Emsworth Locks and Dam Project: $27M for Ohio River Scour Protection and Abutment Stabilization
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,011,669 ($27.0M)
Contractor: Trumbull Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-03-31
End Date: 2014-10-31
Contract Duration: 1,675 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: RECOVERYPROJECT#::71458::RP# EMSWORTH LOCKS AND DAM, OHIO RIVER, PA BACK CHANNEL SCOUR PROTECTION AND LEFT ABUTMENT STABILIZATION
Place of Performance
Location: NEVILLE ISLAND, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15225
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $27.0 million to TRUMBULL CORPORATION for work described as: RECOVERYPROJECT#::71458::RP# EMSWORTH LOCKS AND DAM, OHIO RIVER, PA BACK CHANNEL SCOUR PROTECTION AND LEFT ABUTMENT STABILIZATION Key points: 1. Project addresses critical infrastructure needs for the Ohio River waterway. 2. Trumbull Corporation secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The project faced a duration of 1675 days, indicating potential for delays and cost overruns. 4. Construction sector spending benchmarks are relevant for assessing cost-effectiveness.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The final cost of $27 million appears reasonable for a large-scale civil engineering project of this nature. However, without specific benchmarks for similar scour protection and abutment stabilization contracts, a precise value assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that should have driven prices towards market rates. The existence of four bids indicates a degree of market interest.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used for a critical infrastructure repair, aiming to ensure the long-term viability of the Emsworth Locks and Dam.
Public Impact
Ensures continued navigation and commerce on the vital Ohio River. Protects a key piece of national infrastructure from further degradation. Supports regional economic activity by maintaining waterway transport capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Project duration significantly exceeded initial estimates.
- Potential for scope creep or unforeseen site conditions in heavy civil construction.
- Firm fixed price contracts can expose the government to cost increases if not managed tightly.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Addresses critical infrastructure needs.
- Contract awarded to a single entity, simplifying management.
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, which is characterized by large-scale, complex undertakings. Spending in this sector is often project-specific, making direct comparisons challenging without detailed scope analysis.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Large infrastructure projects like this often involve prime contractors who may subcontract portions of the work, potentially creating opportunities for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for waterway infrastructure. Accountability for project completion and quality rests with the contracting officer and the prime contractor.
Related Government Programs
- Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Extended project duration.
- Potential for unforeseen site conditions.
- Complexity of heavy civil engineering in a river environment.
- Firm fixed price contracts can have hidden cost implications with delays.
Tags
other-heavy-and-civil-engineering-constr, department-of-defense, pa, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $27.0 million to TRUMBULL CORPORATION. RECOVERYPROJECT#::71458::RP# EMSWORTH LOCKS AND DAM, OHIO RIVER, PA BACK CHANNEL SCOUR PROTECTION AND LEFT ABUTMENT STABILIZATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRUMBULL CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $27.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-03-31. End: 2014-10-31.
What was the primary driver for the extended project duration, and did it impact the final cost?
The extended duration, lasting 1675 days, likely stemmed from the complexities inherent in riverbed construction and potential unforeseen geological conditions. While a firm fixed price contract aims to cap costs, significant delays can sometimes lead to change orders or claims, impacting the overall taxpayer investment beyond the initial bid.
How does the final cost compare to similar scour protection projects on major U.S. waterways?
Benchmarking this $27 million project against similar scour protection and abutment stabilization efforts on other major U.S. waterways requires access to detailed cost data for comparable projects. Factors like riverbed geology, specific structural requirements, and local labor costs can significantly influence pricing, making direct comparisons difficult without a standardized dataset.
What measures were in place to ensure the effectiveness of the scour protection and abutment stabilization?
Effectiveness would be ensured through detailed engineering specifications, rigorous quality control during construction, and potentially post-construction monitoring. The Army Corps of Engineers would have oversight to verify that the implemented solutions meet the required standards for structural integrity and long-term performance against river currents.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT NONBUILDING FACILITIES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID
Solicitation ID: W911WN10B0006
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 225 NORTH SHORE DR, PITTSBURGH, PA, 15212
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $27,011,669
Exercised Options: $27,011,669
Current Obligation: $27,011,669
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-03-31
Current End Date: 2014-10-31
Potential End Date: 2014-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-03-28
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