Interior Dept Awards $38.2M Contract for Big Spring Lodge Rehabilitation to Blinderman Construction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,179,956 ($38.2M)

Contractor: Blinderman Construction CO Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2022-04-06

End Date: 2025-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,120 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: OZAR 210461-225116 -REHABILITATE CABINS, LODGE AND LANDSCAPE AT BIG SPRING - REHABILITATE BIG SPRING UTILITIES

Place of Performance

Location: MONTIER, SHANNON County, MISSOURI, 65546

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $38.2 million to BLINDERMAN CONSTRUCTION CO INC for work described as: OZAR 210461-225116 -REHABILITATE CABINS, LODGE AND LANDSCAPE AT BIG SPRING - REHABILITATE BIG SPRING UTILITIES Key points: 1. The contract focuses on rehabilitating cabins, lodge, and landscape at Big Spring, including utility upgrades. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The project duration is 1120 days, indicating a significant, multi-year undertaking. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which transfers risk to the contractor. 5. No small business participation is indicated for this contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $38.2 million for a comprehensive rehabilitation project appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction and renovation projects for federal facilities 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, indicating that multiple qualified contractors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is expected to yield a fair price, maximizing taxpayer value for the rehabilitation of critical park infrastructure.

Public Impact

Enhances visitor experience and preserves historic structures at Big Spring. Improves essential utilities, ensuring reliable services for the park. Supports local and regional economies through construction jobs and material sourcing. Potential for increased tourism and recreational opportunities post-rehabilitation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of small business participation.
Potential for cost overruns in large-scale construction projects.
Delays in project completion impacting park access.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract mitigates cost escalation risk for the government.
Full and open competition likely secured competitive pricing.
Long-term investment in critical park infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, a sector that often involves significant federal investment for maintaining and upgrading public facilities. Benchmarks for similar projects vary widely based on scale and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates no small business participation (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the prime contractor, Blinderman Construction Co. Inc., is likely a large business, and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses were either not pursued or not awarded.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a definitive contract, implying a clear scope and terms. Oversight will be crucial to ensure adherence to the firm fixed price, manage the long duration, and confirm the quality of rehabilitation work by the National Park Service.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of the Interior Contracting
National Park Service Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of small business subcontracting.
Potential for scope creep despite fixed-price contract.
Environmental considerations during rehabilitation.
Impact of weather on extended construction timeline.
Coordination challenges between different rehabilitation aspects (cabins, lodge, utilities).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $38.2 million to BLINDERMAN CONSTRUCTION CO INC. OZAR 210461-225116 -REHABILITATE CABINS, LODGE AND LANDSCAPE AT BIG SPRING - REHABILITATE BIG SPRING UTILITIES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BLINDERMAN CONSTRUCTION CO INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $38.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-04-06. End: 2025-04-30.

What is the estimated cost per square foot for the lodge and cabin rehabilitation compared to industry standards for similar federal projects?

A precise per-square-foot cost benchmark is not directly available from the provided data. However, the total award of $38.2 million for rehabilitating cabins, lodge, and landscape, including utilities, over 1120 days suggests a substantial investment. A detailed cost-benefit analysis comparing this to similar federal facility renovation projects would be necessary to assess cost-effectiveness accurately.

What are the specific risks associated with the 1120-day project duration, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The extended duration presents risks such as potential material price fluctuations (though mitigated by FFP), unforeseen site conditions, weather delays, and contractor performance issues. Mitigation strategies likely include detailed project planning, contingency allowances, regular progress monitoring by the National Park Service, and clear contractual clauses for addressing delays and performance deficiencies.

How will the effectiveness of the rehabilitation be measured to ensure long-term value and improved park functionality?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through post-completion inspections verifying adherence to specifications, functional testing of rehabilitated utilities and structures, and user feedback on improved facilities. Long-term value is assessed by the durability of the work, reduced maintenance needs, enhanced visitor satisfaction, and the preservation of historic integrity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building 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

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 224 N DESPLAINES ST STE 650, CHICAGO, IL, 60661

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: $38,179,956

Exercised Options: $38,179,956

Current Obligation: $38,179,956

Actual Outlays: $38,163,077

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline