BIG Sandy DAM Reservoir Enlargement Contract Awarded to Ews-Rsci LLC for Over $14.6 Million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,661,221 ($14.7M)

Contractor: Ews-Rsci LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2021-04-16

End Date: 2023-11-23

Contract Duration: 951 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: BIG SANDY DAM RESERVOIR ENLARGEMENT

Place of Performance

Location: FARSON, SWEETWATER County, WYOMING, 82932

State: Wyoming Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $14.7 million to EWS-RSCI LLC for work described as: BIG SANDY DAM RESERVOIR ENLARGEMENT Key points: 1. Contract value of $14.6 million for reservoir enlargement. 2. Awarded under full and open competition. 3. Contract duration of 951 days. 4. Firm fixed-price contract type. 5. Project located in Wyoming. 6. Work performed by EWS-RSCI LLC.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $14.6 million for reservoir enlargement appears to be within a reasonable range for such civil engineering projects, though specific benchmarks are difficult to ascertain without detailed project scope and comparable project data. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that cost risks are largely borne by the contractor, which can be beneficial for the government if managed effectively. However, without more granular cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar Bureau of Reclamation projects, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. The presence of 6 bidders suggests a reasonably competitive environment, which should have contributed to price discovery and potentially a more favorable outcome for the government. The specific exclusion of sources needs further investigation to understand its impact on the competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is positive for taxpayers, as it likely led to a more efficient allocation of resources and potentially a lower overall cost compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the stakeholders of the Big Sandy Dam and Reservoir, including agricultural users, water management authorities, and potentially local communities relying on water supply. The project delivers services related to civil engineering and construction, specifically focused on expanding the storage capacity of the reservoir. The geographic impact is concentrated in Wyoming, where the Big Sandy Dam and Reservoir are located. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for construction workers, engineers, and project managers involved in the project.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen geological or environmental challenges arise during construction, despite the fixed-price nature.
Ensuring timely completion within the 951-day duration to meet project objectives and avoid extended disruption.
Monitoring contractor performance to ensure quality of work meets engineering and safety standards for dam infrastructure.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract type helps to control costs for the government.
The project addresses a critical infrastructure need for water storage and management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, a significant part of the broader construction industry. This sector involves large-scale infrastructure projects such as dams, bridges, and water management systems. Spending in this area is often driven by government initiatives for infrastructure development and maintenance. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other dam construction or enlargement projects undertaken by federal agencies like the Bureau of Reclamation or the Army Corps of Engineers.

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 or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside requirement. The prime contractor, EWS-RSCI LLC, would be responsible for managing the entire scope of work.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily be the responsibility of the Bureau of Reclamation, a sub-agency of the Department of the Interior. They would be expected to monitor project progress, ensure compliance with contract terms, and verify the quality of work. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, which places cost risk on the contractor. Transparency would be facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms and public availability of contract data. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Reclamation Construction Projects
Water Resource Management Infrastructure
Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Projects
Federal Dam Safety and Improvement Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen conditions arise.
Risk of project delays due to weather or logistical challenges.
Ensuring long-term structural integrity and safety of the enlarged reservoir.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $14.7 million to EWS-RSCI LLC. BIG SANDY DAM RESERVOIR ENLARGEMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EWS-RSCI LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-04-16. End: 2023-11-23.

What is the track record of EWS-RSCI LLC in completing similar large-scale civil engineering projects for the federal government?

A review of federal contract databases indicates that EWS-RSCI LLC has been awarded multiple contracts, primarily in the civil engineering and construction domain. While specific details on project scale and complexity comparable to the Big Sandy Dam reservoir enlargement are not immediately available without deeper analysis, the company's consistent engagement with federal agencies suggests a level of experience. Further investigation into their past performance reviews, on-time delivery rates, and adherence to budget on previous large projects would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record. Understanding their specialization within civil engineering (e.g., hydro-engineering, earthworks) would also provide context for their suitability for this specific contract.

How does the awarded amount of $14.6 million compare to the estimated cost or budget for the Big Sandy Dam reservoir enlargement project?

The provided data lists the awarded amount as $14,661,220.88. However, it does not include information on the initial estimated cost or the approved budget for the project. Without this comparative data, it is impossible to determine if the awarded amount represents a cost saving, is in line with expectations, or exceeds the initial estimates. Typically, federal agencies establish an independent government cost estimate (IGCE) before soliciting bids. Comparing the winning bid to the IGCE is a standard practice to assess value for money. Further research into Bureau of Reclamation's internal documentation or public project justifications would be needed to ascertain the original budget.

What are the primary risks associated with the Big Sandy Dam reservoir enlargement project, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for a reservoir enlargement project typically include unforeseen geological conditions (e.g., unstable soil, rock formations), environmental impacts (e.g., effects on local ecosystems, water quality), weather-related delays, and potential scope creep. Given the firm fixed-price contract, the primary financial risk is borne by the contractor, EWS-RSCI LLC. Mitigation strategies would likely involve thorough geotechnical surveys prior to construction, comprehensive environmental impact assessments, robust project management plans with contingency for weather, and strict change order control processes. The Bureau of Reclamation's oversight role is crucial in monitoring these risks and ensuring mitigation measures are effectively implemented throughout the project lifecycle.

What is the expected impact of the reservoir enlargement on water availability and downstream uses in the Big Sandy region?

The primary objective of a reservoir enlargement project is to increase water storage capacity. This directly translates to enhanced water availability for various uses, which in the Big Sandy region likely include agricultural irrigation, municipal water supply, and potentially environmental flow augmentation. Increased storage can provide a more reliable water supply during periods of drought or high demand, thereby supporting regional economic activities and community needs. The specific impact on downstream users will depend on the allocation and management plan for the augmented water supply, which is typically determined by the Bureau of Reclamation in consultation with water rights holders and stakeholders.

How has federal spending on similar heavy and civil engineering construction projects by the Bureau of Reclamation trended over the past five years?

Analyzing federal spending trends for the Bureau of Reclamation in the heavy and civil engineering construction category over the past five years would require access to historical contract award data. Generally, spending in this sector is influenced by infrastructure priorities, funding appropriations, and the lifecycle of major water resource projects. Periods of increased infrastructure investment or the initiation of new large-scale projects, such as dam modernizations or expansions, would show an upward trend. Conversely, budget constraints or the completion of major projects could lead to a decrease. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to provide precise figures, but such analysis would reveal patterns of investment in water 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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140R4020R0015

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2506 LITTLE POWDER RIVER RD, GILLETTE, WY, 82716

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,661,221

Exercised Options: $14,661,221

Current Obligation: $14,661,221

Actual Outlays: $14,047,163

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline