DOI Awards $7.29M Design-Build Contract for Bulls & Dock Bulkhead Replacement to Williams Construction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,289,455 ($7.3M)

Contractor: Williams Construction & Cabinetry, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-06-05

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 847 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: DESIGN BUILD SERVICE BULLS & DOCK BULKHEAD REPLACEMENT

Place of Performance

Location: AWENDAW, CHARLESTON County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29429

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $7.3 million to WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION & CABINETRY, INC. for work described as: DESIGN BUILD SERVICE BULLS & DOCK BULKHEAD REPLACEMENT Key points: 1. The contract value of $7.29 million is significant for a specialized construction project. 2. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources suggests a competitive bidding process was intended. 3. The project's duration of 847 days indicates a complex and lengthy undertaking. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts risk to the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $7.29 million appears reasonable for a design-build bulkhead replacement project of this scale and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale marine construction projects would provide further context.

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 while competition was sought, certain sources may have been excluded prior to the final award. This method aims for competitive pricing but the exclusion criteria warrant scrutiny.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process is intended to secure the best value for taxpayers, ensuring funds are used efficiently for necessary infrastructure improvements.

Public Impact

Enhances critical infrastructure for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Supports environmental protection and operational capabilities at the specified location. Creates construction jobs and stimulates economic activity in South Carolina.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise.
Risk of delays due to the project's complexity and long duration.
Ensuring the 'exclusion of sources' was justified and did not unduly limit competition.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Design-build approach can streamline project delivery.
Project addresses essential infrastructure needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically focusing on marine infrastructure. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project complexity, location, and material costs. The $7.29M value is substantial for a single project of this nature.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the award went to 'WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION & CABINETRY, INC.' Further analysis is needed to determine if this is a small business and if subcontracting opportunities were made available to small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The award process, particularly the 'exclusion of sources' clause, warrants oversight to ensure fairness and adherence to procurement regulations. Monitoring project progress against the 847-day schedule is crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of the Interior Contracting
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to project complexity.
Risk of schedule delays given the long duration.
Justification for 'exclusion of sources' needs review.
Contractor performance monitoring is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $7.3 million to WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION & CABINETRY, INC.. DESIGN BUILD SERVICE BULLS & DOCK BULKHEAD REPLACEMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION & CABINETRY, 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 $7.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-05. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific criteria led to the exclusion of certain sources in the full and open competition process, and how did this impact the final price?

The criteria for excluding sources are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such exclusions might be based on specific technical capabilities, past performance, or security requirements. Understanding these criteria is essential to assess whether they were justified and if they potentially limited the competitive landscape, which could influence the final price achieved.

What are the primary risks associated with the 847-day duration for this bulkhead replacement project, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The extended duration presents risks such as potential cost escalation due to inflation, unforeseen environmental conditions impacting the work schedule, and contractor resource availability over a long period. Mitigation strategies likely include detailed project phasing, contingency planning for weather delays, and robust contract management to ensure contractor performance and adherence to milestones.

How does the 'Firm Fixed Price' contract type affect the government's exposure to cost variations compared to other contract types for this type of construction?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract shifts the majority of cost overrun risk to the contractor. This provides the government with significant cost certainty, as the price is fixed regardless of the contractor's actual costs. However, it may lead to a higher initial bid price to account for the contractor's risk premium, and requires careful scope definition to avoid change orders.

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: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3148 TALLULAH RD, ROBBINSVILLE, NC, 28771

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,289,455

Exercised Options: $7,289,455

Current Obligation: $7,289,455

Actual Outlays: $2,133,237

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140FGA23D0142

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline