Interior Awards $26.8M Wastewater Plant Contract to R.C.S. Construction for Mount Rushmore
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,832,774 ($26.8M)
Contractor: R.C.S. Construction, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2024-12-26
End Date: 2027-05-20
Contract Duration: 875 days
Daily Burn Rate: $30.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: MORU 272051, REHABILITATE AND EXPAND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, KEYSTONE, SOUTH DAKOTA
Place of Performance
Location: KEYSTONE, PENNINGTON County, SOUTH DAKOTA, 57751
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $26.8 million to R.C.S. CONSTRUCTION, INC. for work described as: MORU 272051, REHABILITATE AND EXPAND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, KEYSTONE, SOUTH DAKOTA Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical infrastructure for a national landmark. 2. R.C.S. Construction, Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The project aims to rehabilitate and expand wastewater treatment capabilities. 4. Fixed-price contract type suggests cost certainty for the government.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $26.8M for a wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation and expansion appears reasonable given the scope and location. Benchmarking against similar large-scale infrastructure projects would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust process for soliciting bids and ensuring fair pricing. This method generally leads to competitive pricing as multiple contractors vie for the work.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is expected to yield a fair price, maximizing taxpayer value for this essential infrastructure upgrade.
Public Impact
Enhances environmental protection at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Ensures continued reliable services for visitors and operations. Supports local economy through construction jobs and related activities. Modernizes aging infrastructure for long-term sustainability.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise.
- Project duration of 875 days could be impacted by weather or supply chain issues.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed price contract mitigates cost escalation risk.
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Addresses critical infrastructure needs at a high-profile national site.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Construction sector, specifically Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction. Spending in this area is often driven by infrastructure needs, environmental regulations, and the maintenance of public facilities.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not awarded this specific contract, as it went to R.C.S. Construction, Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this project.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Interior, through the National Park Service, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for construction projects, including site inspections and progress reporting, should be in place to ensure compliance and quality.
Related Government Programs
- Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- National Park Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
- Extended project duration increases risk of weather-related delays.
- Dependence on contractor's ability to manage complex construction.
- Supply chain disruptions could affect material availability and project timeline.
Tags
water-and-sewer-line-and-related-structu, department-of-the-interior, sd, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $26.8 million to R.C.S. CONSTRUCTION, INC.. MORU 272051, REHABILITATE AND EXPAND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, KEYSTONE, SOUTH DAKOTA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is R.C.S. CONSTRUCTION, 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 $26.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-12-26. End: 2027-05-20.
What is the estimated impact of the expanded wastewater treatment capacity on the environmental footprint of Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
The expansion is expected to significantly improve the treatment of wastewater, reducing the discharge of pollutants into local waterways and enhancing the overall environmental health of the surrounding ecosystem. This upgrade aligns with the National Park Service's commitment to preserving natural resources while accommodating visitor needs.
What are the primary risks associated with the 875-day project duration and potential weather disruptions in South Dakota?
The extended duration increases exposure to potential weather delays, particularly during harsh South Dakota winters, which could impact construction schedules and potentially lead to cost increases if not adequately managed. Unforeseen subsurface conditions or material availability issues also pose risks that could affect the timeline and budget.
How does the firm fixed price contract structure benefit the government in terms of cost predictability for this large infrastructure project?
The firm fixed price (FFP) contract structure provides the highest level of cost certainty for the government. It shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, R.C.S. Construction, Inc., ensuring that the final price will not exceed the agreed-upon amount, barring any approved change orders.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Utility System Construction › Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: R.C.S. Construction Inc.
Address: 1314 FOUNTAIN PL, RAPID CITY, SD, 57702
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: $26,832,774
Exercised Options: $26,832,774
Current Obligation: $26,832,774
Actual Outlays: $5,273,508
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-12-26
Current End Date: 2027-05-20
Potential End Date: 2027-05-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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