Interior Department awards $8.2M for Camas NWR water system, Global Engineering Services Inc. to perform work

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,192,766 ($8.2M)

Contractor: Global Engineering Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2021-09-01

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,733 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: GAOA - WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM UPGRADE FOR CAMAS NWR

Place of Performance

Location: HAMER, JEFFERSON County, IDAHO, 83425

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $8.2 million to GLOBAL ENGINEERING SERVICES INC for work described as: GAOA - WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM UPGRADE FOR CAMAS NWR Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of infrastructure upgrades. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include project delays and cost overruns common in construction. 4. This contract supports critical infrastructure for wildlife conservation. 5. The project falls within the broader category of federal infrastructure spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.2 million for a water delivery system upgrade is within a typical range for such infrastructure projects. Benchmarking against similar federal construction contracts for water management systems would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the government has a clear understanding of costs, which can help control spending.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that multiple bidders were allowed to compete. The presence of 6 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition, which typically drives down prices and encourages innovation. This approach is generally favorable for ensuring fair market pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by securing the best possible price for the required services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the wildlife and ecosystems within the Camas National Wildlife Refuge. The project will deliver essential upgrades to the water delivery infrastructure, improving water management capabilities. The geographic impact is localized to the Camas National Wildlife Refuge in Idaho. The contract will likely involve skilled labor in construction and engineering, potentially creating temporary employment opportunities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in complex infrastructure projects.
Reliance on a single contractor for a multi-year project introduces performance risk.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Fixed-price contract type helps to manage cost certainty for the government.
The project addresses a critical need for infrastructure maintenance and improvement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically focusing on infrastructure development for environmental and conservation purposes. The market for such specialized construction services is competitive, with numerous firms capable of undertaking complex water management projects. Federal spending in this area supports the maintenance and enhancement of public lands and natural resources.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor, Global Engineering Services Inc., will be responsible for the majority of the work. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the project's scope.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contracting officers and project managers. Transparency is expected through contract reporting mechanisms. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) may review the contract if protests or specific concerns arise. Inspector General involvement would typically be triggered by allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National Wildlife Refuge System infrastructure projects
Federal water infrastructure grants and contracts
Department of the Interior construction and maintenance programs

Risk Flags

Potential for construction delays
Risk of cost overruns due to unforeseen conditions
Performance quality concerns
Environmental compliance challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $8.2 million to GLOBAL ENGINEERING SERVICES INC. GAOA - WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM UPGRADE FOR CAMAS NWR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GLOBAL ENGINEERING SERVICES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-01. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the track record of Global Engineering Services Inc. on similar federal contracts?

A review of federal contract databases indicates that Global Engineering Services Inc. has a history of performing various construction and engineering services for federal agencies. While specific details on past water delivery system projects would require deeper investigation, their presence in the federal contracting space suggests experience. Analyzing past performance evaluations and any reported issues on previous contracts would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and quality of work. It is important to note that past performance is a key factor in federal procurement, and agencies typically consider it during source selection.

How does the awarded price compare to similar water system upgrade projects?

Direct comparison of the $8.2 million award for the Camas NWR water delivery system upgrade to similar projects is challenging without access to detailed project specifications and scope. Factors such as geographic location, complexity of terrain, specific technological requirements, and prevailing labor costs can significantly influence pricing. However, the contract's 'Full and Open Competition' award type suggests that the price was vetted against market rates. A comprehensive benchmark would involve analyzing contracts for similar-sized water infrastructure upgrades in comparable regions, considering the specific components being replaced or installed, and the duration of the project.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are typical for large-scale construction projects. These include potential delays due to unforeseen site conditions, weather disruptions, or supply chain issues. Cost overruns, although mitigated by the firm-fixed-price contract, can still occur if the scope significantly changes or if the contractor encounters unexpected challenges requiring change orders. Performance risk also exists, relating to the quality of workmanship and adherence to project timelines. Environmental compliance and permitting hurdles can also pose risks. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will need robust project management and oversight to mitigate these potential issues.

How effective is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in managing such infrastructure contracts?

The effectiveness of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in managing infrastructure contracts can be assessed through various indicators, including project completion rates, adherence to budget, and the long-term performance of the infrastructure. The USFWS manages a vast portfolio of facilities and lands, requiring consistent investment in maintenance and upgrades. Their success often depends on the expertise of their contracting officers, project managers, and the adequacy of their internal oversight processes. Analyzing historical data on contract performance within the agency, including any instances of disputes or contract failures, would provide a more concrete evaluation. The current contract's competitive award suggests a standard procurement process was followed.

What has been the historical spending trend for water infrastructure within the Department of the Interior?

Historical spending on water infrastructure within the Department of the Interior (DOI) has generally been substantial, reflecting the agency's mandate to manage vast natural resources, including water. Spending fluctuates based on congressional appropriations, agency priorities, and the condition of existing infrastructure. The DOI oversees numerous bureaus, such as the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, each with significant water-related infrastructure needs. Trends often show a consistent need for upgrades and maintenance, with occasional surges in spending driven by major rehabilitation projects or new initiatives. Analyzing DOI's budget justifications and historical contract awards related to water systems would reveal specific spending patterns and investment levels over time.

Industry Classification

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

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8526 SOUTH SANDY MARIE LANE, MIDVALE, UT, 84047

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,192,766

Exercised Options: $8,192,766

Current Obligation: $8,192,766

Actual Outlays: $7,356,531

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140F0121D0012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline