Interior's $2.3M Melstone Dam project awarded to C K May Excavating Inc. for reconstruction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,298,515 ($2.3M)

Contractor: C K MAY Excavating Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2027-12-10

Contract Duration: 612 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: GAOA MELSTONE DAM RECONSTRUCTION

Place of Performance

Location: MELSTONE, MUSSELSHELL County, MONTANA, 59054

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $2.3 million to C K MAY EXCAVATING INC for work described as: GAOA MELSTONE DAM RECONSTRUCTION Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against similar civil engineering projects. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a robust bidding process. 3. Risk indicators monitored for project completion and cost adherence. 4. Performance context relies on contractor's past project delivery. 5. Sector positioning within heavy civil engineering construction. 6. Contract type is a definitive contract with firm fixed pricing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.3 million for dam reconstruction appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar heavy civil engineering projects. The firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty. However, a detailed comparison with specific project scopes and complexities would offer a more precise value assessment. The absence of detailed cost breakdowns limits a granular analysis of pricing components.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while competition was sought, certain sources were excluded. Five bids were received, suggesting a moderate level of competition. The exclusion of specific sources warrants further investigation to understand its impact on the final price and the range of potential bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: The moderate competition level, despite source exclusions, likely resulted in a competitive price for taxpayers. However, understanding the rationale behind source exclusion is crucial to ensure maximum value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Bureau of Land Management and potentially local communities relying on the dam's infrastructure. Services delivered include the reconstruction of the Melstone Dam. Geographic impact is localized to Montana, specifically the area where the dam is situated. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for construction labor in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise.
Risk of schedule delays impacting project completion.
Dependence on the performance and capacity of a single awarded contractor.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract provides budget predictability.
Defined contract period with clear start and end dates.
Awarded to a contractor with experience in heavy civil engineering.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, a significant segment of the construction industry focused on large-scale infrastructure projects. Spending in this sector is often driven by government investment in public works, including water management infrastructure like dams. Benchmarks for similar dam reconstruction projects would typically consider factors such as dam size, complexity, and environmental remediation requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this specific contract, as the 'sb' field is false. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. Further review of the contract details would be needed to ascertain any indirect impact or opportunities for small businesses within the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Bureau of Land Management, a division of the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed price contract and defined performance period. Transparency can be assessed through public contract databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Land Management Infrastructure Projects
Department of the Interior Dam Safety Programs
Federal Civil Engineering Construction Contracts
Montana Public Works Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Complexity of integrating new construction with existing dam structure.
Environmental compliance and permitting requirements.
Contract awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' requires scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $2.3 million to C K MAY EXCAVATING INC. GAOA MELSTONE DAM RECONSTRUCTION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is C K MAY EXCAVATING INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2027-12-10.

What is the track record of C K May Excavating Inc. on similar federal projects?

A review of C K May Excavating Inc.'s federal contract history would be necessary to assess their track record on similar projects. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, project completion timeliness, and any history of contract disputes or modifications. Understanding their experience with dam reconstruction specifically, and the scale of those projects, would provide crucial context for evaluating their capability to successfully execute the Melstone Dam project. Without access to detailed past performance data, it is difficult to definitively assess their reliability for this specific undertaking.

How does the awarded price compare to the estimated cost or independent government cost estimate?

The provided data does not include the estimated cost or an independent government cost estimate for the Melstone Dam reconstruction. To assess value for money, this contract's awarded price of $2.3 million should be compared against such estimates. A significant difference between the awarded price and the government's estimate could indicate either highly competitive bidding that drove the price down or an underestimate by the government. Conversely, if the awarded price is close to or exceeds the estimate, it warrants closer scrutiny of the bidding process and the contractor's pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with dam reconstruction projects of this nature?

Dam reconstruction projects inherently carry several risks. These include unforeseen geological or hydrological conditions at the site, which can lead to increased costs and delays. Environmental compliance issues, such as the discovery of protected species or historical artifacts, can also impact timelines and budgets. Furthermore, the structural integrity of existing components and the complexity of integrating new construction with old present engineering challenges. Operational risks during the construction phase, such as managing water levels and ensuring downstream safety, are also critical considerations.

What is the historical spending pattern for dam reconstruction by the Bureau of Land Management?

Historical spending data for dam reconstruction by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) would provide context for the $2.3 million Melstone Dam project. Analyzing past expenditures on similar projects would reveal trends in contract values, project durations, and the types of contractors typically engaged. This analysis could highlight whether this project is within the typical range of BLM's dam repair and maintenance budget or represents a significant deviation. Understanding historical spending also helps in identifying potential patterns of cost escalation or efficiency gains over time.

What specific performance metrics will be used to evaluate the contractor's success?

While the contract is firm fixed price, specific performance metrics are crucial for evaluating the contractor's success beyond just meeting the final deliverable. These metrics typically include adherence to the project schedule, quality of workmanship as verified by inspections, compliance with safety regulations, and proper site restoration upon completion. The contract documents should outline the quality assurance plan and the procedures for monitoring progress and addressing any deficiencies. Successful completion would be defined by meeting all technical specifications and contractual obligations within the agreed-upon timeframe and budget.

What is the significance of the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' NAICS code for this contract?

The NAICS code 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' (237990) signifies that this contract is for projects that do not fit into more specific heavy and civil engineering categories like highway construction or water treatment facilities. This broad classification suggests the Melstone Dam reconstruction involves a complex scope of work that may include earthwork, concrete structures, and potentially mechanical or electrical components related to dam operations. It indicates a project requiring specialized engineering expertise and heavy construction equipment, typical for large-scale infrastructure development or rehabilitation.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140L0625R0012

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1170 APPLES WAY, BELGRADE, MT, 59714

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,298,515

Exercised Options: $2,298,515

Current Obligation: $2,298,515

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Timeline