Army awards $10.2M for Lincoln flood control, highlighting infrastructure needs and construction sector engagement

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,236,412 ($10.2M)

Contractor: Hawkins Construction CO

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-01-31

End Date: 2008-08-26

Contract Duration: 573 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: C-ANTELOPE CREEK PHASE 2B FLOOD CONTROL, LINCOLN, NE

Place of Performance

Location: LINCOLN, LANCASTER County, NEBRASKA, 68501

State: Nebraska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.2 million to HAWKINS CONSTRUCTION CO for work described as: C-ANTELOPE CREEK PHASE 2B FLOOD CONTROL, LINCOLN, NE Key points: 1. Contract value of $10.2M suggests a significant investment in critical infrastructure. 2. The definitive contract type indicates a single, established agreement for services. 3. A fixed-price award structure shifts cost risk to the contractor. 4. The project duration of 573 days points to a substantial construction timeline. 5. Awarded to Hawkins Construction Co., this contract reflects the Army's engagement with established construction firms. 6. The project's focus on flood control underscores the importance of civil engineering in mitigating environmental risks.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $10.2 million award for flood control infrastructure appears reasonable given the scope of civil engineering projects. Benchmarking against similar Army Corps of Engineers projects for flood mitigation in the Midwest would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The fixed-price nature of the contract suggests a degree of cost certainty for the government, assuming the scope was well-defined.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is generally expected to yield fair market pricing and encourage efficiency from the winning contractor. The number of bidders (3) is moderate, suggesting sufficient interest without being overly crowded, which can sometimes lead to administrative burdens.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it promotes a level playing field, driving down costs through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in Lincoln, Nebraska, will benefit from enhanced flood protection. The project delivers critical civil engineering services to improve public safety and reduce potential disaster recovery costs. The geographic impact is localized to Lincoln, Nebraska, addressing specific regional vulnerabilities. The construction workforce in Nebraska will be engaged, providing employment opportunities within the heavy and civil engineering sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for scope creep in large civil engineering projects if not managed tightly.
  • Weather delays are a common risk in construction projects, potentially impacting the schedule.
  • Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations during construction is crucial.

Positive Signals

  • Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
  • Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process.
  • The project addresses a clear public need for flood control infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, a vital part of the nation's infrastructure development. This sector encompasses a wide range of projects, from roads and bridges to dams and flood control systems. Spending in this area is often driven by government initiatives to modernize infrastructure, improve public safety, and address environmental challenges. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the Army Corps of Engineers' civil works program.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business, and the extent of small business participation will depend on Hawkins Construction Co.'s subcontracting strategy. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Army contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and project management team within the relevant Army command. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which record award details. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

  • Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program
  • Federal Flood Mitigation Projects
  • Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Programs
  • Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Grants

Risk Flags

  • Potential for weather-related delays impacting project timeline.
  • Risk of unforeseen site conditions requiring contract modifications.
  • Ensuring long-term durability and effectiveness of flood control infrastructure.

Tags

construction, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, lincoln-nebraska, flood-control, heavy-and-civil-engineering, definitive-contract, fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, infrastructure, midwest

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.2 million to HAWKINS CONSTRUCTION CO. C-ANTELOPE CREEK PHASE 2B FLOOD CONTROL, LINCOLN, NE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HAWKINS CONSTRUCTION CO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-01-31. End: 2008-08-26.

What is the track record of Hawkins Construction Co. on similar federal contracts, particularly those involving flood control or civil engineering projects?

Hawkins Construction Co. has a history of performing significant civil engineering and construction projects. While specific details on their flood control project performance require deeper database analysis, their engagement with the Department of the Army on this $10.2 million contract suggests a level of capability and trust. Examining past performance reviews, on-time delivery rates, and any past disputes or claims on similar federal contracts would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their track record. Their experience in Nebraska, where this project is located, may also indicate familiarity with local conditions and regulatory environments.

How does the $10.2 million award compare to the average cost of similar flood control projects undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers?

A direct comparison of the $10.2 million award to average costs requires detailed analysis of project scope, scale, and location. Flood control projects can vary significantly in complexity, from small levee repairs to large dam construction. The Army Corps of Engineers manages a diverse portfolio of civil works projects. To benchmark this contract effectively, one would need to identify comparable projects in terms of cubic yards of earth moved, linear feet of levees constructed, or acres of land protected. Without such granular data, the $10.2 million figure serves as an indicator of a substantial investment in regional infrastructure.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific flood control project, and how were they addressed in the contract?

Key risks for this project likely include environmental factors (e.g., weather delays, unforeseen site conditions), potential for cost overruns if the fixed-price contract was not meticulously scoped, and ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the flood control measures. The fixed-price contract structure shifts the primary cost risk to Hawkins Construction Co. The contract's specifications and performance requirements would detail the expected outcomes and standards. Risk mitigation would also involve robust project management, regular site inspections, and adherence to environmental compliance protocols during construction.

What is the expected effectiveness of the C-Antelope Creek Phase 2B Flood Control project in mitigating future flood events for Lincoln, NE?

The effectiveness of the C-Antelope Creek Phase 2B Flood Control project hinges on its design specifications and the extent to which it addresses historical flood patterns and projected rainfall intensities for the Lincoln, Nebraska area. As a Phase 2B project, it implies a continuation or expansion of previous flood control efforts, suggesting a phased approach to managing water flow and reducing inundation risks. Detailed engineering reports and hydrological studies associated with this specific phase would quantify the expected reduction in flood damage and the level of protection offered to the designated areas. Its success will be measured by its performance during future significant weather events.

How has federal spending on flood control and civil engineering projects in Nebraska trended over the past decade?

Analyzing federal spending trends for flood control and civil engineering in Nebraska over the past decade would reveal patterns influenced by national infrastructure priorities, regional needs, and specific disaster events. Historically, federal investment in such projects is often driven by Army Corps of Engineers' authorizations and appropriations, as well as funding from agencies like FEMA following natural disasters. A decade-long view would likely show fluctuations, potentially increasing after major flood events or during periods of heightened federal infrastructure investment. Understanding these trends provides context for the $10.2 million award, indicating whether it represents a typical investment or a significant surge in spending for the region.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ConstructionOther Heavy and Civil Engineering ConstructionOther Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIESCONSTRUCT NONBUILDING FACILITIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W9128F07B0003

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2516 DEER PARK BLVD, OMAHA, NE, 68105

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,236,412

Exercised Options: $10,236,412

Current Obligation: $10,236,412

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2007-01-31

Current End Date: 2008-08-26

Potential End Date: 2008-08-26 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2021-02-25

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