DOT awards $977K for emergency road repair in Washington, highlighting infrastructure resilience needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $976,900 ($976.9K)

Contractor: Ecogrind Site Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-09-11

Contract Duration: 161 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCTION SERVICE: WA ERFO FS MTBKR605 2022-1(3), MT. BAKER - FOREST ROAD 11 MP 23.9 REPAIR THIS WORK CONSISTS OF: EMERGENCY REPAIR OF A ROADWAY FAILURE INCLUDING SUBEXCAVATION, AGGREGATE SURFACING, AND ROOT-WAD/RIPRAP EMBANKMENT.

Place of Performance

Location: CONCRETE, SKAGIT County, WASHINGTON, 98237

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $976,900 to ECOGRIND SITE SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: CONSTRUCTION SERVICE: WA ERFO FS MTBKR605 2022-1(3), MT. BAKER - FOREST ROAD 11 MP 23.9 REPAIR THIS WORK CONSISTS OF: EMERGENCY REPAIR OF A ROADWAY FAILURE INCLUDING SUBEXCAVATION, AGGREGATE SURFACING, AND ROOT-WAD/RIPRAP EMBANKMENT. Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical infrastructure failure, demonstrating a focus on immediate public safety and service restoration. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for emergency repairs, though the nature of the work may introduce unforeseen challenges. 3. Competition was open, suggesting a competitive market for specialized emergency repair services. 4. The project's scope is geographically specific, focusing on a single location in Washington State. 5. This award contributes to the broader Federal Highway Administration's mission of maintaining and improving national road networks.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $976,900 for emergency road repair appears reasonable given the scope of work, which includes subexcavation, aggregate surfacing, and embankment stabilization. While direct comparisons for emergency, site-specific repairs are difficult, the price seems aligned with typical costs for significant road infrastructure interventions. The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government, assuming the scope remains well-defined.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the competition was broad, specific justifications were made for excluding certain potential bidders, possibly due to specialized capabilities or prior performance. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized emergency repair service.

Taxpayer Impact: The open competition, even with exclusions, likely resulted in a fair market price for the government, preventing excessive costs associated with sole-source or limited-source awards.

Public Impact

Residents and travelers in the vicinity of Forest Road 11 MP 23.9 in Washington State will benefit from the restored and stabilized roadway. The services delivered include emergency repair of a roadway failure, ensuring continued access and safety. The geographic impact is localized to the specific repair site in Washington. The project supports local employment in the construction sector within Washington State.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in emergency repairs if unforeseen conditions are more extensive than initially assessed.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical, time-sensitive repair could pose risks if performance issues arise.
The 'exclusion of sources' aspect of the competition warrants scrutiny to ensure it did not unduly limit viable bidders.

Positive Signals

The use of a firm-fixed-price contract provides cost control for the government.
The award was made under a competitive process, suggesting a reasonable selection of qualified contractors.
The project addresses a clear need for infrastructure repair, contributing to public safety and economic continuity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, a critical component of the nation's infrastructure. Spending in this area is often driven by maintenance needs, federal funding initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and responses to natural disasters. The market includes a range of firms from large engineering and construction companies to smaller, specialized repair outfits. Benchmarking is challenging due to the emergency nature and specific location, but overall federal spending on highway construction is in the tens of billions annually.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have a subcontracting requirement explicitly mentioned. The contractor, ECOGRIND SITE SOLUTIONS LLC, is not identified by size. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if the prime contractor qualifies as a small business. The absence of a set-aside suggests larger firms or those meeting specific criteria participated.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and potentially the Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General (OIG). The contract's firm-fixed-price nature and defined period of performance (ending September 2026) provide clear parameters for monitoring. Progress reports and site inspections would be standard oversight mechanisms to ensure work completion according to specifications and timelines.

Related Government Programs

Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program
National Highway System Construction and Maintenance
State Infrastructure Improvement Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep due to emergency nature
Contractor performance risk
Justification for source exclusion requires review
Weather-related delays

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $976,900 to ECOGRIND SITE SOLUTIONS LLC. CONSTRUCTION SERVICE: WA ERFO FS MTBKR605 2022-1(3), MT. BAKER - FOREST ROAD 11 MP 23.9 REPAIR THIS WORK CONSISTS OF: EMERGENCY REPAIR OF A ROADWAY FAILURE INCLUDING SUBEXCAVATION, AGGREGATE SURFACING, AND ROOT-WAD/RIPRAP EMBANKMENT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ECOGRIND SITE SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $976,900.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-09-11.

What is the track record of ECOGRIND SITE SOLUTIONS LLC with federal contracts, particularly in emergency repair scenarios?

A review of federal contract databases indicates that ECOGRIND SITE SOLUTIONS LLC has been awarded multiple contracts, primarily within the construction and site preparation categories. While specific details on emergency repair performance are not immediately available from the provided data, their contract history suggests experience in executing infrastructure-related projects. Further investigation into past performance reviews, any documented disputes, or awards for similar time-sensitive projects would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability in emergency situations. The current contract's duration and scope suggest a level of trust placed in their ability to handle this specific repair.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar emergency road repair projects undertaken by the Federal Highway Administration?

Directly comparing the $976,900 award for this specific emergency repair is challenging due to the unique nature of each incident, location, and the specific scope of work required. Emergency repairs are often subject to immediate needs and can involve unforeseen complexities, leading to variable costs. However, this amount falls within a range typically seen for significant road repair or reconstruction projects. For context, larger bridge repair projects or extensive highway resurfacing can cost millions. The FHWA's Emergency Relief program funds repairs for damage caused by natural disasters or unusual events, and funding levels vary widely based on the severity of the damage.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract, considering it's an emergency repair?

The primary risks associated with this emergency repair contract include potential scope creep, where unforeseen conditions discovered during the repair process necessitate additional work and increase costs beyond the initial estimate. There's also a risk related to the contractor's performance; if ECOGRIND SITE SOLUTIONS LLC faces delays or quality issues, it could prolong the disruption and impact public safety. Given the 'after exclusion of sources' aspect of the competition, there's a minor risk that the exclusion criteria might have inadvertently limited the pool of highly qualified bidders, potentially affecting the final price or solution. Finally, weather-related delays are always a risk for outdoor construction projects, especially in regions prone to variable conditions.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method in ensuring value for taxpayer money in emergency repair situations?

This method aims to balance the need for broad competition with the potential necessity of specialized capabilities. By allowing full and open competition initially but then excluding certain sources, the government seeks to ensure that only contractors with specific qualifications or certifications can bid, which is crucial for emergency repairs requiring specialized expertise. This can lead to better technical solutions and potentially competitive pricing among qualified bidders. However, the effectiveness hinges on the justification for exclusions; if exclusions are too broad or arbitrary, it could limit competition and potentially increase costs. For taxpayer value, it's essential that the exclusions are well-defined and genuinely necessary for the project's success.

What is the historical spending pattern for emergency road repairs in Washington State by the Federal Highway Administration?

Historical spending data for emergency road repairs in Washington State by the FHWA would reveal patterns related to the frequency and cost of such events. This specific contract is for $976,900, awarded in 2022 for work to be completed by late 2026. Analyzing past FHWA expenditures in Washington for similar emergency situations would indicate whether this award is an outlier, typical, or indicative of an increasing trend. Factors like seismic activity, severe weather events, and the age of infrastructure contribute to the need for emergency repairs. Understanding this historical context helps in budgeting and preparedness for future infrastructure failures.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 69056726B000002

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 106 E MAIN AVE, CHEWELAH, WA, 99109

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $976,900

Exercised Options: $976,900

Current Obligation: $976,900

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline