Army awards $280M for Charleroi Locks and Dam completion, a significant civil engineering project

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $279,960,626 ($280.0M)

Contractor: Trumbull Corporation and Brayman Construction Corporation, a Joint Venture

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2015-09-16

End Date: 2026-02-10

Contract Duration: 3,800 days

Daily Burn Rate: $73.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHARLEROI LOCKS AND DAM RIVER CHAMBER COMPLETION, MONONGAHELA RIVER, PA

Place of Performance

Location: MONESSEN, WESTMORELAND County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15062

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $280.0 million to TRUMBULL CORPORATION AND BRAYMAN CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION, A JOINT VENTURE for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHARLEROI LOCKS AND DAM RIVER CHAMBER COMPLETION, MONONGAHELA RIVER, PA Key points: 1. The contract value represents a substantial investment in critical infrastructure. 2. Competition dynamics for this large-scale project are crucial for ensuring taxpayer value. 3. Project duration and fixed-price nature suggest an attempt to control costs. 4. The project's success is vital for regional navigation and economic activity. 5. Geographic concentration in Pennsylvania highlights regional infrastructure priorities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $280 million for the Charleroi Locks and Dam completion is a significant sum for a civil engineering project. Benchmarking against similar large-scale Army Corps of Engineers projects would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price contract type generally aims to provide cost certainty for the government, which is a positive indicator. The contract's duration of over 3,800 days (approximately 10.4 years) suggests a long-term commitment and potential for cost escalation if not managed effectively, but also reflects the complexity of the undertaking.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited. The presence of three bidders (as suggested by 'no': 3) is a healthy sign of competition for a project of this magnitude. Robust competition typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of technical solutions, ultimately benefiting the government and taxpayers by driving down costs and improving service delivery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition for a project of this scale increases the likelihood that the government secured the best possible price and value. It ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by leveraging market forces to identify the most capable and cost-effective contractor.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the users of the Monongahela River, including commercial barge operators and industries relying on waterborne transportation. The project will ensure the continued operation and modernization of critical inland waterway infrastructure. The geographic impact is concentrated in Pennsylvania, specifically along the Monongahela River. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for skilled construction labor in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long project duration increases risk of cost overruns and schedule delays.
Complexity of locks and dam construction can lead to unforeseen technical challenges.
Reliance on a joint venture may introduce coordination risks between partners.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process.
Award to an experienced joint venture may indicate capability for complex projects.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically focusing on water infrastructure. The Army Corps of Engineers is a major player in this market, undertaking numerous projects to maintain and improve the nation's waterways. The market for such large-scale infrastructure projects is characterized by a limited number of highly specialized firms capable of executing complex civil works. Spending benchmarks for similar lock and dam projects would typically be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, reflecting the high cost of materials, labor, and specialized equipment.

Small Business Impact

The contract details indicate that small business participation was not a primary set-aside criterion ('sb': false). While the prime contractor is a joint venture, there is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans or goals for small businesses. The scale and specialized nature of this project might limit opportunities for broad small business subcontracting, though specific trades or material supply could still involve smaller firms.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Army, likely through the Army Corps of Engineers district responsible for the project. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight by setting a ceiling on costs. Transparency would be facilitated through contract award databases and potentially public project updates from the Army Corps. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program
Inland Waterways Trust Fund
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act projects
Navigation Lock and Dam Modernization

Risk Flags

Long project duration
Complexity of civil engineering work
Potential for cost overruns
Reliance on joint venture partners

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $280.0 million to TRUMBULL CORPORATION AND BRAYMAN CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION, A JOINT VENTURE. IGF::OT::IGF CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHARLEROI LOCKS AND DAM RIVER CHAMBER COMPLETION, MONONGAHELA RIVER, PA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRUMBULL CORPORATION AND BRAYMAN CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION, A JOINT VENTURE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $280.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-09-16. End: 2026-02-10.

What is the historical spending pattern for the Charleroi Locks and Dam project, including any prior contracts or modifications?

The provided data focuses on a single definitive contract for the completion of the Charleroi Locks and Dam River Chamber. Historical spending patterns for this specific project would require a deeper dive into the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or other government contract databases to identify any preceding contracts, task orders, or modifications related to the Charleroi Locks and Dam. It's common for large infrastructure projects to have multiple phases and associated contracts over many years. Understanding the full lifecycle cost, including initial construction, subsequent repairs, and modernization efforts, is crucial for a comprehensive financial analysis. Without access to that broader historical data, it's difficult to assess if the current $280 million award represents the total investment or a specific phase.

How does the awarded price compare to the estimated cost or budget for this project?

The provided data does not include the original estimated cost or budget for the Charleroi Locks and Dam completion project. The awarded amount is $279,960,625.59. To assess if this represents good value, a comparison with the government's initial cost estimates or the budgets allocated for this specific phase of the project would be necessary. Furthermore, benchmarking against similar large-scale lock and dam construction projects undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers or other agencies could provide context. Factors such as inflation, material costs, and unforeseen site conditions can significantly impact final costs relative to initial estimates. Without the estimated cost, it is challenging to definitively state whether the awarded price was favorable.

What are the specific risks associated with the joint venture structure of the prime contractor?

The prime contractor is a joint venture between Trumbull Corporation and Brayman Construction Corporation. Risks associated with joint ventures can include potential disagreements between the partners regarding project management, resource allocation, or financial responsibilities, which could lead to delays or disputes. Coordination challenges between the two entities might arise, impacting efficiency and communication. Furthermore, if one partner faces financial difficulties, it could jeopardize the project's stability. However, joint ventures are often formed to pool resources, expertise, and bonding capacity, enabling companies to undertake projects they might not be able to handle individually. The success of the joint venture often depends on a clear operating agreement and effective collaboration.

What is the track record of Trumbull Corporation and Brayman Construction Corporation as individual entities and within joint ventures?

Assessing the track record of Trumbull Corporation and Brayman Construction Corporation individually and as a joint venture is critical for understanding their capability to execute the Charleroi Locks and Dam project. A thorough review would involve examining their past performance on similar large-scale civil engineering and heavy construction projects, particularly those involving water infrastructure. Key metrics to consider include on-time and on-budget delivery, safety records, quality of work, and any history of contract disputes or terminations. Information on their financial stability and bonding capacity is also important. Publicly available contract databases and company profiles can provide insights into their project history and performance ratings. Without specific data on their past performance, it's difficult to definitively assess their suitability for this complex undertaking.

What are the potential long-term maintenance and operational costs associated with the completed Charleroi Locks and Dam?

The completion of the Charleroi Locks and Dam represents a significant capital investment, but it also implies ongoing long-term costs for maintenance and operation. These costs typically include routine inspections, repairs, dredging, energy consumption for lock operations, and personnel salaries for operating staff. The specific long-term costs are influenced by the design, materials used, the intensity of river traffic, and environmental factors. While this contract focuses on completion, future budgets will need to account for the lifecycle costs of maintaining this critical piece of infrastructure to ensure its continued functionality and safety. Understanding these future obligations is essential for a complete picture of the project's total economic impact.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W911WN15B0005

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 225 N SHORE DR, PITTSBURGH, PA, 15212

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $279,960,626

Exercised Options: $279,960,626

Current Obligation: $279,960,626

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline