Plumas National Forest Roadway Reconstruction Contract Awarded to Mercer, Fraser Company for $16 Million
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,996,321 ($16.0M)
Contractor: Mercer, Fraser Company
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2006-02-17
End Date: 2007-12-15
Contract Duration: 666 days
Daily Burn Rate: $24.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: RECONSTRUCTION, GRADING, MECHANICALLY STABILIZED EARTH WALL, AGGREGATE BASE, SUPERPAVE ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVEMENT AND GUARDRAIL ON 9.748 KILOMETERS OF ROADWAY IN PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST.
Place of Performance
Location: OROVILLE, BUTTE County, CALIFORNIA, 95965
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $16.0 million to MERCER, FRASER COMPANY for work described as: RECONSTRUCTION, GRADING, MECHANICALLY STABILIZED EARTH WALL, AGGREGATE BASE, SUPERPAVE ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVEMENT AND GUARDRAIL ON 9.748 KILOMETERS OF ROADWAY IN PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on significant roadway infrastructure improvements in a national forest. 2. Mercer, Fraser Company secured the award, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The project involves multiple construction elements, including MSE walls and asphalt paving. 4. The total value of $15.99 million suggests a substantial investment in public infrastructure.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $15.99 million for 9.748 km of roadway construction appears reasonable given the scope of work, which includes grading, MSE walls, and paving. Benchmarking against similar federal highway projects would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: $1,641,000 per kilometer
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair market value for the services rendered.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the best price for essential infrastructure improvements in a national forest.
Public Impact
Improved access and safety for visitors and residents in Plumas National Forest. Enhanced transportation infrastructure supporting recreational and logistical activities. Potential for local economic stimulus through construction jobs and material sourcing. Long-term preservation and upgrade of federal highway assets.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to unforeseen site conditions in a national forest.
- Weather-related delays could impact project timeline and budget.
- Ensuring environmental compliance during extensive construction activities.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Clear scope of work with defined deliverables.
- Experienced contractor likely selected through a robust bidding process.
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, a critical area for federal spending supporting national transportation networks. Spending in this sector is often driven by infrastructure needs and federal funding allocations.
Small Business Impact
While the primary contractor is Mercer, Fraser Company, the extent to which small businesses were subcontracted for specialized services is not detailed in this data. Federal contracts often include provisions for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Federal Highway Administration (part of the Department of Transportation) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal construction projects would apply, including progress monitoring and quality assurance.
Related Government Programs
- Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Highway Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost escalation due to unforeseen site conditions.
- Risk of weather-related delays impacting project schedule.
- Environmental compliance challenges in a protected natural area.
- Ensuring long-term durability and maintenance effectiveness of the constructed elements.
Tags
highway-street-and-bridge-construction, department-of-transportation, ca, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $16.0 million to MERCER, FRASER COMPANY. RECONSTRUCTION, GRADING, MECHANICALLY STABILIZED EARTH WALL, AGGREGATE BASE, SUPERPAVE ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVEMENT AND GUARDRAIL ON 9.748 KILOMETERS OF ROADWAY IN PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MERCER, FRASER COMPANY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Highway Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-02-17. End: 2007-12-15.
What is the projected lifespan of the newly constructed roadway and its components?
The projected lifespan of the newly constructed roadway and its components is not explicitly stated in the provided data. However, typical lifespans for Superpave asphalt concrete pavements and mechanically stabilized earth walls can range from 20 to 40 years or more, depending on maintenance, traffic load, and environmental factors. Further analysis would require project specifications.
How does the per-unit cost compare to similar federal highway construction projects in mountainous or remote regions?
The per-unit cost of approximately $1.64 million per kilometer is relatively high, which is often expected for projects in challenging terrains like national forests. Factors such as difficult access, environmental mitigation requirements, and specialized construction techniques (like MSE walls) contribute to higher costs compared to standard highway projects in flatter, more accessible areas.
What specific environmental mitigation measures were included in the contract to minimize impact on Plumas National Forest?
The provided data does not detail specific environmental mitigation measures. However, federal projects in national forests typically require comprehensive environmental impact assessments and adherence to regulations concerning water quality, wildlife habitats, erosion control, and waste management. These measures would be detailed in the full contract documentation.
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
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 77 W 2ND ST, EUREKA, CA, 02
Business Categories: Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,996,321
Exercised Options: $15,996,321
Current Obligation: $15,996,321
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-02-17
Current End Date: 2007-12-15
Potential End Date: 2007-12-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2008-07-16
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