Knight Const. & Supply awarded $3.86M for Ice Harbor Dam navigation lock upstream gate fabrication

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,857,861 ($3.9M)

Contractor: Knight Const. & Supply, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2026-03-21

End Date: 2027-07-15

Contract Duration: 481 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: ICE HARBOR DAM NAVIGATION LOCK UPSTREAM GATE FABRICATION

Place of Performance

Location: BURBANK, WALLA WALLA County, WASHINGTON, 99323

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $3.9 million to KNIGHT CONST. & SUPPLY, INC for work described as: ICE HARBOR DAM NAVIGATION LOCK UPSTREAM GATE FABRICATION Key points: 1. The contract value of $3.86 million appears reasonable for a specialized fabrication project of this nature. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for this type of structural metal manufacturing. 3. The fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. The project duration of approximately 481 days is standard for complex fabrication and installation. 5. This contract supports critical infrastructure maintenance within the Army Corps of Engineers' civil works program. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 332312 indicates a focus on fabricated structural metal manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking against similar large-scale fabricated structural metal projects for federal infrastructure, the $3.86 million award seems within a reasonable range. The firm fixed-price contract structure implies that the contractor has assessed the risks and costs associated with fabrication and delivery. Without specific cost breakdowns or detailed comparisons to identical gate fabrications, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive nature of the award suggests a fair market price was likely achieved.

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 were likely solicited and considered. With four bids received, the level of competition appears adequate for a specialized fabrication project. This suggests that the government had a reasonable opportunity to obtain competitive pricing and that the market has sufficient capacity to meet the requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces, ensuring that the government receives the best possible value for its investment in critical infrastructure components.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the maritime industry relying on the Ice Harbor Lock and Dam for navigation. The contract will deliver a fabricated upstream gate, essential for the operational integrity and safety of the navigation lock. The geographic impact is localized to the Ice Harbor Lock and Dam facility, likely in Washington state. The project will likely involve skilled labor in metal fabrication, welding, and potentially logistics and installation, supporting jobs in these sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for delays in fabrication or delivery impacting lock operational schedules.
Ensuring the fabricated gate meets stringent military specifications and quality standards.
Logistical challenges associated with transporting a large fabricated structure to the dam site.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract mitigates cost overrun risk for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market and potentially favorable pricing.
Award to a single contractor streamlines management and accountability for this specific fabrication task.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the fabricated structural metal manufacturing sector, a key component of the broader construction and heavy industry markets. The market for specialized large-scale metal fabrication for infrastructure projects is often characterized by a limited number of highly capable firms. Federal spending in this area is typically driven by the need to maintain and upgrade aging civil works, dams, bridges, and other critical national infrastructure, often involving significant contract values.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. Given the specialized nature and likely scale of fabricating a dam gate, it is probable that the prime contractor is a large business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the awarding agency, the Department of the Army, likely through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Contract performance will be monitored to ensure adherence to specifications, quality standards, and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Projects
Navigation Lock Maintenance and Upgrades
Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing Contracts
Infrastructure Improvement Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays
Quality control and adherence to specifications
Logistical challenges for large component delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $3.9 million to KNIGHT CONST. & SUPPLY, INC. ICE HARBOR DAM NAVIGATION LOCK UPSTREAM GATE FABRICATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KNIGHT CONST. & SUPPLY, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-21. End: 2027-07-15.

What is the track record of Knight Const. & Supply, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for similar infrastructure components?

Knight Const. & Supply, Inc. has a history of federal contracting, primarily with the Department of Defense and other agencies involved in infrastructure and construction. While specific details on past performance for dam gate fabrication are not immediately available in this summary, their experience likely includes large-scale structural fabrication and construction projects. A deeper dive into their contract history, past performance reviews (e.g., CPARS), and any prior work on navigation systems or heavy civil engineering projects would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability for this specific Ice Harbor Dam contract. Their ability to successfully deliver on previous complex projects would be a key indicator of future performance.

How does the $3.86 million award compare to the cost of similar upstream gate fabrications for other federal navigation projects?

Direct comparisons for fabricated upstream gates are challenging due to variations in size, material, complexity, and specific site requirements. However, the $3.86 million figure for a single gate fabrication appears to be within a plausible range for major infrastructure components. Projects involving large fabricated metal structures for dams or locks can range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars depending on these factors. The fact that this contract was awarded under full and open competition with four bids suggests that the price achieved is likely competitive within the market for such specialized work. Further benchmarking would require detailed specifications of comparable gates and their associated fabrication costs.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks for this contract include potential fabrication defects, delays in manufacturing or delivery, and logistical challenges in transporting the large gate structure to the Ice Harbor Dam. Mitigation strategies are embedded in the contract terms. The firm fixed-price (FFP) structure places the financial risk of cost overruns on Knight Const. & Supply, Inc. The contract also specifies a delivery timeline (implied by the performance period), and penalties or incentives may be tied to meeting these dates. Quality assurance and inspection protocols during fabrication and prior to acceptance by the Army Corps of Engineers are critical for mitigating defects. The contractor is responsible for planning and executing the logistics, which requires careful coordination.

What is the expected effectiveness of the new upstream gate in improving the navigation lock's performance or reliability?

The effectiveness of the new upstream gate is expected to be high, as it directly addresses the operational integrity of the Ice Harbor navigation lock. Replacing or fabricating a new gate is typically done to restore or enhance functionality, improve safety, reduce maintenance needs, or extend the service life of the lock system. An upstream gate is crucial for controlling water levels and enabling vessels to pass through the lock chamber. A well-fabricated and properly installed gate should ensure reliable operation, minimize water leakage, and contribute to the overall efficiency and safety of navigation through the dam, thereby supporting the economic activity dependent on the waterway.

How has federal spending on fabricated structural metal manufacturing for infrastructure projects trended over the past five years?

Federal spending on fabricated structural metal manufacturing for infrastructure projects has generally seen fluctuations but has been supported by consistent investment in maintaining and upgrading the nation's aging infrastructure. Agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Transportation, and others regularly procure services and goods in this category for projects such as bridges, dams, locks, and other civil works. While specific aggregate data for 'fabricated structural metal manufacturing' tied solely to infrastructure requires detailed analysis of procurement databases, overall federal infrastructure spending has been a priority, particularly in recent years with various stimulus and infrastructure bills aimed at modernization. This suggests a sustained or potentially increasing demand for such manufacturing capabilities.

What is the significance of the 'WA' state code and its potential impact on the contract?

The 'WA' state code likely refers to Washington state, indicating the location of the Ice Harbor Lock and Dam. This geographical designation is significant for logistical planning, transportation costs, and potentially for sourcing local labor or materials, although the primary fabrication might occur elsewhere. It confirms the specific site where the gate will be installed and operationalized. The state's location may also influence environmental regulations or permitting processes that the contractor must adhere to during installation. For the purpose of this fabrication contract, the primary impact is confirming the end-use location and associated logistical considerations for delivery.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing › Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W912EF26BA001

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Knight Const. & Supply Inc

Address: 2601 E 6TH ST, DEER PARK, WA, 99006

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,857,861

Exercised Options: $3,857,861

Current Obligation: $3,857,861

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline