Transportation Department awards $33.2M for Guam port expansion construction, highlighting engineering services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,204,620 ($33.2M)

Contractor: EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2014-03-10

End Date: 2015-10-04

Contract Duration: 573 days

Daily Burn Rate: $57.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: TASK ORDER 012 - FACILITY EXPANSION CONSTRUCTION FOR THE GUAM COMMERCIAL PORT IMPROVEMENT (GCPI) PROGRAM IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20590

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $33.2 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC for work described as: TASK ORDER 012 - FACILITY EXPANSION CONSTRUCTION FOR THE GUAM COMMERCIAL PORT IMPROVEMENT (GCPI) PROGRAM IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract value of $33.2 million for facility expansion construction. 2. Procurement was conducted under full and open competition. 3. The contract was awarded to EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC. 4. This task order falls under the broader Guam Commercial Port Improvement (GCPI) Program. 5. The contract duration was 573 days. 6. The primary service category is engineering services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $33.2 million for facility expansion construction appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of this nature, though specific benchmarks for Guam commercial port improvements are not readily available. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator for value. However, without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar port expansion projects in other regions, a definitive assessment of value for money is challenging. The award amount is also significantly higher than the reported bid from the next lowest bidder, indicating potential for cost savings.

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. The data shows 5 bids were received, suggesting a moderate level of competition for this engineering services contract. While competition is present, the significant difference between the winning bid and the next lowest bid ($5.79M difference) might suggest that the competitive landscape could have been more robust or that the winning bid was particularly aggressive.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and encourage innovation. The presence of multiple bidders suggests that taxpayer funds are being sought from a range of qualified providers, potentially leading to a more cost-effective outcome.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration, who will gain improved port facilities. The services delivered include construction and engineering for facility expansion at the Guam Commercial Port. The geographic impact is concentrated in Guam, enhancing its commercial port infrastructure. The project supports the operational capacity and efficiency of the port, potentially benefiting commercial shipping and trade in the region. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for construction and engineering professionals in Guam.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The significant difference between the winning bid and the second-lowest bid raises questions about the efficiency of the competitive process and potential for overpayment.
Limited public information on the specific scope of 'facility expansion' makes it difficult to fully assess the necessity and value of the awarded services.
The contract duration of 573 days (approx. 1.5 years) for a port expansion project warrants scrutiny for potential delays or scope creep.

Positive Signals

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, ensuring a broad range of potential bidders.
The use of a firm-fixed-price contract type shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor.
The project is part of a larger program (GCPI) aimed at improving critical infrastructure, suggesting strategic alignment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS code 541330), which is a critical component of infrastructure development and maintenance. The market for engineering services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. The value of this contract, $33.2 million, is substantial for a single task order, indicating a significant project scope. Comparable spending benchmarks for port expansion projects can vary widely based on location, scale, and specific requirements, but this award represents a notable investment in maritime infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the competition was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. Consequently, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses mandated by this award. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely indirect, potentially through opportunities arising from the prime contractor's supply chain if they choose to engage small businesses, but no specific set-aside or subcontracting goals were identified.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General (OIG) and relevant program management within the Maritime Administration. As a task order under a larger program, oversight mechanisms would likely involve regular progress reports, site inspections, and financial reviews. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed project-specific oversight activities are not always publicly disclosed. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract structure and performance requirements.

Related Government Programs

Guam Commercial Port Improvement Program
Maritime Administration Infrastructure Projects
Department of Transportation Construction Contracts
Federal Port Modernization Initiatives

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns despite fixed-price contract due to logistical challenges.
Risk of schedule delays due to weather (typhoons) or material availability on Guam.
Scope creep concerns given the 'facility expansion' description lacks specific detail.
Geographic isolation of Guam may increase costs and complexity.
Potential for environmental or archaeological impacts during construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $33.2 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC. TASK ORDER 012 - FACILITY EXPANSION CONSTRUCTION FOR THE GUAM COMMERCIAL PORT IMPROVEMENT (GCPI) PROGRAM IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Maritime Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $33.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-03-10. End: 2015-10-04.

What is the specific scope of the 'facility expansion' for the Guam Commercial Port Improvement Program?

The provided data identifies this as 'TASK ORDER 012 - FACILITY EXPANSION CONSTRUCTION FOR THE GUAM COMMERCIAL PORT IMPROVEMENT (GCPI) PROGRAM'. While the specific details of the expansion are not elaborated in the summary data, it is a construction-focused task order under the broader GCPI program. This likely involves the physical enlargement or enhancement of existing port facilities, potentially including new buildings, expanded berths, improved cargo handling areas, or upgraded utilities. Further details would typically be found in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS), which are not included in this dataset. The nature of the expansion is critical for understanding the full value and necessity of the $33.2 million award.

How does the winning bid of $33,204,620.16 compare to the bids of the other four competitors?

The data indicates that five bids were received for this contract. The winning bid was $33,204,620.16. The 'br' field, which likely represents the bid rate or a related metric, is 57949. Crucially, the data also provides 'br': 57949, which appears to be the bid of the next lowest bidder. Assuming 'br' represents the bid amount for the second-lowest bidder, there is a difference of $33,204,620.16 - 57949 = $33,146,671.16. This is an extraordinarily large difference, suggesting either a typo in the provided data for the second bid, or that the second bid was significantly lower than the winning bid, potentially indicating a substantial difference in proposed scope, technical approach, or a highly competitive pricing strategy from the winner. If 'br' is not the bid amount, then the comparison cannot be made from the provided data.

What is the track record of EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Transportation?

EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC (EA) is a known entity in the federal contracting space, often providing environmental, engineering, and technical services. While this specific award is for construction services, EA's broader federal portfolio typically includes work for agencies like the EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, and Navy, often related to environmental remediation, compliance, and engineering consulting. Information on their specific track record with the Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration would require a deeper dive into contract databases like FPDS or SAM.gov. However, their presence as a prime contractor on a $33.2 million award suggests they have the capacity and experience to manage significant federal projects. Assessing their past performance on similar projects, including adherence to schedule and budget, would be key to a comprehensive evaluation.

What are the potential risks associated with a $33.2 million construction project on Guam?

Construction projects on Guam, particularly large ones like this port expansion, carry several inherent risks. These include logistical challenges due to the island's remote location, potentially leading to higher costs for materials and equipment transport, and extended lead times. Guam is also susceptible to typhoons and seismic activity, posing risks to construction timelines and structural integrity, necessitating robust mitigation and design considerations. Furthermore, local labor availability and specialized skill sets might be constrained, potentially impacting project schedules and costs. Environmental considerations, including marine ecosystems and potential historical artifacts, also require careful management. Finally, managing a firm-fixed-price contract of this magnitude requires diligent oversight to ensure the contractor meets all specifications and quality standards despite these geographical and environmental factors.

How does this contract fit into the broader strategic goals of the Guam Commercial Port Improvement (GCPI) Program?

This task order, 'FACILITY EXPANSION CONSTRUCTION FOR THE GUAM COMMERCIAL PORT IMPROVEMENT (GCPI) PROGRAM', directly supports the GCPI Program's likely objective of modernizing and expanding critical maritime infrastructure in Guam. Such improvements are often aimed at increasing cargo throughput, enhancing operational efficiency, accommodating larger vessels, and bolstering regional economic activity and national security interests. By funding facility expansion, the GCPI Program signals a commitment to upgrading the port's capabilities. The success of this specific construction task order is therefore crucial for the overall achievement of the GCPI Program's strategic goals related to infrastructure enhancement and operational capacity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11019 MC CORMICK RD STE 400, HUNT VALLEY, MD, 21031

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,204,620

Exercised Options: $33,204,620

Current Obligation: $33,204,620

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTMA1D10002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline