Arizona bridge replacement contract awarded to Whelcon Contractors LLC for $4.19M, utilizing full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,188,531 ($4.2M)

Contractor: Whelcon Contractors LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-01-16

End Date: 2026-10-14

Contract Duration: 271 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: AZ FS 289(1) AZ NFSR 289 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT - CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

Place of Performance

Location: PAYSON, GILA County, ARIZONA, 85541

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $4.2 million to WHELCON CONTRACTORS LLC for work described as: AZ FS 289(1) AZ NFSR 289 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT - CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT Key points: 1. The contract value of $4.19M appears reasonable for a bridge replacement project of this scope. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, likely leading to favorable pricing. 3. The fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The project is situated within the critical infrastructure sector, specifically highway construction. 5. The award to Whelcon Contractors LLC indicates a specific capability within the construction market. 6. The duration of 271 days is standard for such infrastructure projects.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.19 million for a bridge replacement project in Arizona seems aligned with typical infrastructure costs. Benchmarking against similar projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment, but the fixed-price nature of the contract offers cost certainty. The number of bids received (6) suggests a healthy level of interest and potential for competitive pricing.

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 a bid. Six bids were received, suggesting a robust competitive environment. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures that the government receives proposals from a wide range of qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this project likely resulted in a more cost-effective outcome for taxpayers, as contractors vied to offer the most competitive pricing.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the residents and commuters of Arizona who will benefit from improved transportation infrastructure. The project will deliver the essential service of replacing a critical bridge, enhancing safety and traffic flow. The geographic impact is localized to Arizona, specifically the area where the bridge is located. The project will likely create or sustain jobs within the construction sector in Arizona.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for schedule delays impacting the 2026 completion date.
Unforeseen site conditions could lead to scope adjustments or cost increases despite fixed-price.
Quality control during construction is crucial to ensure long-term durability of the bridge.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and limits financial risk to the government.
Full and open competition suggests a well-vetted and potentially cost-effective award.
The project addresses a clear need for infrastructure improvement, enhancing public safety and utility.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, a significant segment of the broader construction industry. This sector is vital for national infrastructure and economic development. Spending in this area is often driven by federal and state funding initiatives aimed at maintaining and upgrading transportation networks. Comparable projects can vary widely in cost depending on scale, complexity, and location, but a $4.19M contract for a bridge replacement is within a common range for mid-sized projects.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While Whelcon Contractors LLC's size is not specified, the lack of a set-aside means large businesses could compete. Subcontracting opportunities may arise, potentially benefiting small businesses if Whelcon engages them for specialized services. Further analysis of Whelcon's subcontracting plan would be needed to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) through the Department of Transportation. Standard oversight mechanisms would include regular progress reports, site inspections, and quality assurance checks to ensure compliance with contract specifications and safety standards. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific project details might be limited.

Related Government Programs

Federal Highway Administration Bridge Program
National Highway System
State Infrastructure Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule slippage
Unforeseen site conditions
Contractor performance risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $4.2 million to WHELCON CONTRACTORS LLC. AZ FS 289(1) AZ NFSR 289 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT - CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WHELCON CONTRACTORS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-16. End: 2026-10-14.

What is the track record of Whelcon Contractors LLC in completing similar bridge construction projects on time and within budget?

Information regarding Whelcon Contractors LLC's specific track record for similar bridge construction projects is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, project completion timelines, and any history of cost overruns or disputes on comparable federal or state contracts. Examining their portfolio of completed bridges, their adherence to safety regulations, and client feedback would offer further insight into their reliability and capability to execute this $4.19 million project successfully within the stipulated timeframe.

How does the awarded amount of $4.19 million compare to the average cost of similar bridge replacement projects in Arizona or the surrounding region?

The awarded amount of $4.19 million for this bridge replacement project in Arizona needs to be benchmarked against similar projects to fully assess its value. Factors such as the bridge's size, complexity, materials used, and the specific geological conditions of the site significantly influence costs. Without access to a database of comparable projects in Arizona or the broader region, it is difficult to definitively state whether this amount is high, low, or average. However, the presence of six bids under full and open competition suggests that the pricing was likely competitive within the market.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific bridge replacement project, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks for this bridge replacement project include potential unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., soil instability, underground utilities), adverse weather impacting the construction schedule, and potential material price fluctuations. Given the 'FIRM FIXED PRICE' contract type, the primary risk of cost overruns due to these factors is borne by the contractor, Whelcon Contractors LLC. Mitigation strategies typically involve thorough pre-construction site investigations, detailed project planning, contingency scheduling, and robust quality control measures implemented by the contractor and overseen by the Department of Transportation.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' strategy in ensuring cost savings for this type of infrastructure contract?

The 'full and open competition' strategy is generally considered highly effective in ensuring cost savings for infrastructure contracts. By allowing all responsible sources to bid, it fosters a competitive environment where contractors are incentivized to offer their most competitive pricing to win the contract. The fact that six bids were received for this $4.19 million bridge replacement project indicates a healthy level of competition, which typically drives down prices and increases the likelihood of the government securing a favorable deal. This approach also promotes innovation and efficiency as contractors seek to differentiate themselves.

What is the historical spending pattern for bridge replacement projects by the Arizona Department of Transportation or the Federal Highway Administration in recent years?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for bridge replacement projects by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) would provide crucial context for this $4.19 million contract. This would involve examining the volume of such projects, their average contract values, and the typical competition levels observed. For instance, if ADOT typically awards 10-15 bridge replacement contracts annually ranging from $2 million to $6 million, this current award would appear consistent. Conversely, a significant deviation in value or competition might warrant further investigation into the specific project's unique characteristics or market conditions.

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: 6982AF25B000019

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: HZE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 W WETMORE RD STE 203, TUCSON, AZ, 85705

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,188,531

Exercised Options: $4,188,531

Current Obligation: $4,188,531

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline