Montana bridge project awarded to Brice Civil Constructors for over $22.5 million, featuring extensive construction and utility work

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,562,108 ($22.6M)

Contractor: Brice Civil Constructors, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2022-05-24

End Date: 2024-08-30

Contract Duration: 829 days

Daily Burn Rate: $27.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: THIS PROJECT IS LOCATED NE OF COLUMBIA FALLS MT AND CONSISTS OF NEW STEEL GIRDER BRIDGE, REMOVAL OF EXISTING BRIDGE, EMBANKMENT, EXCAVATION, TURNOUT REHABILITATION, CURVE ENHANCEMENT, UTILITY RELOCATIONS AND INSTALLATION OF NEW PARK UTILITIES, SIGNAG

Place of Performance

Location: EAST GLACIER PARK, GLACIER County, MONTANA, 59434

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $22.6 million to BRICE CIVIL CONSTRUCTORS, INC. for work described as: THIS PROJECT IS LOCATED NE OF COLUMBIA FALLS MT AND CONSISTS OF NEW STEEL GIRDER BRIDGE, REMOVAL OF EXISTING BRIDGE, EMBANKMENT, EXCAVATION, TURNOUT REHABILITATION, CURVE ENHANCEMENT, UTILITY RELOCATIONS AND INSTALLATION OF NEW PARK UTILITIES, SIGNAG Key points: 1. The contract's scope includes significant infrastructure upgrades, such as a new steel girder bridge and utility installations, indicating a complex project. 2. With a duration of 829 days, the project timeline suggests a substantial undertaking requiring careful management and resource allocation. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government, though it places cost risk on the contractor. 4. The project's location in Montana highlights federal investment in regional infrastructure development. 5. The absence of small business set-asides suggests the primary contractor is likely a larger entity, with potential subcontracting opportunities. 6. The project involves multiple construction elements beyond the bridge itself, including embankment, excavation, and turnout rehabilitation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $22.56 million for a bridge construction project of this scale appears reasonable, especially considering the extensive scope which includes new bridge construction, demolition, embankment work, and utility installations. Benchmarking against similar large-scale bridge projects managed by the Federal Highway Administration would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests a degree of cost control and risk transfer to the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This competitive process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives the best value. The number of bidders is not specified, but the full and open nature suggests a robust bidding environment.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through competitive bidding, leading to more efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

Residents and travelers in the vicinity of Columbia Falls, Montana, will benefit from improved transportation infrastructure and a new bridge. The project delivers essential services related to highway, street, and bridge construction, enhancing regional connectivity. The geographic impact is concentrated in Montana, specifically near Columbia Falls, supporting local economic activity. The construction activities will likely involve a significant workforce, including skilled laborers, engineers, and project managers, potentially creating local employment opportunities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite the fixed-price contract.
Delays in project completion could impact the intended benefits and increase overall project costs.
Ensuring the quality of materials and workmanship for a critical infrastructure project like a bridge is paramount.

Positive Signals

The use of a firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the awarding agency.
Awarding to a single contractor streamlines project management and accountability.
The project's comprehensive scope addresses multiple infrastructure needs simultaneously.

Sector Analysis

The Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector is a significant part of the U.S. infrastructure market, driven by federal and state funding for transportation projects. This contract falls within the broader construction industry, specifically focusing on heavy civil engineering. Federal spending in this area is crucial for maintaining and upgrading the nation's transportation network, with projects often involving substantial capital investment and long-term planning. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in reports from the Department of Transportation or industry associations tracking major infrastructure projects.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the primary contract was likely awarded to a larger firm capable of handling the project's scale and complexity. While there's no direct set-aside, the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill specific project requirements, contributing to the small business ecosystem. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess the impact on small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Federal Highway Administration project is likely managed by the Department of Transportation's internal oversight bodies and potentially the agency's Office of Inspector General. The definitive contract structure, awarded through full and open competition, implies adherence to established procurement regulations. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific project-level oversight details may not be publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

Federal Highway Administration Capital Improvement Projects
National Highway System Construction
State Infrastructure Grants
Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays due to weather or unforeseen site conditions.
Risk of material cost escalation impacting contractor's profitability under fixed-price terms.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations during construction activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $22.6 million to BRICE CIVIL CONSTRUCTORS, INC.. THIS PROJECT IS LOCATED NE OF COLUMBIA FALLS MT AND CONSISTS OF NEW STEEL GIRDER BRIDGE, REMOVAL OF EXISTING BRIDGE, EMBANKMENT, EXCAVATION, TURNOUT REHABILITATION, CURVE ENHANCEMENT, UTILITY RELOCATIONS AND INSTALLATION OF NEW PARK UTILITIES, SIGNAG

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRICE CIVIL CONSTRUCTORS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Highway Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $22.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-05-24. End: 2024-08-30.

What is the track record of Brice Civil Constructors, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Transportation?

Brice Civil Constructors, Inc. has a history of engaging with federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation. Analyzing their past performance on similar projects, including contract values, types of services rendered, and any reported performance issues or awards, is crucial for assessing their capability and reliability for this specific project. A review of their federal contract history, available through databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), would reveal the extent of their experience, their success rate in winning bids, and their overall performance metrics. This information helps in understanding if they have a proven ability to deliver complex infrastructure projects on time and within budget, and whether they have a history of compliance with federal regulations and contract terms.

How does the awarded amount of $22.56 million compare to similar bridge construction projects managed by the Federal Highway Administration?

The awarded amount of $22.56 million for this Montana bridge project needs to be benchmarked against similar Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) projects to assess its value for money. Factors such as project complexity, geographic location, specific construction materials (e.g., steel girder), and the scope of ancillary work (embankment, utilities) significantly influence costs. FHWA typically manages a wide range of bridge projects, from smaller replacements to large-scale new constructions. Comparing this contract's value to the average cost per linear foot or per square foot of comparable bridge projects, adjusted for regional economic factors and inflation, would provide a clearer picture of whether the price is competitive and reflects fair market value. Without specific comparable project data, it's challenging to definitively state if this is an exceptional deal or an outlier.

What are the primary risks associated with a project of this magnitude and scope, and how are they being mitigated?

Projects involving new bridge construction, demolition, extensive earthwork, and utility relocations carry inherent risks. These include potential unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., unstable soil, unexpected rock formations), weather-related delays impacting construction schedules, material cost fluctuations, and coordination challenges with utility companies. Given this is a firm-fixed-price contract, the primary financial risk of cost overruns due to these factors lies with the contractor, Brice Civil Constructors, Inc. Mitigation strategies typically involve thorough site investigations prior to bidding, detailed project planning, robust scheduling with contingency allowances, strict quality control measures, and clear communication protocols between the contractor, agency, and any involved third parties like utility providers. The contract's defined scope and performance specifications also serve as risk mitigation tools by setting clear expectations.

What is the expected impact of this project on local employment and the regional economy in Montana?

This significant infrastructure project is expected to have a positive impact on local employment and the regional economy in Montana. The construction phase will require a substantial workforce, including skilled tradespeople (carpenters, ironworkers, equipment operators), engineers, project managers, and support staff. This demand for labor can lead to job creation and increased economic activity through wages spent locally. Furthermore, the project will likely stimulate business for local suppliers of materials, equipment rental companies, and related services. The improved transportation infrastructure resulting from the new bridge and road enhancements can also contribute to long-term economic benefits by facilitating commerce, tourism, and accessibility within the region.

How does the 'definitive contract' award type influence the flexibility and oversight of this project compared to other contract types?

A 'definitive contract' is a type of contract that, once awarded, is considered final and binding, outlining all terms and conditions. In the context of federal procurement, it often refers to a contract that is not an 'undefinitized contract' (like a letter contract), meaning all aspects are clearly defined from the outset. For this project, being a definitive contract awarded under 'full and open competition' with a 'firm fixed price' suggests a high degree of clarity and pre-negotiation regarding scope, cost, and schedule. This generally leads to more predictable oversight, as the parameters are well-established. Flexibility might be limited once the contract is in effect, requiring formal change orders for any deviations. Oversight would focus on ensuring adherence to the defined terms, quality standards, and schedule, with less room for negotiation on fundamental aspects compared to, for example, cost-plus contracts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 69056721B000017

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3700 CENTERPOINT DRIVE SUITE 8173, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,562,108

Exercised Options: $22,562,108

Current Obligation: $22,562,108

Actual Outlays: $22,562,108

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 13

Total Subaward Amount: $13,421,181

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline