Interior Department awards $4.97M contract for fish passage infrastructure to Okie LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,968,179 ($5.0M)

Contractor: Okie LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-07-23

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 646 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: OR LOOKINGGLASS FH INTAKE, FISH LADDER, AND TRAVELING SCREENS

Place of Performance

Location: ELGIN, UNION County, OREGON, 97827

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $5.0 million to OKIE LLC for work described as: OR LOOKINGGLASS FH INTAKE, FISH LADDER, AND TRAVELING SCREENS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical fish passage and screening infrastructure, vital for aquatic ecosystem health. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 646 days indicates a substantial project timeline. 4. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 5. The project is located in Oregon, a region with significant aquatic resource management needs. 6. This award represents a specific investment in environmental infrastructure by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $4.97 million for fish passage and traveling screens appears reasonable given the project's scope and duration. Without specific benchmarks for similar fish ladder and traveling screen construction projects, a direct per-unit cost comparison is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor has assessed the risks and costs associated with the project and is willing to deliver the specified work within the agreed-upon price. This pricing structure generally provides good value by transferring cost risk to the contractor.

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 the solicitation was broadly advertised, and multiple bidders were likely considered. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and quality for the government. The exclusion of sources clause might suggest specific technical requirements that not all potential offerors could meet, but the core intent was broad competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and ensures that the government is not limited to a narrow selection of contractors, potentially leading to cost savings.

Public Impact

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service benefits through the acquisition of essential infrastructure for its conservation mission. The project will deliver improved fish passage and screening systems, crucial for migratory fish populations. The geographic impact is concentrated in Oregon, supporting regional aquatic resource management. The project may indirectly support local employment in the construction and engineering sectors within Oregon.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting construction timelines and costs, despite fixed-price.
Dependence on specialized materials or equipment that could face supply chain disruptions.
Ensuring long-term operational effectiveness and maintenance requirements of the installed infrastructure.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract mitigates budget uncertainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Project addresses critical environmental infrastructure needs for fish migration.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically addressing environmental infrastructure. The market for such specialized construction, particularly related to aquatic ecosystem restoration and management, is driven by federal and state environmental regulations and conservation initiatives. While specific market size data for fish ladders and traveling screens is not readily available, it represents a niche but vital segment of the broader construction industry focused on ecological preservation and compliance.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (SB set-aside and subcontracting) was not a specific requirement or focus for this particular contract (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the best value through full and open competition, potentially favoring larger, more established firms with the capacity for such specialized construction projects. There is no explicit indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified work within the agreed budget. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where this award is reported. The Inspector General for the Department of the Interior may have jurisdiction for audits or investigations if any irregularities arise.

Related Government Programs

National Fish Passage Program
Anadromous Fish Conservation Act
Endangered Species Act Implementation
Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act)

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting schedule and cost.
Ensuring long-term effectiveness of fish passage infrastructure.
Availability of specialized labor and materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $5.0 million to OKIE LLC. OR LOOKINGGLASS FH INTAKE, FISH LADDER, AND TRAVELING SCREENS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OKIE LLC.

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 $5.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-23. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the track record of Okie LLC in performing similar fish passage or environmental construction projects?

Information regarding Okie LLC's specific track record with fish passage infrastructure or similar environmental construction projects is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, project portfolios, and any relevant contract history for this company. Federal procurement systems often contain past performance information that could shed light on their experience, capabilities, and success rates in delivering comparable projects. Without this additional context, it is difficult to definitively assess their suitability and past performance on projects of this nature.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or budget for this project?

The provided data indicates the awarded amount is $4,968,179.35. However, there is no information available regarding the government's initial cost estimate or allocated budget for this specific project. To assess value for money, a comparison between the awarded price and the government's estimate would be necessary. If the awarded amount is significantly lower than the estimate, it could indicate successful competition and cost savings for taxpayers. Conversely, if it aligns closely or exceeds the estimate, further scrutiny of the estimate's accuracy and the competitive landscape might be warranted.

What are the primary risks associated with the construction of fish ladders and traveling screens?

Key risks in constructing fish ladders and traveling screens include unforeseen geological or hydrological conditions at the site, which can lead to delays and cost overruns. Technical risks involve ensuring the design meets specific hydraulic and ecological requirements for effective fish passage and debris management. Material procurement and specialized labor availability can also pose risks, especially for unique components. Furthermore, environmental compliance during construction and the long-term operational reliability and maintenance needs of the installed systems are critical considerations that require careful planning and execution.

What is the historical spending pattern for fish passage infrastructure by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

The provided data snippet does not offer historical spending patterns for fish passage infrastructure by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To analyze this, one would need access to historical contract databases or budget reports from the agency. Such an analysis would involve aggregating spending on similar projects over several fiscal years to identify trends, fluctuations, and the overall investment level in fish passage and related environmental infrastructure. This context is crucial for understanding if the current award represents a typical investment or a significant deviation.

What are the potential performance challenges for Okie LLC given the project's scope and location?

Potential performance challenges for Okie LLC could stem from the technical complexity of integrating fish ladders and traveling screens, which require precise engineering and construction to function effectively for aquatic life. The project's location in Oregon might present specific environmental or logistical challenges, such as weather conditions, site accessibility, or regulatory requirements unique to the region. Ensuring compliance with environmental standards during construction and achieving the specified performance metrics for fish passage efficiency and durability will be critical. Managing the project timeline effectively within the 646-day duration, especially if unforeseen site conditions arise, will also be a key performance indicator.

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

Solicitation ID: 140FC324F0027

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 18039 HWY 30, HAGERMAN, ID, 83332

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,968,179

Exercised Options: $4,968,179

Current Obligation: $4,968,179

Actual Outlays: $4,313,261

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140F0822D0129

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline