Alcatraz Wharf Stabilization Project Awarded $37.3M to Manson Construction Co. for Critical Repairs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $37,264,508 ($37.3M)

Contractor: Manson Construction CO

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2022-08-16

End Date: 2025-12-04

Contract Duration: 1,206 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA - STABILIZE ALCATRAZ WHARF THIS PROJECT WILL MAKE CRITICAL REPAIRS TO AND SEISMICALLY STRENGTHEN THE CONCRETE WHARF ON ALCATRAZ ISLAND, A CONTRIBUTING FEATURE OF THE ALCATRAZ ISLAND NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK D

Place of Performance

Location: SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO County, CALIFORNIA, 94102

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $37.3 million to MANSON CONSTRUCTION CO for work described as: GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA - STABILIZE ALCATRAZ WHARF THIS PROJECT WILL MAKE CRITICAL REPAIRS TO AND SEISMICALLY STRENGTHEN THE CONCRETE WHARF ON ALCATRAZ ISLAND, A CONTRIBUTING FEATURE OF THE ALCATRAZ ISLAND NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK D Key points: 1. Project addresses critical repairs and seismic strengthening for Alcatraz Wharf, a key feature of a National Historic Landmark. 2. The contract is a firm-fixed-price definitive contract, indicating a clear scope and budget. 3. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The duration of the contract is over 1000 days, reflecting the complexity and scale of the seismic and repair work. 5. The project is managed by the National Park Service, part of the Department of the Interior. 6. The contract is a significant investment in preserving a historic and iconic federal site.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $37.3 million for stabilizing and seismically strengthening a historic wharf on Alcatraz Island appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work and the location. While direct comparisons are difficult without more specific project details, large-scale civil engineering projects involving historic preservation and seismic retrofitting often incur substantial costs. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the total cost, which can be a positive indicator of value if the scope is well-defined and the contractor's bid is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of two bidders (no=2) suggests a degree of competition, though the exact number of interested parties and the rigor of the bidding process would provide a clearer picture of price discovery. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to bid, driving down prices and ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are visitors to Alcatraz Island and the National Park Service, ensuring continued safe access to this historic site. The project delivers essential infrastructure repair and seismic strengthening services to a critical federal asset. The geographic impact is localized to Alcatraz Island, California, a significant tourist destination. The project will likely involve a workforce skilled in heavy civil engineering, marine construction, and historic preservation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen structural issues are discovered during seismic retrofitting.
Logistical challenges of working on an island, potentially impacting project timelines and costs.
Dependence on specialized construction expertise, which may limit the pool of qualified contractors.
Risk of delays due to weather or environmental conditions affecting marine operations.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
The contractor, Manson Construction Co., likely has experience with similar large-scale civil engineering projects.
The project addresses critical infrastructure needs for a high-profile historic site, ensuring its long-term preservation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector, which encompasses a broad range of infrastructure projects. The market for such services is competitive, with specialized firms capable of undertaking complex marine and seismic work. The value of this contract is significant within its niche, reflecting the specialized requirements of historic site preservation and seismic resilience. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in large-scale port, bridge, or dam construction and repair projects.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss=false, sb=false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a set-aside. The primary contractor, Manson Construction Co., will likely engage subcontractors based on their own business needs and the project's requirements, which may or may not include small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be conducted by the National Park Service, an agency within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract structure, which defines deliverables and costs. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases and reporting. Inspector General jurisdiction would typically fall under the Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General for any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Infrastructure Projects
Historic Preservation Fund
Seismic Retrofitting Projects
Federal Maritime Infrastructure
Alcatraz Island Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to unforeseen site conditions.
Risk of schedule delays due to logistical challenges on an island.
Dependence on specialized marine and seismic construction expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $37.3 million to MANSON CONSTRUCTION CO. GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA - STABILIZE ALCATRAZ WHARF THIS PROJECT WILL MAKE CRITICAL REPAIRS TO AND SEISMICALLY STRENGTHEN THE CONCRETE WHARF ON ALCATRAZ ISLAND, A CONTRIBUTING FEATURE OF THE ALCATRAZ ISLAND NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK D

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANSON CONSTRUCTION CO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $37.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-08-16. End: 2025-12-04.

What is the track record of Manson Construction Co. on similar federal projects?

Manson Construction Co. is a large, established marine construction firm with a significant history of undertaking complex civil engineering projects, including those for federal agencies. Their portfolio often includes work on ports, bridges, and other heavy infrastructure. While specific details on past performance for the National Park Service or similar historic preservation projects would require a deeper dive into federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS), their general experience in marine and heavy construction suggests they possess the capabilities for a project of this nature. Reviewing past contract awards, performance evaluations, and any reported disputes or claims would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their track record.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar wharf stabilization projects?

Directly comparing the $37.3 million award for the Alcatraz Wharf stabilization to similar projects is challenging without detailed project specifications, scope of work, and geographic location. However, large-scale marine construction and seismic retrofitting projects, especially those involving historic landmarks and remote island locations like Alcatraz, are inherently expensive. Factors such as specialized engineering, environmental considerations, logistical complexities, and the need for preservation-grade materials contribute to higher costs. Benchmarking against major port upgrades, bridge repairs, or other significant civil engineering undertakings would be necessary for a more precise comparison, but the awarded amount appears within a plausible range for such a specialized and critical infrastructure project.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential unforeseen structural issues discovered during the seismic retrofitting process, which could lead to scope changes and cost overruns, despite the firm-fixed-price nature. Logistical challenges inherent in working on Alcatraz Island, such as material transport and personnel access, pose risks to timelines and budget. The specialized nature of marine and historic construction may also present risks related to the availability of skilled labor and specialized equipment. Furthermore, environmental conditions and potential weather disruptions could impact the project schedule, particularly during marine operations.

How effective is the National Park Service in managing large-scale construction contracts?

The National Park Service (NPS), as part of the Department of the Interior, has a mixed record in managing large-scale construction contracts, similar to many federal agencies. Their effectiveness often depends on the specific project's complexity, the availability of experienced project managers, and the robustness of their contracting and oversight processes. For critical infrastructure like the Alcatraz Wharf, the NPS would typically employ dedicated project teams and rely on established procurement regulations. While the firm-fixed-price contract and full and open competition are positive indicators, ongoing oversight, clear communication, and proactive risk management by the NPS will be crucial for ensuring the project's success and adherence to budget and schedule.

What is the historical spending trend for infrastructure maintenance at Alcatraz Island?

Historical spending data specifically for infrastructure maintenance at Alcatraz Island would require a detailed analysis of past National Park Service budgets and contract awards related to the site. Alcatraz, being a major tourist attraction and a National Historic Landmark, likely receives consistent funding for preservation and maintenance. However, major capital improvement projects like seismic strengthening of a wharf represent significant, less frequent investments compared to routine upkeep. Without access to historical NPS financial records or contract databases filtered for Alcatraz, it's difficult to establish a precise spending trend. It's reasonable to assume that such critical infrastructure repairs are undertaken when deemed necessary based on condition assessments and available funding cycles.

What are the potential long-term benefits of this seismic strengthening project?

The long-term benefits of this seismic strengthening project are substantial. Primarily, it ensures the continued safe access and usability of the Alcatraz wharf, which is the primary point of entry for visitors and supplies to the island. By addressing seismic vulnerabilities, the project significantly reduces the risk of structural failure during an earthquake, thereby protecting lives and preventing catastrophic damage to a historic landmark. This investment preserves the integrity of the wharf as a contributing feature of the Alcatraz Island National Historic Landmark, safeguarding its historical and cultural significance for future generations. Furthermore, it enhances the overall resilience of the island's infrastructure.

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

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140P2021R0143

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5209 E MARGINAL WAY S, SEATTLE, WA, 98134

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $37,264,508

Exercised Options: $37,264,508

Current Obligation: $37,264,508

Actual Outlays: $36,400,358

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 144

Total Subaward Amount: $6,176,048

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline