Interior's $19.8M C&O Canal stone wall reconstruction contract awarded to Cianbro Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,812,046 ($19.8M)

Contractor: Cianbro Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2010-05-05

End Date: 2012-07-13

Contract Duration: 800 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: RECOVERY CHOH PMIS# 149742 RECONSTRUCT AND STABILIZE BIG SLACKWATER HISTORIC STONE WALL AND TOWPATH, CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, WILLIAMSPORT, MD, CHOH-149742

Place of Performance

Location: WILLIAMSPORT, WASHINGTON County, MARYLAND, 21795

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $19.8 million to CIANBRO CORPORATION for work described as: RECOVERY CHOH PMIS# 149742 RECONSTRUCT AND STABILIZE BIG SLACKWATER HISTORIC STONE WALL AND TOWPATH, CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, WILLIAMSPORT, MD, CHOH-149742 Key points: 1. Contract focused on historic preservation and infrastructure stabilization. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, indicating broad market interest. 3. Firm-fixed-price contract type suggests defined scope and cost control. 4. Project duration of 800 days highlights the complexity of historic reconstruction. 5. Geographic focus on Maryland's C&O Canal National Historical Park. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.8 million for reconstructing and stabilizing a historic stone wall and towpath appears reasonable given the scope and complexity of historic preservation projects. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific project details, similar large-scale infrastructure rehabilitation projects within national parks often involve significant costs due to specialized labor, materials, and adherence to strict historical guidelines. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the government sought to control costs upfront, but the final value reflects the negotiated price for the defined work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 3 bidders, as indicated by the data, suggests a healthy level of competition for this specialized construction project. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and can lead to more cost-effective outcomes for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition for this project likely resulted in a more competitive bid environment, potentially leading to taxpayer savings compared to a sole-source or limited competition award.

Public Impact

Benefits the National Park Service by preserving a significant historical asset. Delivers critical infrastructure stabilization for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Geographic impact is localized to Williamsport, Maryland. Workforce implications include employment for skilled construction and preservation trades.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen historical preservation challenges arise.
Contract duration may be subject to delays due to weather or site-specific issues.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Focus on historic preservation aligns with the National Park Service's mission.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, specifically addressing specialized historic preservation and infrastructure repair. The market for such services often involves a mix of large general contractors and smaller, specialized firms with expertise in historical restoration. The value of this contract, approximately $19.8 million, is substantial for a single project within this niche, reflecting the unique demands of working within a national historical park.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that this procurement was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the extent of small business participation would likely depend on the prime contractor's own subcontracting decisions. Without explicit set-aside provisions, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific contract is not guaranteed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Park Service contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to complete the work for the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific day-to-day oversight details are not publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Infrastructure Projects
Historic Preservation Fund
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen conditions in historic structures
Weather-related delays impacting project timeline
Adherence to strict historical preservation standards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $19.8 million to CIANBRO CORPORATION. RECOVERY CHOH PMIS# 149742 RECONSTRUCT AND STABILIZE BIG SLACKWATER HISTORIC STONE WALL AND TOWPATH, CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, WILLIAMSPORT, MD, CHOH-149742

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CIANBRO CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-05-05. End: 2012-07-13.

What was the specific nature of the 'RECONSTRUCT AND STABILIZE' work on the Big Slackwater historic stone wall and towpath?

The 'RECONSTRUCT AND STABILIZE' work on the Big Slackwater historic stone wall and towpath at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park involved critical structural repairs and preservation efforts. This likely included addressing erosion, structural weaknesses in the stone masonry, and ensuring the integrity of the towpath for public access and historical interpretation. The project aimed to prevent further deterioration of this significant historical feature, which is part of a protected National Park.

How does the $19.8 million contract value compare to other similar historic preservation projects within the National Park Service?

Comparing the $19.8 million contract value requires context on the scale and complexity of similar historic preservation projects. Large-scale infrastructure rehabilitation within national parks, especially those involving specialized historical techniques and materials like stone masonry, can be substantial. Projects involving extensive structural stabilization, like the Big Slackwater wall, often exceed multi-million dollar figures. While specific benchmarks are hard to establish without detailed project scope, this value is within the range for significant historic infrastructure restoration efforts managed by the NPS.

What were the primary risks identified for this contract, and how were they mitigated?

Primary risks for this contract likely included unforeseen conditions within the historic stonework, potential environmental impacts during construction, and schedule delays due to weather or site access. Mitigation strategies would have been addressed through detailed site assessments prior to bidding, the firm-fixed-price contract structure to manage cost risks, and contingency planning within the project schedule. The contractor's experience with historic preservation would also be a key factor in mitigating risks.

What is the historical spending pattern for infrastructure and preservation projects at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

Historical spending patterns for infrastructure and preservation at the C&O Canal National Historical Park would likely show a consistent need for maintenance and rehabilitation due to its age and extensive length. Funding often comes from the National Park Service's operational budget, specific congressional appropriations for historic preservation, and potentially grants or partnerships. Major reconstruction projects, like the Big Slackwater wall, represent significant investments that occur periodically as needs arise and funding becomes available, rather than continuous high-level spending.

What is Cianbro Corporation's track record with large-scale historic preservation and infrastructure projects for federal agencies?

Cianbro Corporation has a significant track record in heavy civil construction, including infrastructure projects for federal agencies. While their portfolio is broad, they have experience with complex projects that often require specialized engineering and construction methods. Their ability to secure a contract of this magnitude from the National Park Service suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience in managing large-scale construction, which would likely include elements of historic preservation or working within sensitive environments.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N2011100172

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE Cianbro Companies (UEI: 109132519)

Address: ONE CIANBRO SQUARE, PITTSFIELD, ME, 02

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,812,046

Exercised Options: $19,812,046

Current Obligation: $19,812,046

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline