Shoshone National Forest Road Project Awarded to High Country Construction for $11.1 Million
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,131,646 ($11.1M)
Contractor: High Country Construction Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2005-09-19
End Date: 2012-07-25
Contract Duration: 2,501 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: GRADING, DRAINAGE RETAINING WALL, AND BITUMINOUS SURFACING ON 11.537 KM IN SHOSHONE NATIONAL FOREST.
Place of Performance
Location: LANDER, FREMONT County, WYOMING, 82520
State: Wyoming Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $11.1 million to HIGH COUNTRY CONSTRUCTION INC for work described as: GRADING, DRAINAGE RETAINING WALL, AND BITUMINOUS SURFACING ON 11.537 KM IN SHOSHONE NATIONAL FOREST. Key points: 1. The project involves significant infrastructure work in a protected natural area. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which transfers risk to the contractor. 4. The sector is Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction, a common area for federal spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $11.1 million for 11.537 km of roadwork, drainage, and surfacing appears within a reasonable range for such projects. However, without specific benchmarks for Shoshone National Forest's unique terrain and environmental considerations, a precise value assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bids were likely received. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing, although the final price is influenced by project complexity and contractor capabilities.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for essential infrastructure improvements in a national forest, aiming for long-term utility and safety.
Public Impact
Improved access and safety for visitors and resource management within Shoshone National Forest. Potential for environmental impact mitigation through new drainage and retaining wall construction. Supports local and regional economies through construction jobs and material sourcing. Ensures the longevity of critical transportation infrastructure in a sensitive ecosystem.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to unforeseen environmental challenges in the national forest.
- Long project duration (2005-2012) could indicate complexities or delays.
- Firm Fixed Price contract shifts risk to contractor, but could lead to claims if scope changes.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process.
- Infrastructure improvements are vital for national forest accessibility and safety.
- Project addresses critical needs for drainage and road surfacing.
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, a significant area of federal spending. Benchmarks for similar projects vary widely based on location, complexity, and environmental factors, making direct comparisons challenging without more granular data.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the award went to 'HIGH COUNTRY CONSTRUCTION INC'. Further analysis would be needed to determine if this is a small business and if subcontracting opportunities were provided to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The Federal Highway Administration, under the Department of Transportation, is responsible for oversight. The long duration of the contract (2005-2012) warrants scrutiny regarding project management and adherence to timelines.
Related Government Programs
- Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Highway Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for environmental complexities.
- Firm Fixed Price contract risk.
- Lack of specific cost benchmarks for the region.
Tags
highway-street-and-bridge-construction, department-of-transportation, wy, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $11.1 million to HIGH COUNTRY CONSTRUCTION INC. GRADING, DRAINAGE RETAINING WALL, AND BITUMINOUS SURFACING ON 11.537 KM IN SHOSHONE NATIONAL FOREST.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HIGH COUNTRY CONSTRUCTION INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Highway Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-09-19. End: 2012-07-25.
What was the primary driver for the extended project duration of nearly seven years?
The extended duration from 2005 to 2012 suggests potential complexities beyond standard road construction. This could include environmental mitigation requirements specific to Shoshone National Forest, weather-related delays, unforeseen site conditions, or contractor performance issues. Further investigation into project milestones and change orders would clarify the reasons for the prolonged timeline and its impact on final costs.
How did the Firm Fixed Price contract structure impact the final cost given the project's environmental setting?
A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. In an environmentally sensitive area like Shoshone National Forest, unforeseen challenges (e.g., soil conditions, wildlife impact, stricter environmental regulations) could arise. If these were significant, the contractor might have factored higher contingency into their initial bid, or sought change orders, potentially increasing the final cost despite the FFP structure.
Were there any performance issues or disputes recorded during the contract's long lifecycle?
The contract's lengthy duration from 2005 to 2012 raises questions about potential performance issues, delays, or disputes. While the data doesn't explicitly state problems, such extended timelines often correlate with challenges in project execution, scope adjustments, or contractor-government disagreements. A review of contract modifications, payment history, and any formal dispute resolution records would be necessary to assess performance.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT NONBUILDING FACILITIES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID
Solicitation ID: DTFH68-05-B-00019
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2077 N 2ND ST, LANDER, WY, 00
Business Categories: American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $11,131,646
Exercised Options: $11,131,646
Current Obligation: $11,131,646
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-09-19
Current End Date: 2012-07-25
Potential End Date: 2012-07-25 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-12-17
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