Interior Department awards $4.3M for Pahranagat NWR dam design/build, highlighting civil engineering needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,322,571 ($4.3M)

Contractor: Global Engineering Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-01-24

End Date: 2027-03-01

Contract Duration: 766 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/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: PAHRANAGAT NWR UPPER DAM DESIGN/BUILD PROJECT

Place of Performance

Location: ALAMO, LINCOLN County, NEVADA, 89001

State: Nevada Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $4.3 million to GLOBAL ENGINEERING SERVICES INC for work described as: PAHRANAGAT NWR UPPER DAM DESIGN/BUILD PROJECT Key points: 1. The contract addresses critical infrastructure needs for water management and conservation. 2. Competition was open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs. 4. Project duration spans over two years, indicating a significant undertaking. 5. The award is for a specific dam design and construction project, indicating focused scope. 6. The location in Nevada points to regional environmental and water resource management priorities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.3 million for a dam design and build project appears reasonable given the scope of civil engineering work. Benchmarking against similar large-scale water infrastructure projects would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests an effort to manage cost overruns, which is a positive indicator for value.

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 likely considered after an initial exclusion phase. This suggests a robust competitive process aimed at achieving fair market pricing. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition is a positive sign for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that is designed to secure the best value for public funds by encouraging multiple firms to bid on the project.

Public Impact

The project directly benefits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by enabling critical infrastructure improvements at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. Services delivered include the design and construction of a dam, essential for water management and habitat preservation. The geographic impact is focused on Nevada, addressing specific regional water resource and conservation needs. The project will likely involve skilled labor in civil engineering, construction, and project management, potentially creating local employment opportunities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in complex design-build projects.
Ensuring timely completion within the fixed-price contract can be challenging.
Environmental compliance during construction needs careful monitoring.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract helps control costs.
Full and open competition suggests potential for competitive pricing.
Clear project scope for dam design and build.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically related to water infrastructure. This sector is characterized by large-scale projects requiring specialized engineering expertise and significant capital investment. Comparable spending benchmarks for dam construction and design vary widely based on size, complexity, and location, but projects of this nature are typically substantial.

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 is expected to handle the majority of the work, and the impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small business subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a division of the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract, which incentivizes the contractor to adhere to the agreed-upon scope and budget. Transparency will be facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms, and potential Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to ensure proper use of federal funds.

Related Government Programs

National Wildlife Refuge System Infrastructure Projects
Water Resource Management Projects
Federal Dam Construction and Maintenance
Civil Engineering Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns in fixed-price construction contracts.
Risk of schedule delays due to unforeseen site conditions.
Ensuring adequate quality control during construction.
Environmental impact during the construction phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $4.3 million to GLOBAL ENGINEERING SERVICES INC. PAHRANAGAT NWR UPPER DAM DESIGN/BUILD PROJECT

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 $4.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-24. End: 2027-03-01.

What is the track record of Global Engineering Services Inc. with similar federal dam design and build projects?

A review of Global Engineering Services Inc.'s contract history with federal agencies, particularly the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, would be necessary to assess their track record on similar dam design and build projects. Information on past performance, including successful project completion, adherence to budget and schedule, and any instances of disputes or contract modifications, would provide critical insights into their capabilities and reliability for this specific project. Without access to detailed performance evaluations or a comprehensive project portfolio, it is difficult to definitively assess their suitability.

How does the $4.3 million contract value compare to similar dam design and build projects in Nevada or the Western US?

Benchmarking the $4.3 million contract value against similar dam design and build projects in Nevada or the Western United States requires access to a database of comparable projects. Factors such as dam size (height, length, storage capacity), complexity of design, environmental considerations, and the specific geological conditions of the site significantly influence project costs. Generally, civil engineering projects of this nature can range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. A preliminary assessment suggests that $4.3 million might be on the lower end for a full design and build project, potentially indicating a smaller-scale dam or specific site advantages, or it could reflect competitive pricing achieved through the procurement process.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract for a dam design/build project?

The primary risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for a dam design/build project include potential for contractor cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions or design complexities arise, which could lead to disputes or requests for change orders. There's also a risk that the contractor might cut corners on quality to maintain profitability, necessitating robust oversight. Conversely, the government bears the risk if the scope of work is not clearly defined, leading to potential disputes over what is included. For the contractor, the risk is primarily financial if costs exceed the fixed price.

What is the expected effectiveness of the Pahranagat NWR Upper Dam in achieving its water management and conservation goals?

The effectiveness of the Pahranagat NWR Upper Dam in achieving its water management and conservation goals will depend on several factors, including the adequacy of the design, the quality of construction, and the hydrological conditions of the area. The dam's primary purpose is likely to regulate water flow, enhance habitat for wildlife, and potentially support recreational activities within the refuge. Its success will be measured by its ability to meet specified water levels, support target species populations, and contribute to the overall ecological health of the refuge. Detailed performance metrics should be established and monitored post-construction to evaluate its long-term effectiveness.

What has been the historical spending trend for dam construction and design projects by the Department of the Interior?

Analyzing the historical spending trends for dam construction and design projects by the Department of the Interior requires access to historical federal procurement data. This would involve examining annual outlays for similar types of contracts over several fiscal years. Trends could indicate whether spending in this area is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable, potentially influenced by infrastructure investment priorities, environmental regulations, and the condition of existing federal water infrastructure. A significant increase in spending might signal a renewed focus on water resource management, while a decrease could suggest shifting priorities or a reliance on existing infrastructure.

How will the 'exclusion of sources' clause in the competition affect the final price and quality of the dam?

The 'exclusion of sources' clause, when used in conjunction with 'full and open competition,' typically means that certain types of contractors or specific pre-qualified entities were initially considered, and then the remaining pool was opened to full competition. This approach can be used to ensure that only firms with specific expertise or certifications participate, potentially leading to higher quality outcomes. However, if the exclusion criteria were too narrow, it could limit the number of potential bidders, thereby reducing competitive pressure and potentially leading to higher prices than if the competition were entirely unrestricted. The specific impact on price and quality depends heavily on the rationale and scope of the initial exclusion.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: 140FGA24R0008

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8526 S SANDY MARIE LN, MIDVALE, UT, 84047

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,833,725

Exercised Options: $4,322,571

Current Obligation: $4,322,571

Actual Outlays: $2,053,588

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline