Forest Service awards $4.2M contract for Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center deferred maintenance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,218,000 ($4.2M)

Contractor: MCG Constructors, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2027-01-31

Contract Duration: 297 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: GAOA MENDENHALL GLACIER VISITOR CENTER DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PHASE 1

Place of Performance

Location: JUNEAU, JUNEAU County, ALASKA, 99801

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $4.2 million to MCG CONSTRUCTORS, INC. for work described as: GAOA MENDENHALL GLACIER VISITOR CENTER DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PHASE 1 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to MCG Constructors, Inc. for visitor center repairs. 2. Project aims to address deferred maintenance at a key Alaskan tourist site. 3. The contract is a firm-fixed-price award, indicating defined cost expectations. 4. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 5. The project duration is 297 days, suggesting a focused scope of work. 6. Alaska is the primary geographic location for this project.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.2 million for deferred maintenance at a visitor center appears reasonable given the scope of construction and the location. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific project details, similar-sized construction projects for public facilities often fall within this range. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the government has a clear understanding of costs, which can be advantageous. Benchmarking against similar visitor center renovations or deferred maintenance projects would provide a more precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders and is used for purchases below a certain threshold. The data indicates 5 bids were received, suggesting a moderate level of competition for this type of procurement. While not a full and open competition, SAP aims to balance efficiency with fair opportunity. The number of bidders implies that price discovery was likely effective within the SAP framework.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition under SAP means taxpayers may not have benefited from the lowest possible price achievable through a broader bidding process. However, SAP is designed for efficiency in smaller procurements, potentially saving administrative costs.

Public Impact

Visitors to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center will benefit from improved facilities and safety. The project supports the preservation of a significant natural and cultural resource. The construction work will likely create temporary jobs in the Juneau, Alaska area. The Forest Service will be able to continue providing services at the visitor center. The project contributes to the overall tourism infrastructure in Southeast Alaska.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise during construction.
Risk of project delays due to weather or supply chain issues in remote Alaska.
Ensuring quality of work meets historical preservation and visitor safety standards.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty for the government.
Defined project duration suggests a clear timeline for completion.
Award to a single contractor streamlines management and execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. The market for such construction is broad, encompassing renovations, repairs, and new builds for public and private facilities. Federal spending in this sector often focuses on infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, particularly for national parks, forests, and other public lands. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be derived from similar government construction projects or regional commercial building costs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger firm, and opportunities for small businesses would likely be through direct subcontracting if the prime contractor chooses to engage them. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small business subcontracting plans were part of the award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Forest Service contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring completion of specified work within the agreed budget and timeline. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov, where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Deferred Maintenance
Bureau of Land Management Facility Upgrades
Army Corps of Engineers Construction Projects
General Services Administration Public Building Service

Risk Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to remote location and weather.
Risk of disruption to visitor access and experience during construction.
Need for stringent environmental compliance in a natural setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $4.2 million to MCG CONSTRUCTORS, INC.. GAOA MENDENHALL GLACIER VISITOR CENTER DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PHASE 1

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MCG CONSTRUCTORS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2027-01-31.

What is the track record of MCG Constructors, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Agriculture or Forest Service?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to assess MCG Constructors, Inc.'s track record. This would involve examining past awards, performance evaluations (if available), and any history of contract disputes or terminations. Specifically, looking for prior work with the Forest Service or similar agencies on construction or maintenance projects would provide insight into their experience and reliability. Without specific data on MCG Constructors, Inc.'s past performance, it is difficult to definitively assess their suitability beyond the fact that they were selected for this contract.

How does the awarded amount of $4.2 million compare to the estimated cost or budget for this deferred maintenance project?

The provided data does not include the initial estimated cost or budget for the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center deferred maintenance project. Therefore, a direct comparison between the awarded amount and the estimated budget cannot be made. To assess value for money, one would need to compare the awarded price against pre-solicitation estimates, independent cost estimates, or historical data for similar projects. The fact that it was competed under SAP with 5 bids suggests the price was considered competitive within that framework, but without the baseline estimate, a full value assessment is incomplete.

What specific deferred maintenance issues are being addressed by this contract, and what is the expected impact on visitor experience?

The contract description 'GAOA MENDENHALL GLACIER VISITOR CENTER DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PHASE 1' indicates that this project addresses critical maintenance needs at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, likely stemming from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) initiatives. Specific issues are not detailed in the provided data but typically include structural repairs, HVAC system upgrades, roofing, plumbing, or accessibility improvements. The expected impact on visitor experience is positive, aiming to ensure the facility is safe, functional, and accessible, thereby enhancing the overall enjoyment and educational value of visiting the Mendenhall Glacier.

What are the potential risks associated with performing construction work at a remote and popular visitor attraction like Mendenhall Glacier?

Performing construction at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center presents several risks. Logistical challenges are significant due to its location in Alaska, potentially leading to higher material and labor costs, as well as extended timelines. Weather conditions can be harsh and unpredictable, impacting work schedules. Furthermore, managing construction activities in an area frequented by tourists requires careful planning to minimize disruption to visitor access and safety, and to protect the natural environment. The contractor must also adhere to strict environmental regulations and potentially work around sensitive wildlife habitats.

How has federal spending on deferred maintenance for visitor centers and similar facilities evolved in recent years, and does this contract align with trends?

Federal spending on deferred maintenance for visitor centers and similar facilities has been a growing concern, leading to initiatives like the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). This act specifically aims to address the backlog of maintenance needs in national parks and forests. This $4.2 million contract for the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center aligns with this trend by directly tackling deferred maintenance. Spending in this area has generally increased as agencies prioritize the upkeep of aging infrastructure to ensure public safety and preserve natural resources for future generations. This contract represents a specific investment within that broader federal effort.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1240BH26Q0007

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4513 HALIBUT POINT ROAD, SITKA, AK, 99835

Business Categories: American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,218,000

Exercised Options: $4,218,000

Current Obligation: $4,218,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline