Hamilton Construction awarded $16.9M for Sun River Bridge Replacement, a significant infrastructure investment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,904,108 ($16.9M)

Contractor: Hamilton Construction CO

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-01-13

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 656 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: FUNDS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MT FLAP BOR 2980(1), SUN RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT. PROJECT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF A 3 SPAN, 462-FOOT LONG PRECAST-POST-TENSIONED GIRDER BRIDGE WITH A PRECAST CONCRETE DECK.

Place of Performance

Location: AUGUSTA, LEWIS AND CLARK County, MONTANA, 59410

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $16.9 million to HAMILTON CONSTRUCTION CO for work described as: FUNDS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MT FLAP BOR 2980(1), SUN RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT. PROJECT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF A 3 SPAN, 462-FOOT LONG PRECAST-POST-TENSIONED GIRDER BRIDGE WITH A PRECAST CONCRETE DECK. Key points: 1. The contract's firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the bridge replacement. 2. Competition was robust with 5 bidders, suggesting a competitive market for this type of construction. 3. The project's duration of 656 days indicates a substantial undertaking requiring careful project management. 4. This project falls under the critical infrastructure category of highway, street, and bridge construction. 5. The award to Hamilton Construction Co. represents a key investment in Montana's transportation network.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $16.9 million contract for the Sun River Bridge Replacement appears to be a reasonable investment for a project of this scale. While specific cost breakdowns are not provided, the firm-fixed-price nature of the contract suggests an effort to establish a clear budget. Benchmarking against similar bridge replacement projects would provide further insight into the value for money, but the scope of a 462-foot, 3-span bridge with a precast concrete deck indicates a complex and significant undertaking.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, with five bids received. This level of competition is generally positive, indicating that multiple qualified contractors were interested and able to bid on the project. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing and a greater likelihood that the government is receiving fair market value for the services rendered. The agency's selection process likely involved evaluating technical proposals and pricing from these five entities.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition for this bridge replacement project suggests that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently, as multiple firms vied to secure the contract, likely driving down the final price.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in Montana will benefit from an improved and safer transportation route. The project will deliver a new 462-foot, 3-span bridge, enhancing structural integrity and traffic flow. The geographic impact is concentrated in Montana, specifically along the Sun River route. Construction activities will likely create temporary employment opportunities for skilled labor in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for construction delays impacting the 656-day timeline.
Unforeseen site conditions could lead to cost overruns despite the fixed-price contract.
Environmental impacts during construction need careful monitoring and mitigation.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market and potentially good pricing.
Project addresses critical infrastructure needs, enhancing safety and connectivity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, a vital part of the nation's infrastructure. This sector is characterized by large-scale projects requiring specialized engineering and construction capabilities. Spending in this area is often driven by federal and state initiatives aimed at maintaining and upgrading transportation networks. The market size for such projects can be substantial, with numerous firms competing for significant government contracts.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside provisions. While the prime contractor is Hamilton Construction Co., there is no explicit information regarding subcontracting goals for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are expected to participate in the subcontracting opportunities generated by this project.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this project will likely be managed by the Federal Highway Administration, a division of the Department of Transportation. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, which sets clear deliverables and payment terms. Transparency is typically maintained through contract award notices and project progress reporting. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Highway Administration Bridge Improvement Programs
National Highway System Construction Projects
State Infrastructure Improvement Grants

Risk Flags

Potential for construction delays
Risk of unforeseen site conditions
Impact of weather on project timeline
Need for effective traffic management during construction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $16.9 million to HAMILTON CONSTRUCTION CO. FUNDS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MT FLAP BOR 2980(1), SUN RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT. PROJECT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF A 3 SPAN, 462-FOOT LONG PRECAST-POST-TENSIONED GIRDER BRIDGE WITH A PRECAST CONCRETE DECK.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HAMILTON CONSTRUCTION CO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-13. End: 2026-10-31.

What is Hamilton Construction Co.'s track record with similar federal infrastructure projects?

Hamilton Construction Co. has a history of undertaking significant civil engineering and construction projects. While specific details on past federal contracts are not provided in this data snippet, their involvement in a project of this magnitude suggests they possess the necessary experience and capacity. A deeper dive into their contract history with the Department of Transportation and other federal agencies would reveal their performance on similar bridge construction, highway projects, or other large-scale infrastructure developments. This would include examining past project timelines, budget adherence, and any reported performance issues or commendations.

How does the $16.9 million cost compare to similar bridge replacement projects nationwide?

Benchmarking the $16.9 million cost against similar bridge replacement projects requires detailed comparison of project scope, complexity, location, and economic conditions. Factors such as bridge span length, material used, site accessibility, and local labor costs significantly influence pricing. A 462-foot, 3-span precast-post-tensioned girder bridge with a precast concrete deck is a substantial structure. Without specific data on comparable projects, it's difficult to definitively state if this cost is high or low. However, the firm-fixed-price contract and full and open competition suggest an effort to achieve competitive pricing for the defined scope.

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

The primary risks associated with this bridge replacement project include potential construction delays due to weather, unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., soil stability, underground utilities), and material or labor shortages. Given the firm-fixed-price contract, cost overruns due to these risks would primarily impact the contractor, but significant delays could still affect the project's overall timeline and public inconvenience. Environmental compliance during construction and ensuring minimal disruption to existing traffic and local communities are also key risk areas that require careful management.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract in managing costs for this project?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract is generally considered effective in managing costs for projects with well-defined scopes, such as this bridge replacement. It shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, incentivizing them to control expenses and complete the work within the agreed-upon price. For the government, an FFP contract provides budget certainty. However, its effectiveness can be diminished if the initial scope is poorly defined, leading to change orders, or if unforeseen circumstances necessitate significant contract modifications. The success of this FFP contract will depend on the accuracy of the initial cost estimates and the contractor's ability to manage risks.

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

Historical spending trends for bridge construction by the Department of Transportation (DOT) typically show significant and consistent investment, driven by the need to maintain and upgrade the nation's aging infrastructure. Federal funding for bridges is often allocated through programs like the Federal Highway Administration's Highway Trust Fund, which supports state and local projects. Spending levels can fluctuate based on economic conditions, infrastructure initiatives, and available appropriations. Analyzing multi-year DOT budget data and contract awards for bridge projects would reveal patterns in funding allocation, project types, and average contract values, providing context for the current $16.9 million award.

What are the implications of the 656-day duration on the local economy and traffic?

A 656-day duration for the Sun River Bridge replacement project implies a significant, long-term impact on the local economy and traffic patterns. Economically, the project will likely provide sustained employment for construction workers and support local businesses through demand for materials and services. However, traffic implications could include detours, increased travel times, and potential disruption to local commerce if the bridge is a key artery. Effective traffic management plans and clear communication with the public will be crucial to mitigate negative impacts and ensure the project's benefits are realized efficiently.

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: 69056724B000016

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2213 S F ST, SPRINGFIELD, OR, 97477

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,904,108

Exercised Options: $16,904,108

Current Obligation: $16,904,108

Actual Outlays: $7,643,732

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline