Foothills Parkway Bridge Project Awarded for $24.87M, Facing Difficult Terrain and Limited Access

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,871,372 ($24.9M)

Contractor: Bell & Associates Construction, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2009-12-08

End Date: 2020-04-30

Contract Duration: 3,796 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: RECOVERY, TAS::69 0504::TAS DESIGN BUILD FOR FOOTHILL PARKWAY, PROJECT: PRA-OOT 8E17 THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT A 2 LANE BRIDGE PLUS APPROACHES ALONG THE FOOTHILLS PARKWAY. THE STRUCTURE, AS CONCEIVED, CONSISTS OF 2 ABUTMENTS AND 4 PIERS AND IS APPROXIMATELY 790 FEET LONG. THE ROADWAY APPROACHES ARE UP TO 200 FEET LONG AND MAY INCLUDE BOTH CUT AND FILL RETAINING WALLS. THE TERRAIN IS MOUNTAINOUS AND EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ACCESS WITH ANY VEHICLES. THE ONLY ACCESS TO THE SITE IS FROM THE ENTRANCE TO THE PARKWAY AT THE INTERSECTION OF U.S. ROUTE 321 IN WEAR VALLEY, TENNESSEE. THE PROPOSED PROJECT LIMITS ARE WITHIN EXISTING NATIONAL PARK SERVICE RIGHT-OF-WAY. ARRA::YES::ARRA

Place of Performance

Location: BRENTWOOD, WILLIAMSON County, TENNESSEE, 37027

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $24.9 million to BELL & ASSOCIATES CONSTRUCTION, LLC for work described as: RECOVERY, TAS::69 0504::TAS DESIGN BUILD FOR FOOTHILL PARKWAY, PROJECT: PRA-OOT 8E17 THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT A 2 LANE BRIDGE PLUS APPROACHES ALONG THE FOOTHILLS PARKWAY. THE STRUCTURE, AS CONCEIVED, CONSISTS OF 2 ABUTMENTS AND 4 PIERS AND IS APPROXIMATELY… Key points: 1. The project involves designing and constructing a 790-foot bridge and approaches in mountainous, difficult-to-access terrain. 2. Bell & Associates Construction, LLC was awarded the definitive contract under full and open competition. 3. The project's remote location and challenging terrain present significant logistical and execution risks. 4. This highway, street, and bridge construction project falls under the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $24.87 million for a 790-foot bridge with complex approaches in difficult terrain appears within a reasonable range for such a challenging construction project. However, without specific benchmarks for mountainous terrain bridge construction, a precise comparison is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that should have led to a fair price discovery. The use of a definitive contract indicates a clear scope of work was established.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for infrastructure development, with the competitive award aiming to ensure value for money. The long duration and complex nature of the project may lead to cost fluctuations.

Public Impact

Enhances transportation infrastructure by connecting a vital parkway, improving accessibility and potentially tourism. The project's success is crucial for the National Park Service's development plans for the Foothills Parkway. Job creation in the construction sector, particularly in Tennessee, is a positive economic impact.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 65 / 10

Warning Flags

Difficult terrain and limited access could lead to cost overruns and schedule delays.
Potential for unforeseen geological or environmental challenges in mountainous areas.
Long project duration increases exposure to economic fluctuations and material cost increases.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Project is within existing National Park Service right-of-way, potentially simplifying land acquisition.
ARRA funding indicates a focus on economic stimulus and infrastructure improvement.

Sector Analysis

This project falls under the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, a critical component of national infrastructure. Spending in this sector is often driven by government initiatives for economic development and transportation improvement, with costs heavily influenced by project complexity, location, and material prices.

Small Business Impact

While the prime contractor is Bell & Associates Construction, LLC, the data does not specify the extent of small business participation as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Federal Highway Administration is responsible for overseeing this project. Given the project's complexity and long duration, robust oversight will be critical to ensure adherence to budget, schedule, and quality standards.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Logistical challenges due to remote and difficult terrain.
Potential for unforeseen geological or environmental issues.
Extended project timeline increases risk of cost escalation.
Dependence on specific access routes could cause delays.
Weather-related disruptions in mountainous regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $24.9 million to BELL & ASSOCIATES CONSTRUCTION, LLC. RECOVERY, TAS::69 0504::TAS DESIGN BUILD FOR FOOTHILL PARKWAY, PROJECT: PRA-OOT 8E17 THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT A 2 LANE BRIDGE PLUS APPROACHES ALONG THE FOOTHILLS PARKWAY. THE STRUCTURE, AS CONCEIVED, CONSISTS OF 2 ABUTMENTS AND 4 PIERS AND IS APPROXIMATELY 790 FEET LONG. THE ROADWAY APPROACHES ARE UP TO 200 FEET LONG AND MAY INCLUDE BOTH CUT AND FILL RETAINING WALLS. THE TERRAIN IS MOUNTAINOUS AND EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ACCESS WITH ANY VEHICLES. THE ONLY ACCESS TO THE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BELL & ASSOCIATES CONSTRUCTION, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-12-08. End: 2020-04-30.

What is the projected economic benefit of the completed Foothills Parkway section in terms of tourism and local commerce?

The economic benefit is projected to be significant, primarily through increased tourism and improved access to recreational areas within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enhanced connectivity can stimulate local economies by supporting businesses such as lodging, dining, and retail, and by creating jobs related to park services and visitor activities.

How are potential environmental impacts during construction in a national park setting being mitigated?

Mitigation strategies likely involve strict environmental compliance protocols, including erosion control, waste management, and protection of sensitive habitats. The National Park Service's oversight is expected to ensure that construction activities minimize disturbance to the natural environment, adhering to regulations designed to preserve park resources for future generations.

What mechanisms are in place to manage cost escalations given the project's long duration and challenging environment?

The firm fixed-price contract provides a baseline cost, but mechanisms for managing escalations may include contingency allowances for unforeseen conditions, clear change order procedures, and regular progress reviews. Proactive risk management and close collaboration between the contractor and the FHWA are essential to identify and address potential cost drivers early.

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: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: DTFH7109R00007

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 255 WILSON PIKE CIR, BRENTWOOD, TN, 37027

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,871,372

Exercised Options: $24,871,372

Current Obligation: $24,871,372

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline