Over $35 million contract awarded for Rock Creek Park Beach Drive reconstruction, impacting DC infrastructure

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,421,442 ($35.4M)

Contractor: Fort Myer Construction Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2016-06-20

End Date: 2024-06-24

Contract Duration: 2,926 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF PROJECT: PRA-ROCR 10(5) THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF THE RECONSTRUCTION OF APPROXIMATELY 6.44 MILES OF BEACH DRIVE FROM THE ROCK CREEK AND POTOMAC PARKWAY TO THE MARYLAND STATE LINE, INCLUDING ROADSIDE PULLOUTS, PARKING AREAS, BRIDGES, AND EXIT/ENTRANCE RAMPS, AS WELL AS THE RECONSTRUCTION OF APPROXIMATELY 1.4 MILES OF THE MULTI-USE TRAIL BETWEEN THE PARKWAY AND BROAD BRANCH ROAD, ALL WITHIN THE ROCK CREEK PARK. THE WORK INCLUDES ASPHALT PAVEMENT REMOVAL AND ROADWAY EXCAVATION, AGGREGATE BASE, SUPERPAVE ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVEMENT, CONCRETE CURB AND GUTTER, DRAINAGE, RIPRAP, STONE MASONRY, TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND STREET LIGHTING REPLACEMENT, AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS WORK. THE BRIDGE WORK INCLUDES STRUCTURAL CONCRETE REPAIRS, WATERPROOF MEMBRANE INSTALLATION, LATEX MODIFIED CONCRETE DECK OVERLAY, JOINT AND RAILING REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS, ELASTOMERIC BEARING PAD INSTALLATIONS, AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS WORK.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20008

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $35.4 million to FORT MYER CONSTRUCTION CORP for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF PROJECT: PRA-ROCR 10(5) THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF THE RECONSTRUCTION OF APPROXIMATELY 6.44 MILES OF BEACH DRIVE FROM THE ROCK CREEK AND POTOMAC PARKWAY TO THE MARYLAND STATE LINE, INCLUDING ROADSIDE PULLOUTS, PARKING AREAS, BRIDGES, AND EXIT/ENTRANCE RAMPS, AS WELL AS … Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical park infrastructure, including roadways and multi-use trails. 2. Project scope encompasses extensive pavement work, drainage, lighting, and bridge repairs. 3. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. Long-duration contract (2926 days) indicates a complex, multi-year construction effort. 5. Focus on rehabilitation and reconstruction points to addressing aging infrastructure needs. 6. Geographic concentration in Washington D.C. highlights local infrastructure development.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $35.4 million for 6.44 miles of road and 1.4 miles of trail reconstruction appears within a reasonable range for large-scale civil engineering projects of this complexity. Benchmarking against similar federal highway and bridge reconstruction projects of comparable scope and length would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 3 bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this project. While not an exceptionally high number of bidders, it implies that multiple firms were interested and capable of undertaking the work, which generally supports price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces. Full and open competition is the preferred method for maximizing value and minimizing the risk of inflated pricing.

Public Impact

Residents and visitors of Washington D.C. will benefit from improved road safety and accessibility in Rock Creek Park. Reconstruction of Beach Drive and the multi-use trail will enhance recreational opportunities and transportation flow within the park. The project directly impacts the District of Columbia's infrastructure, potentially improving local traffic conditions and park usability. Construction activities will likely involve a significant local workforce, including skilled laborers, engineers, and project managers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for construction delays impacting public access and park activities.
Risk of cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise during extensive reconstruction.
Long project duration increases exposure to potential changes in material costs or labor availability.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Focus on infrastructure renewal suggests a commitment to long-term asset management.
Clear definition of work scope aids in project execution and oversight.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, a significant segment of the construction industry focused on public infrastructure. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) oversees numerous projects of this nature nationwide. Spending in this sector is often driven by federal and state infrastructure investment programs aimed at maintaining and upgrading transportation networks. The scale of this project is substantial, typical for major urban infrastructure rehabilitation efforts.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this particular award (ss: false, sb: false). While the prime contractor, Fort Myer Construction Corp, is a large business, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. The extent of small business subcontracting would need further investigation to assess its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) through its project management and inspection teams. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver the specified work within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though detailed daily oversight activities are typically internal.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Infrastructure Projects
Federal Highway Administration Capital Improvement Projects
District of Columbia Department of Transportation Roadway Projects
Major Civil Engineering Construction Contracts

Risk Flags

Long project duration increases risk exposure.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Dependency on consistent federal funding over multiple fiscal years.
Impacts on public access and park operations during extensive construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $35.4 million to FORT MYER CONSTRUCTION CORP. IGF::OT::IGF PROJECT: PRA-ROCR 10(5) THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF THE RECONSTRUCTION OF APPROXIMATELY 6.44 MILES OF BEACH DRIVE FROM THE ROCK CREEK AND POTOMAC PARKWAY TO THE MARYLAND STATE LINE, INCLUDING ROADSIDE PULLOUTS, PARKING AREAS, BRIDGES, AND EXIT/ENTRANCE RAMPS, AS WELL AS THE RECONSTRUCTION OF APPROXIMATELY 1.4 MILES OF THE MULTI-USE TRAIL BETWEEN THE PARKWAY AND BROAD BRANCH ROAD, ALL WITHIN THE ROCK CREEK PARK. THE WORK INCLUDES ASPHALT PAVEMENT REMOVAL AND ROADWAY EXCAVATION, AGGREGAT

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 $35.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-06-20. End: 2024-06-24.

What is the track record of Fort Myer Construction Corp on similar federal projects?

Fort Myer Construction Corp has a history of performing large-scale civil construction projects, including significant work for the District of Columbia and federal agencies. Their portfolio often includes road construction, bridge repair, and infrastructure rehabilitation. A review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those managed by the Department of Transportation or similar agencies, would reveal their ability to manage complex projects, adhere to schedules, and maintain quality standards. Analyzing past contract awards and completion records can provide insights into their reliability and expertise in executing projects of this magnitude and technical requirement.

How does the cost per mile for this project compare to national benchmarks for similar road reconstruction?

The total contract value is approximately $35.4 million for 6.44 miles of road reconstruction and 1.4 miles of multi-use trail. This equates to roughly $5.5 million per mile for the roadway portion alone. National benchmarks for major highway and street reconstruction can vary significantly based on location, complexity, and specific work required (e.g., bridge work, utility relocation, extensive drainage). However, costs in the range of $3-10 million per mile are not uncommon for substantial reconstruction projects in urban areas. A detailed comparison would require isolating the costs solely attributable to the roadway and factoring in the specific scope of work, such as the inclusion of bridge repairs and extensive pavement rehabilitation, which can drive up per-mile costs.

What are the primary risks associated with a project of this duration and scope?

The primary risks associated with this 2926-day (approximately 8-year) project include potential scope creep if unforeseen conditions are discovered during excavation or reconstruction, leading to change orders and cost increases. Material price volatility over such a long period can impact profitability if not adequately managed through contract clauses. Labor availability and potential union negotiations could also pose risks. Furthermore, environmental conditions, such as weather disruptions or the discovery of historical artifacts, could cause delays. Public and stakeholder management is also critical, as extensive construction can disrupt park access and local traffic, potentially leading to complaints or demands for adjustments.

What is the expected impact on Rock Creek Park's accessibility and usability during the construction period?

Given the extensive nature of the reconstruction along Beach Drive and the multi-use trail, significant impacts on accessibility and usability are expected throughout the 8-year duration. Portions of Beach Drive will likely be closed or have restricted access intermittently, requiring detours for vehicles and potentially affecting park access points. The multi-use trail reconstruction will also necessitate closures or detours for cyclists and pedestrians. The Federal Highway Administration and the National Park Service will need to implement robust traffic management plans, clear signage, and public communication strategies to mitigate disruptions and inform park users about phased closures, alternative routes, and expected completion timelines for different sections.

How has federal spending on highway and bridge construction in Washington D.C. trended in recent years?

Federal spending on highway and bridge construction in Washington D.C., like many urban areas, has generally followed national trends influenced by federal infrastructure legislation and local needs. Historically, significant investments have been made to maintain and upgrade the capital's transportation network. Recent years have seen continued federal funding allocations aimed at addressing aging infrastructure, improving safety, and enhancing multimodal transportation options. The specific allocation for projects like the Beach Drive reconstruction reflects a commitment to preserving critical park infrastructure and ensuring its long-term viability. Analyzing historical spending patterns within the District for similar projects would provide context on the scale and frequency of such investments.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: DTFH7116R00001

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, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,771,442

Exercised Options: $35,421,442

Current Obligation: $35,421,442

Actual Outlays: $2,092,172

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline