access during construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $44.4 million to FORT MYER CONSTRUCTION CORP. THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (DESIGN BUILD) FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL PARKWAY MOUNT VERNON TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION, PROJECT NO. VA NP GWMP MVT(4) LOCATED IN ARLINGTON COUNTY AND THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WASHINGTON

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FORT MYER CONSTRUCTION CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $44.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-03. End: 2029-05-31.

What is the estimated cost per mile or per linear foot for the trail reconstruction, and how does it compare to similar projects?

Without specific details on the length and scope of the reconstruction, a precise per-unit cost benchmark is challenging. However, the total award of $44.4 million over a 1305-day period suggests a significant investment per mile. Benchmarking would require comparing this to other federally funded trail or highway reconstruction projects of similar complexity and geographic location.

What are the primary risks associated with the design-build approach for this specific trail reconstruction project?

Key risks include potential scope creep if design parameters are not tightly controlled, unforeseen subsurface conditions impacting both design and cost, and coordination challenges between design and construction teams. The firm-fixed-price nature mitigates cost escalation for the government, but contractor performance and adherence to the initial design scope are critical.

How effectively will the full and open competition ensure the best value for taxpayer dollars in this project?

Full and open competition is designed to maximize the number of potential bidders, thereby fostering a competitive environment that typically drives down prices and encourages innovation. The success in achieving best value depends on the clarity of the solicitation, the responsiveness of the market, and the thoroughness of the evaluation process by the Federal Highway Administration.

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: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: 693C7324R000018

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2237 33RD ST NE, WASHINGTON, DC, 20018

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $44,366,162

Exercised Options: $44,366,162

Current Obligation: $44,366,162

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline