DOT awards $34M for Wyoming bridge construction, highlighting infrastructure investment needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,964,645 ($34.0M)

Contractor: M.A. Deatley Construction, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2022-04-11

End Date: 2025-11-07

Contract Duration: 1,306 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: WY NPS YELL 14(1), LEWIS RIVER BRIDGE

Place of Performance

Location: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, PARK County, WYOMING, 82190

State: Wyoming Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $34.0 million to M.A. DEATLEY CONSTRUCTION, INC. for work described as: WY NPS YELL 14(1), LEWIS RIVER BRIDGE Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in regional infrastructure. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially efficient pricing environment. 3. Project duration indicates a long-term commitment to infrastructure development. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type offers cost certainty for the government. 5. Focus on bridge construction aligns with national infrastructure priorities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $33.96 million for the Lewis River Bridge project appears reasonable given the scope of highway, street, and bridge construction. Benchmarking against similar large-scale bridge projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overruns, which is a positive indicator for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. With 3 bids received, the competition level suggests a healthy market for this type of construction. This level of competition generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces, ensuring federal funds are used efficiently for infrastructure projects.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in Wyoming will benefit from improved transportation infrastructure. The project will deliver essential bridge construction and repair services. Geographic impact is concentrated in Wyoming, supporting regional connectivity. The construction project is likely to create jobs for skilled laborers and engineers in the area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for construction delays impacting project timeline and cost.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations during construction.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process.
Long contract duration allows for thorough project execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, a critical component of the broader construction industry. Federal spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large bridge or highway projects awarded by the Department of Transportation or state agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate a small business set-aside, and the prime contractor, M.A. Deatley Construction, Inc., is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities are being leveraged to support the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

The Federal Highway Administration, under the Department of Transportation, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms would include regular progress reports, site inspections, and adherence to contract specifications. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting of federal spending.

Related Government Programs

National Highway System
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Federal-Aid Highway Program

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if material prices escalate significantly.
Risk of project delays due to weather or unforeseen site conditions.
Ensuring adequate skilled labor availability for the duration of the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $34.0 million to M.A. DEATLEY CONSTRUCTION, INC.. WY NPS YELL 14(1), LEWIS RIVER BRIDGE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is M.A. DEATLEY CONSTRUCTION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-04-11. End: 2025-11-07.

What is the track record of M.A. Deatley Construction, Inc. on similar federal projects?

M.A. Deatley Construction, Inc. has a history of performing construction work, including highway and bridge projects. Analyzing their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those with the Department of Transportation or similar agencies, would reveal their reliability, quality of work, and adherence to schedules and budgets. Reviewing contract databases for past awards, modifications, and any performance issues or disputes would provide a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and suitability for projects of this magnitude. Their experience with firm fixed-price contracts and full and open competition would also be relevant factors.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or initial solicitations?

The awarded amount of $33,964,645.28 for the Lewis River Bridge project needs to be compared against the initial cost estimates or the range of bids received. If the awarded amount is significantly lower than the government's estimate or the highest bid, it suggests successful price negotiation and effective competition. Conversely, if it's close to or exceeds the estimate, further scrutiny of the pricing structure and scope might be warranted. The number of bids (3) provides some context, but knowing the spread between the bids would offer deeper insight into the competitive landscape and potential for cost savings.

What are the primary risks associated with this bridge construction project?

Key risks for this bridge construction project include potential construction delays due to unforeseen site conditions, weather disruptions, or supply chain issues. Material cost fluctuations, especially for steel and concrete, could impact the firm fixed-price contract if not adequately managed. Labor availability and safety compliance are also critical risk areas. Environmental compliance and permitting challenges can lead to delays and additional costs. The long duration of the contract (over 1300 days) increases the exposure to these risks over time.

How effective has the Federal Highway Administration been in managing similar bridge construction contracts?

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) generally has a strong track record in managing large-scale infrastructure projects, including bridge construction. Their effectiveness is often measured by project completion rates, adherence to budget, and the long-term performance of the constructed infrastructure. Analyzing past FHWA-managed bridge projects for cost overruns, schedule slippage, and post-construction issues would provide specific insights. The agency's robust oversight processes, including engineering reviews and quality assurance programs, are designed to mitigate risks and ensure project success.

What is the historical spending trend for bridge construction by the Department of Transportation?

Historical spending by the Department of Transportation (DOT) on bridge construction has generally been substantial, reflecting the ongoing need to maintain and upgrade the nation's aging bridge infrastructure. Spending levels are often influenced by federal transportation funding authorizations, such as the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Analyzing DOT's budget allocations and contract awards over the past decade would reveal trends in investment, highlighting periods of increased or decreased spending, and the types of bridge projects prioritized. This specific $34 million award fits within the broader pattern of significant federal investment in this sector.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 69056721R000009

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 829 EVANS RD, CLARKSTON, WA, 99403

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,964,645

Exercised Options: $33,964,645

Current Obligation: $33,964,645

Actual Outlays: $33,377,205

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 69056719D000005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline