NASA Spends $9.8M on Soil Conservation Road Project Awarded to Melvin Benhoff Sons Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,827,827 ($9.8M)
Contractor: Melvin Benhoff Sons Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2005-07-27
End Date: 2008-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,253 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: REALIGN SOIL CONSERVATION ROAD
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGE'S County, MARYLAND, 20770
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $9.8 million to MELVIN BENHOFF SONS INC for work described as: REALIGN SOIL CONSERVATION ROAD Key points: 1. The contract value of $9.8M for soil conservation road work is a significant investment in infrastructure. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate process to ensure fair pricing. 3. The project's duration of 1253 days indicates a substantial undertaking with potential for long-term impact. 4. The sector is Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction, a critical area for public infrastructure development.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $9.8M appears reasonable for a large-scale road construction project. Benchmarking against similar NASA or DOT projects would provide a clearer assessment of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This method implies that while initial sources might have been limited, the final award was competitive, which generally supports better price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The expenditure of $9.8M on this project directly impacts taxpayers. The effectiveness and necessity of the road construction will determine the ultimate value for public funds.
Public Impact
Improved infrastructure for soil conservation, potentially enhancing environmental protection and land management. Job creation within the construction sector in Maryland. Potential for increased accessibility or utility related to the conserved soil areas.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns in long-duration construction projects.
- Environmental impact of road construction needs careful monitoring.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a structured procurement process.
- Project addresses soil conservation, a potentially beneficial environmental initiative.
- Firm fixed price contract can offer cost certainty if managed well.
Sector Analysis
The Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector is vital for national infrastructure. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on project scope, location, and materials. This $9.8M project falls within a moderate to large-sized infrastructure investment.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the awardee is MELVIN BENHOFF SONS INC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if this is a small business and if small business subcontracting goals were met.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically involve contract officers, project managers, and potentially agency inspectors to ensure work quality, adherence to schedule, and budget compliance. The 'aw' field 'DCA' might relate to a specific oversight or administrative office.
Related Government Programs
- Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long project duration increases risk of unforeseen issues.
- Exclusion of sources in competition warrants scrutiny.
- Lack of detail on specific conservation outcomes.
- Potential for scope creep in large construction projects.
Tags
highway-street-and-bridge-construction, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, dca, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $9.8 million to MELVIN BENHOFF SONS INC. REALIGN SOIL CONSERVATION ROAD
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MELVIN BENHOFF SONS INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $9.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-07-27. End: 2008-12-31.
What specific soil conservation benefits are expected from this road construction, and how will they be measured?
The expected benefits likely relate to improved access for conservation activities, reduced erosion from construction runoff, or facilitating the implementation of specific soil management practices. Measurement would involve environmental monitoring, soil sample analysis, and tracking the progress of conservation efforts in the designated area over time.
Given the project's duration and firm fixed price, what are the primary risks to cost control and schedule adherence?
The primary risks include unforeseen site conditions (geological, environmental), weather delays, material price fluctuations (despite fixed price, scope changes can occur), and labor availability. Effective risk mitigation requires robust contingency planning, proactive site investigation, and strong contract management to address any necessary change orders promptly and fairly.
How does the $9.8M expenditure align with typical spending for similar soil conservation infrastructure projects?
Without specific benchmarks for 'soil conservation road' projects, direct comparison is difficult. However, $9.8M is a substantial sum, suggesting a project of significant scale or complexity. It aligns with moderate to large infrastructure projects, but its true value depends on the specific environmental outcomes and long-term utility it provides.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4216 N POINT RD, BALTIMORE, MD, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,827,827
Exercised Options: $9,827,827
Current Obligation: $9,827,827
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-07-27
Current End Date: 2008-12-31
Potential End Date: 2008-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2009-06-18
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