Interior's Glen Elder Dam Spillway Chute Replacement Contract Totals $43.1M, Awarded to Ames Construction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $43,129,621 ($43.1M)

Contractor: Ames Construction, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2021-10-08

End Date: 2025-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,361 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: GLEN ELDER DAM SPILLWAY CHUTE REPLACEMENT, GLEN ELDER UNIT, SOLOMON DIVISION, PICK-SLOAN MISSOURI BASIN PROGRAM, KANSAS

Place of Performance

Location: GLEN ELDER, MITCHELL County, KANSAS, 67446

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $43.1 million to AMES CONSTRUCTION, INC. for work described as: GLEN ELDER DAM SPILLWAY CHUTE REPLACEMENT, GLEN ELDER UNIT, SOLOMON DIVISION, PICK-SLOAN MISSOURI BASIN PROGRAM, KANSAS Key points: 1. The $43.1M contract for the Glen Elder Dam spillway chute replacement is a significant investment in critical infrastructure. 2. Ames Construction, Inc. secured the award through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The project's duration of 1361 days suggests a complex undertaking with potential for schedule-related risks. 4. This contract falls under the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector, which often involves substantial capital outlays.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $43.1M appears reasonable for a large-scale dam infrastructure project. Benchmarking against similar dam repair or replacement projects would provide a more precise assessment of value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple qualified bidders vie for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers, as it aims to secure the best possible price for the government.

Public Impact

Ensures the continued safe and reliable operation of the Glen Elder Dam, a key component of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program. Supports regional water management and flood control capabilities in Kansas. Represents a substantial investment in aging federal infrastructure, potentially improving long-term resilience.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to the long project duration.
Risk of schedule delays impacting critical water management functions.
Dependence on a single contractor for a complex, high-stakes project.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs.
Project addresses essential infrastructure maintenance and safety.

Sector Analysis

This contract is within the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector, characterized by large-scale projects often involving significant public investment. Spending in this sector can fluctuate based on infrastructure needs and federal funding priorities.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Bureau of Reclamation, as the contracting agency, is responsible for overseeing the execution of this contract. Robust oversight is crucial to ensure adherence to schedule, budget, and quality standards.

Related Government Programs

Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Department of the Interior Contracting
Bureau of Reclamation Programs

Risk Flags

Long project duration increases risk of cost escalation and delays.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting budget and schedule.
Firm Fixed Price contract, while good for cost control, may limit flexibility for scope changes.
Critical infrastructure project with significant public impact if delayed or compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $43.1 million to AMES CONSTRUCTION, INC.. GLEN ELDER DAM SPILLWAY CHUTE REPLACEMENT, GLEN ELDER UNIT, SOLOMON DIVISION, PICK-SLOAN MISSOURI BASIN PROGRAM, KANSAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMES CONSTRUCTION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $43.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-10-08. End: 2025-06-30.

What specific components of the spillway chute are being replaced, and what is the expected lifespan extension?

The contract details likely specify the scope of work, including concrete repair, structural reinforcement, and potential replacement of gates or other mechanical components. The expected lifespan extension is a critical metric for assessing the long-term value of the investment, aiming to ensure the dam's functionality for decades to come.

What are the primary risks associated with the 1361-day duration, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The extended duration presents risks such as material price escalation, unforeseen site conditions, and potential impacts from weather events or environmental regulations. Mitigation strategies may include contingency planning, flexible scheduling, and robust contract management to address potential delays and cost increases proactively.

How does the $43.1M cost compare to similar spillway replacement projects at other federal dams?

Benchmarking this cost against comparable projects is essential for evaluating cost-effectiveness. Factors like dam size, complexity of the spillway, geographic location, and prevailing market conditions influence project costs. A detailed comparative analysis would reveal if this contract represents a fair market price.

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: 140R6021R0027

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2500 COUNTY ROAD 42 W, BURNSVILLE, MN, 55337

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: $43,203,128

Exercised Options: $43,203,128

Current Obligation: $43,129,621

Actual Outlays: $34,121,583

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline