James Dean Construction Inc. awarded $5.28M for Forest Service bridge replacement, highlighting highway construction needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,277,279 ($5.3M)

Contractor: James Dean Construction Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-08-05

End Date: 2026-06-26

Contract Duration: 690 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: GAOA HUFFAKER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

Place of Performance

Location: RANDLE, LEWIS County, WASHINGTON, 98377

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $5.3 million to JAMES DEAN CONSTRUCTION INC for work described as: GAOA HUFFAKER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT Key points: 1. Contract value of $5.28M for bridge construction appears reasonable given the scope of highway, street, and bridge projects. 2. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources suggests a deliberate procurement strategy, potentially balancing broad access with specific needs. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government, shifting performance risk to the contractor. 4. Project duration of 690 days indicates a significant undertaking requiring substantial contractor resources and management. 5. The contract falls within the highway, street, and bridge construction NAICS code, aligning with critical infrastructure development. 6. Award to James Dean Construction Inc. contributes to the broader landscape of federal infrastructure investment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.28 million for bridge construction is within the expected range for projects of this nature. Benchmarking against similar highway, street, and bridge construction contracts awarded by the Forest Service or other agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests a clear understanding of project costs and a transfer of risk to the contractor, which can be advantageous for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This procurement method indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific criteria or circumstances led to the exclusion of certain potential bidders. The number of bids received (3) suggests a moderate level of competition, which is sufficient to ensure some price discovery but may not be as robust as a fully open competition with numerous bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: A moderate level of competition can lead to a fair price, but taxpayers may benefit from even broader competition to ensure the most cost-effective solution is secured.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the users of the Forest Service's infrastructure, who will gain improved access and safety through the bridge replacement. The project will deliver essential infrastructure services by replacing an aging or inadequate bridge, ensuring continued access for recreational and operational purposes. The geographic impact is localized to the specific area within Washington where the bridge is located, serving local communities and visitors. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for construction workers, engineers, and project managers involved in the project's execution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite the firm fixed-price contract.
Risk of schedule delays due to weather, environmental factors, or supply chain disruptions impacting construction timelines.
Ensuring compliance with all environmental regulations and permits throughout the construction process.
Adequate oversight is crucial to monitor progress and quality given the project's duration.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarding to an established construction company like James Dean Construction Inc. suggests a level of experience and capability.
The project addresses a critical infrastructure need, enhancing safety and accessibility.
The contract is for a defined period, allowing for focused project management and completion.

Sector Analysis

The highway, street, and bridge construction sector is a vital component of the U.S. infrastructure landscape, encompassing a wide range of projects from minor repairs to major new constructions. Federal spending in this area is often driven by the need to maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure, improve transportation networks, and support economic development. This contract, valued at $5.28 million, represents a specific investment within this broader sector, contributing to the overall maintenance and improvement of federal lands infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside provision. The prime contractor, James Dean Construction Inc., will manage the project, and their subcontracting decisions will determine any indirect impact on small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Forest Service, a division of the Department of Agriculture. Mechanisms for oversight would typically include regular progress reports from the contractor, site inspections, and quality assurance checks. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, which penalizes the contractor for cost overruns. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific project details may be limited.

Related Government Programs

Federal Highway Administration Programs
National Park Service Infrastructure Projects
Bureau of Land Management Construction Contracts
Department of Transportation Capital Improvement Projects

Risk Flags

Moderate competition level may impact price optimization.
Firm fixed-price contracts require diligent oversight to ensure quality and adherence to scope.
Potential for schedule delays due to project duration and external factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $5.3 million to JAMES DEAN CONSTRUCTION INC. GAOA HUFFAKER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JAMES DEAN CONSTRUCTION INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-05. End: 2026-06-26.

What is the track record of James Dean Construction Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Forest Service?

A review of federal contract databases would be necessary to fully assess James Dean Construction Inc.'s track record. This would involve examining past awards, contract performance history, and any reported issues or successes. Understanding their experience with similar bridge construction projects, their performance on firm fixed-price contracts, and their history with the Forest Service specifically would provide crucial context for evaluating their capability and reliability on this current $5.28 million award. Without specific historical data, it's assumed they possess the necessary qualifications based on winning this competitive bid.

How does the $5.28 million contract value compare to similar bridge replacement projects managed by the Forest Service?

To benchmark the value of this $5.28 million contract, a comparative analysis of similar bridge replacement projects undertaken by the Forest Service or other federal agencies would be required. Factors such as project scope, complexity, geographic location, and specific construction requirements (e.g., materials, environmental considerations) would need to be matched as closely as possible. If this contract's cost per linear foot or per square foot of bridge deck is significantly higher or lower than comparable projects, it could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing. The firm fixed-price nature suggests the government has secured a defined cost, but the initial negotiation and bidding process are key to ensuring this price is competitive.

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

Key risks for this bridge replacement project include potential unforeseen site conditions (e.g., soil instability, underground utilities), environmental compliance challenges, and weather-related delays, especially given the 690-day duration. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded within the contract terms and project management plan. The firm fixed-price contract shifts financial risk to James Dean Construction Inc. for cost overruns. The Forest Service would typically require detailed environmental assessments, contingency plans for weather, and robust project oversight to monitor progress and address issues proactively. The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' might also imply that bidders were vetted for their ability to manage specific project risks.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method in ensuring optimal value for taxpayer dollars in this case?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method aims to balance broad competition with specific project requirements. In this case, with 3 bidders, it suggests a moderate level of competition. While not as broad as a completely open solicitation, excluding certain sources might have been necessary to ensure bidders possessed highly specialized capabilities or met stringent pre-qualification criteria relevant to bridge construction in a specific environment. The effectiveness in ensuring taxpayer value depends on whether the exclusion criteria were justified and if the resulting competition still drove a competitive price. If the excluded sources represented significant potential competition, taxpayer value might be slightly diminished compared to a fully open process.

What is the historical spending trend for highway, street, and bridge construction by the Forest Service?

Analyzing historical spending data for the Forest Service within the NAICS code 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction) would reveal trends in investment in this area. This includes understanding the typical contract values, the frequency of such awards, and whether spending has increased or decreased over time. Such analysis could indicate whether this $5.28 million contract is an outlier, part of a consistent investment strategy, or reflects a response to specific infrastructure needs or funding allocations. Understanding these patterns provides context for the current award and helps in forecasting future federal infrastructure spending.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1240BH24R0011

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: James Dean Construction Incorporated

Address: 579 HIGHWAY 141, WHITE SALMON, WA, 98672

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,277,279

Exercised Options: $5,277,279

Current Obligation: $5,277,279

Actual Outlays: $5,016,446

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1240BH23D0030

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline