Interior Department awards $2.8M contract for Spirit Lake Dams engineering services to GEI Consultants Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,828,364 ($2.8M)

Contractor: GEI Consultants Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-07-20

End Date: 2025-10-30

Contract Duration: 833 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 2024 COMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS GROUP 2- SPIRIT LAKE DAMS

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT MICHAEL, BENSON County, NORTH DAKOTA, 58370

State: North Dakota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $2.8 million to GEI CONSULTANTS INC for work described as: 2024 COMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS GROUP 2- SPIRIT LAKE DAMS Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized engineering services over a 2-year period. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. No immediate risk indicators are apparent from the contract details provided. 4. The contract supports critical infrastructure maintenance and assessment. 5. Engineering services are a common requirement across federal agencies. 6. The fixed-price nature of the contract helps manage cost certainty.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.83 million for engineering services over approximately two years appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized dam assessment and design work. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for dam engineering and consulting services would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government. However, without detailed scope of work and labor hour estimates, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This method typically fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The number of bidders is not specified, but the use of full and open competition is a positive sign for price discovery and achieving a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers by ensuring a wide range of offers are considered, promoting efficiency and cost savings.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the residents and infrastructure of the Spirit Lake community in North Dakota, ensuring the safety and integrity of their dams. The services delivered include crucial engineering assessments, design, and potentially oversight for the Spirit Lake Dams. The geographic impact is localized to the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The contract supports specialized engineering jobs, likely benefiting highly skilled professionals in the consulting sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial assessments reveal unforeseen complex issues requiring extensive redesign.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical infrastructure assessment could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The duration of the contract (over 2 years) necessitates ongoing monitoring to ensure continued alignment with project goals.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and incentivizes contractor efficiency.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract addresses essential infrastructure maintenance, contributing to public safety and long-term stability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting civil engineering projects related to water infrastructure. The federal government frequently procures engineering services for the design, construction, and maintenance of dams, bridges, and other public works. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. The value of this contract is modest compared to large-scale federal infrastructure projects but significant for specialized dam engineering.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions or subcontracting requirements. Given the specialized nature of dam engineering, it is possible that the prime contractor may engage specialized engineering sub-consultants. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the subcontracting chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

Army Corps of Engineers Dam Safety Program
Bureau of Reclamation Infrastructure Projects
Federal Highway Administration Engineering Contracts
General Services Administration Professional Services Schedules

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not well-defined.
Contractor performance risk.
Dependency on specialized engineering expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $2.8 million to GEI CONSULTANTS INC. 2024 COMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS GROUP 2- SPIRIT LAKE DAMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GEI CONSULTANTS INC.

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 $2.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-20. End: 2025-10-30.

What is the track record of GEI Consultants Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for dam engineering?

GEI Consultants Inc. has a history of performing engineering services for various federal agencies. While specific details on their past performance for dam engineering contracts with the Department of the Interior are not provided in this summary, their engagement on this contract suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS would reveal the extent and nature of their prior federal work, including any performance ratings, past issues, or successful project completions. This information is crucial for assessing their reliability and expertise in handling the Spirit Lake Dams project.

How does the $2.83 million contract value compare to similar dam engineering projects managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs?

Benchmarking the $2.83 million contract value against similar dam engineering projects managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) requires access to historical BIA contract data. Without specific comparable projects, it's difficult to definitively state if this value is high or low. However, considering the contract duration of approximately 2 years and the specialized nature of dam assessment and design, the amount appears reasonable for a firm-fixed-price contract. Factors influencing cost include the complexity of the dams, the scope of required engineering studies (e.g., structural integrity, hydrological analysis, environmental impact), and the specific deliverables. A comprehensive review would involve comparing the scope of work, duration, and final cost of similar BIA dam projects.

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 engineering challenges arise, contractor performance issues, and potential delays impacting dam safety. Mitigation strategies are inherent in the contract structure. The firm-fixed-price nature shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor. The use of full and open competition suggests a thorough vetting process for the selected contractor, implying a baseline level of capability. The Department of the Interior's oversight mechanisms, including regular progress reviews and defined deliverables, are crucial for monitoring performance and addressing issues proactively. Clear communication channels and defined milestones also help manage risks.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this specific engineering service?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money for well-defined engineering services like dam assessments, as it provides cost certainty for the government. The contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns, incentivizing them to manage resources efficiently and complete the work within the agreed budget. This reduces the government's exposure to unexpected cost increases. For services where the scope is clearly understood upfront, FFP contracts promote predictability. However, if the scope is highly uncertain or subject to significant change, an FFP contract might lead the contractor to price in higher contingencies, potentially increasing the initial cost compared to other contract types.

What is the historical spending trend for engineering services related to dam maintenance and assessment by the Department of the Interior?

Analyzing the historical spending trend for engineering services related to dam maintenance and assessment by the Department of the Interior (DOI) would require examining multi-year budget allocations and contract awards across its various bureaus, such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Reclamation, and others. Federal spending on infrastructure, including dams, can fluctuate based on infrastructure needs, available funding, and national priorities. Generally, there is a consistent need for such services due to the aging nature of much of the nation's infrastructure. Increased focus on climate resilience and aging infrastructure may lead to upward trends in spending. A detailed analysis would involve aggregating data on contracts awarded for dam engineering services over several fiscal years.

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: 400 UNICORN PARK DR, WOBURN, MA, 01801

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,828,364

Exercised Options: $2,828,364

Current Obligation: $2,828,364

Actual Outlays: $2,828,364

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140A1218D0016

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline