Army awards $33.25M for Lockport Pool rehabilitation, a major civil engineering project

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,250,962 ($33.3M)

Contractor: Asi-Eci Joint Venture, LLP

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2014-09-11

End Date: 2016-12-04

Contract Duration: 815 days

Daily Burn Rate: $40.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF AWARD: ILLINOIS RIVER BASIN; LOCKPORT POOL; LOCKPORT, IL ZIP 60441; LOCKPORT POOL MAJOR REHABILITATION; STAGE IC; FOREBAY WALL

Place of Performance

Location: LOCKPORT, WILL County, ILLINOIS, 60441

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $33.3 million to ASI-ECI JOINT VENTURE, LLP for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF AWARD: ILLINOIS RIVER BASIN; LOCKPORT POOL; LOCKPORT, IL ZIP 60441; LOCKPORT POOL MAJOR REHABILITATION; STAGE IC; FOREBAY WALL Key points: 1. The contract value of $33.25M for major rehabilitation suggests a significant investment in critical infrastructure. 2. Full and open competition indicates a potentially competitive bidding process, which can drive better pricing. 3. The definitive contract type implies a firm commitment for a defined scope of work. 4. The project's focus on rehabilitation points to the need for maintaining and upgrading existing federal assets. 5. The award to a joint venture suggests a complex project requiring diverse expertise. 6. The duration of 815 days highlights the substantial timeline for completing this rehabilitation effort.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $33.25 million for the Lockport Pool Major Rehabilitation appears to be a substantial investment in critical civil engineering infrastructure. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale Army Corps of Engineers rehabilitation projects would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests that the government has secured a defined cost for the scope of work, which is a positive indicator for cost control. However, without specific details on the scope of work and the number of bids received, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions for the government. The presence of 4 bidders (as indicated by 'no': 4) is a reasonable number for a large civil engineering project, indicating a degree of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by promoting a level playing field for contractors, which can drive down costs and ensure the government receives the best possible value for its investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the users of the Illinois River waterway system, including commercial shipping and potentially recreational users, through improved navigation and infrastructure reliability. The services delivered include major rehabilitation of the Lockport Pool, likely involving structural repairs, dredging, and system upgrades to ensure continued operational capacity. The geographic impact is concentrated in the Lockport, Illinois area, specifically within the Lockport Pool of the Illinois River. Workforce implications include the creation of skilled labor jobs in heavy civil engineering, construction, and project management within the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen structural issues arise during rehabilitation.
Risk of project delays due to weather, environmental factors, or contractor performance.
Ensuring long-term durability and effectiveness of the rehabilitation work is crucial for future maintenance costs.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The project addresses critical infrastructure needs, ensuring the continued operation of a vital waterway.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically focusing on water transportation infrastructure. The Army Corps of Engineers is a major player in this sector, undertaking numerous projects for navigation, flood control, and environmental restoration. The market for such large-scale rehabilitation projects is specialized, requiring significant expertise and bonding capacity. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other major lock and dam rehabilitation projects across the U.S. waterway system.

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. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity or joint venture capable of handling the scale of the project. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether the prime contractor actively seeks small business subcontractors for specialized services or supplies.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this project would typically fall under the purview of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages civil works projects. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards, reporting requirements, and payment schedules tied to milestones. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases and reporting by the agency, though specific project-level oversight details are not provided here. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
Inland Waterways Trust Fund
Navigation System Modernization Projects
Infrastructure Rehabilitation Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays
Risk of unforeseen site conditions
Dependency on contractor performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $33.3 million to ASI-ECI JOINT VENTURE, LLP. IGF::OT::IGF AWARD: ILLINOIS RIVER BASIN; LOCKPORT POOL; LOCKPORT, IL ZIP 60441; LOCKPORT POOL MAJOR REHABILITATION; STAGE IC; FOREBAY WALL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ASI-ECI JOINT VENTURE, LLP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $33.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-09-11. End: 2016-12-04.

What is the specific scope of work for the Lockport Pool Major Rehabilitation, and what are the key components of the 'Stage IC' designation?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of work for the Lockport Pool Major Rehabilitation beyond the general description. 'Stage IC' likely refers to a specific phase or component of a larger rehabilitation plan, possibly related to structural integrity, operational systems, or environmental mitigation. Typically, major rehabilitation of a pool like Lockport involves extensive work on lock walls, gates, machinery, electrical systems, and potentially dredging or improvements to approach channels to ensure continued safe and efficient navigation. A comprehensive understanding would require access to the contract's Statement of Work (SOW).

How does the $33.25 million award compare to the estimated cost or budget for this rehabilitation project?

The provided data indicates the award amount of $33.25 million. However, it does not include information about the initial estimated cost or the allocated budget for the Lockport Pool Major Rehabilitation. To assess if this award represents good value relative to expectations, one would need to compare the award amount to the government's pre-solicitation estimate or the budget set aside for this project. A significant difference between the estimate and the award could indicate either a highly competitive bidding process driving down costs or potential issues with the initial cost estimation.

What is the track record of ASI-ECI JOINT VENTURE, LLP in performing similar large-scale civil engineering and infrastructure rehabilitation projects for the federal government?

The provided data identifies ASI-ECI JOINT VENTURE, LLP as the contractor but does not offer details on their specific track record. To assess their capability, one would need to examine their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving major civil engineering, lock and dam construction, or large-scale infrastructure rehabilitation. Databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) would be essential resources to review their history of on-time delivery, quality of work, and adherence to budget on similar projects.

What are the potential risks associated with the 815-day duration of this contract, and what mitigation strategies are typically employed?

An 815-day duration (approximately 2.2 years) for a major rehabilitation project presents several potential risks. These include the possibility of encountering unforeseen site conditions (e.g., subsurface issues, environmental hazards) that could lead to delays and cost increases. Weather-related disruptions are also a significant risk for outdoor construction projects, especially in regions with distinct seasons. Furthermore, contractor performance issues, supply chain disruptions, or changes in project requirements can impact the schedule. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust pre-construction site investigations, detailed scheduling with built-in contingencies, strong project management and communication protocols, flexible contract clauses for unforeseen conditions, and proactive risk management by both the contractor and the contracting agency.

How does the 'full and open competition' for this contract ensure accountability and value for taxpayers?

Full and open competition is a cornerstone of federal procurement designed to ensure accountability and maximize value for taxpayers. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, the government increases the pool of potential offerors, fostering a more competitive environment. This competition incentivizes contractors to submit their best possible pricing and technical proposals to win the contract. It also reduces the risk of contractors overcharging or underperforming, as they know they are competing against others who are also vying for the work. The process requires agencies to clearly define requirements and evaluation criteria, promoting transparency and making it easier to hold contractors accountable for meeting those standards. Ultimately, this competitive approach aims to secure the most effective solution at the most reasonable cost for the government and, by extension, the taxpayers.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W912EK14R0010

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1850 E PLATTEVILLE BLVD, PUEBLO WEST, CO, 81007

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,250,962

Exercised Options: $33,250,962

Current Obligation: $33,250,962

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline