Interior Department awards $3.7M contract for Wapato Dam assessment, highlighting engineering services needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,697,041 ($3.7M)

Contractor: Dowl, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2021-02-01

End Date: 2026-02-01

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WAPATO DIVERSION DAM CONDITION ASSESSMENT

Place of Performance

Location: PORTLAND, CLACKAMAS County, OREGON, 97222

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $3.7 million to DOWL, LLC for work described as: WAPATO DIVERSION DAM CONDITION ASSESSMENT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical infrastructure assessment, ensuring dam safety and operational integrity. 2. Engineering services are essential for evaluating structural conditions and recommending repairs. 3. The contract duration of 1826 days indicates a long-term commitment to dam maintenance. 4. Geographic focus on Oregon suggests regional infrastructure priorities for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 5. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs and provide budget certainty. 6. This award falls within the broader category of federal infrastructure investment and maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $3.7 million for a 5-year condition assessment of the Wapato Diversion Dam appears reasonable given the scope of engineering services required. While direct comparisons to similar dam assessment contracts are difficult without more specific details on the dam's complexity and the exact services rendered, engineering services for critical infrastructure typically command significant investment. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the expected costs, which can be a positive indicator of value if the scope is well-defined and the contractor's bid is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure that the government receives the best value for its investment. The fact that it was competed openly suggests that there is a market of capable firms for this type of specialized engineering service, and the award likely went to the most advantageous offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring that the government is not overpaying for essential services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, responsible for managing the dam's infrastructure. The services delivered include a comprehensive condition assessment of the Wapato Diversion Dam. The geographic impact is localized to Oregon, where the dam is situated. This contract supports specialized engineering jobs within the sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen structural issues require extensive additional engineering work beyond the initial assessment.
Reliance on a single contractor for a multi-year assessment could pose risks if performance issues arise.
The long duration of the contract requires sustained oversight to ensure continued quality and adherence to objectives.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process, likely yielding a competitive price.
The firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government, mitigating budget risks.
The specialized nature of the engineering services indicates a focus on critical infrastructure maintenance and safety.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically related to civil engineering and infrastructure assessment. The market for dam safety and condition assessment is specialized, involving firms with expertise in structural engineering, hydrology, and geotechnical analysis. Federal spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain aging infrastructure, ensure public safety, and comply with regulatory requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the broader federal infrastructure and public works categories, though specific dam assessment contracts are less common and highly project-dependent.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. While DOWL, LLC may be a large business, the competitive nature of the award means that small businesses could have participated if they met the qualifications. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could be a missed opportunity for broader small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education contracting officers and project managers. They are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring adherence to the contract terms, and approving payments. The firm-fixed-price structure provides a degree of accountability by linking payment to deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), which records contract awards. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Dam Safety Program
Bureau of Indian Affairs Infrastructure Projects
Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Projects
Engineering Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of performance degradation or changing requirements.
Potential for unforeseen structural issues leading to scope expansion.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical infrastructure assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $3.7 million to DOWL, LLC. WAPATO DIVERSION DAM CONDITION ASSESSMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DOWL, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-02-01. End: 2026-02-01.

What is the track record of DOWL, LLC in performing similar dam condition assessment contracts for federal agencies?

Information regarding DOWL, LLC's specific track record with federal dam condition assessments is not detailed in the provided data. However, as a firm awarded a contract under full and open competition, it is presumed they met the technical qualifications and demonstrated capability required by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. To fully assess their track record, one would need to review past performance evaluations, any prior federal contracts for similar services, and potentially client references. Federal agencies typically maintain internal past performance databases that inform future award decisions. Without access to these specific records, a definitive assessment of DOWL's prior success in this niche is not possible based solely on the contract award data.

How does the $3.7 million contract value compare to similar dam assessment projects undertaken by federal agencies?

Directly comparing the $3.7 million contract value for the Wapato Diversion Dam assessment to similar federal projects is challenging without detailed project scope and dam characteristics. Dam assessments vary significantly in complexity based on size, age, structural integrity, and the specific engineering analyses required (e.g., seismic, hydrological, geotechnical). However, for a multi-year, comprehensive condition assessment of a significant diversion dam, a value in the millions of dollars is not unusual. Federal agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation undertake similar projects, with costs often ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the factors mentioned. The firm-fixed-price nature of this contract suggests a defined scope, which aids in value assessment.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential scope creep if unforeseen structural issues necessitate additional engineering work beyond the initial assessment, performance deficiencies by the contractor, and the long duration potentially leading to changes in project needs or personnel. Mitigation strategies likely include a clearly defined scope of work in the contract, robust performance monitoring by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, regular progress reviews, and potentially phased deliverables. The firm-fixed-price structure also incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively. The government's ability to exercise oversight and enforce contract terms is crucial for mitigating these risks.

How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring value for taxpayer money in specialized engineering services like dam assessment?

The full and open competition process is generally considered highly effective in ensuring value for taxpayer money, especially for specialized engineering services. By allowing all qualified contractors to bid, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. This process helps prevent sole-source awards, which can sometimes lead to higher costs. For dam assessment, competition ensures that the government selects a contractor not only based on price but also on technical expertise and past performance, leading to a better-quality outcome. The transparency inherent in this process also allows for greater public and governmental scrutiny, further promoting accountability and value.

What is the historical spending pattern for dam condition assessments by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or similar agencies?

Historical spending patterns for dam condition assessments by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or similar agencies are not readily available in aggregate public data. Such assessments are typically project-specific and depend on the agency's infrastructure portfolio, funding availability, and regulatory requirements. Agencies like the BIA, which manage numerous facilities, would likely conduct these assessments periodically based on dam age, risk, and inspection schedules. Spending would fluctuate year-to-year based on these needs. Broader federal spending on infrastructure maintenance and engineering services provides context, but specific historical data for dam assessments by individual bureaus like the BIA would require deeper programmatic analysis.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 222 N 32ND ST STE 700, BILLINGS, MT, 59101

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,697,041

Exercised Options: $3,697,041

Current Obligation: $3,697,041

Actual Outlays: $3,697,041

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140A1218D0017

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline