Hiawatha Rails to Trails Tunnel Improvements Awarded $4.7M to Lacy Mechanical Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,711,323 ($4.7M)

Contractor: Lacy Mechanical Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-06-01

End Date: 2026-01-23

Contract Duration: 601 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: GAOA HISTORIC ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA RAILS TO TRAILS TUNNEL IMPROVEMENTS

Place of Performance

Location: COEUR D ALENE, KOOTENAI County, IDAHO, 83815

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $4.7 million to LACY MECHANICAL INC for work described as: GAOA HISTORIC ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA RAILS TO TRAILS TUNNEL IMPROVEMENTS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for tunnel improvements on the Hiawatha Trail. 2. Lacy Mechanical Inc. secured the contract. 3. The project falls under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. 4. The award value is $4,711,323.35. 5. The contract duration is 601 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.7M for tunnel improvements appears within a reasonable range for similar construction projects. However, without specific project scope details and comparable bids, a precise valuation is difficult. The firm fixed price suggests cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The competition method was 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating some initial limitations. This approach may have restricted the pool of potential bidders, potentially impacting price discovery and overall competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The firm fixed price contract aims to control costs, but the limited competition could lead to a higher-than-optimal price for taxpayers.

Public Impact

Enhances recreational access and safety on the Hiawatha Trail. Supports infrastructure development in Idaho's national forests. Potential for local economic impact through construction jobs and services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 78 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may have inflated costs.
Scope creep potential in tunnel construction.
Environmental impact during construction.

Positive Signals

Improves a popular recreational trail.
Clear contract type (FFP) for cost control.
Specific delivery order for defined work.

Sector Analysis

This project falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project size and complexity. Federal construction projects often involve significant investment in infrastructure and facilities.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service, part of the Department of Agriculture, is responsible for this award. Oversight will focus on ensuring the tunnel improvements meet safety and quality standards within the fixed price.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may have resulted in a higher price.
Lack of detailed scope of work makes value assessment difficult.
Potential for unforeseen issues in tunnel construction.
Environmental considerations during the construction phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $4.7 million to LACY MECHANICAL INC. GAOA HISTORIC ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA RAILS TO TRAILS TUNNEL IMPROVEMENTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LACY MECHANICAL INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-01. End: 2026-01-23.

What specific improvements are included in the tunnel project, and how do they align with the $4.7M budget?

The provided data lacks specific details on the scope of work for the Hiawatha tunnel improvements. A comprehensive understanding of the project's technical requirements, materials, and labor involved is necessary to validate the $4.7M budget. Further documentation would be required to assess if the allocated funds are appropriate for the intended enhancements and to ensure value for money.

What were the reasons for excluding other sources in the competition, and did this exclusion impact the final price?

The contract states 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources were initially excluded. The rationale for this exclusion is not detailed. It is plausible that this limitation could have reduced the number of competitive bids received, potentially leading to a less competitive price than if all potential sources had been included from the outset.

How will the Forest Service ensure the long-term durability and safety of the tunnel improvements post-construction?

Ensuring long-term durability and safety will likely involve rigorous inspection and quality assurance processes during construction, adherence to specified materials and standards, and potentially a warranty period outlined in the contract. Post-construction, the Forest Service's maintenance plan for the Hiawatha Trail infrastructure will be crucial for ongoing safety and preservation of the improvements.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1240LU23R0005

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9974 W FAIRVIEW AVE, BOISE, ID, 83704

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,711,323

Exercised Options: $4,711,323

Current Obligation: $4,711,323

Actual Outlays: $4,711,323

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140F0822D0069

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline