DOT awards $2.87M for Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest road repairs, focusing on engineering services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $286,719 ($286.7K)

Contractor: HDR Engineering, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-12-30

Contract Duration: 268 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: AE CI/CPE SERVICES FOR WA ERFO FS MTBKR605 2020-1(1), MT. BAKER SNOQUALMIE ERFO REPAIRS 2020, PHASE 1 & WA ERFO FS MTBKR605 2022-1(1), MT. BAKER SNOQUALMIE ERFO REPAIRS 2022

Place of Performance

Location: PORTLAND, MULTNOMAH County, OREGON, 97204

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $286,718.82 to HDR ENGINEERING, INC. for work described as: AE CI/CPE SERVICES FOR WA ERFO FS MTBKR605 2020-1(1), MT. BAKER SNOQUALMIE ERFO REPAIRS 2020, PHASE 1 & WA ERFO FS MTBKR605 2022-1(1), MT. BAKER SNOQUALMIE ERFO REPAIRS 2022 Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential engineering services for critical infrastructure repair. 2. The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract is 268 days, indicating a focused scope of work. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which transfers risk to the contractor. 5. The award is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger contract vehicle. 6. The geographic focus is Oregon, impacting regional infrastructure development.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.87 million for engineering services appears reasonable for the scope of work involving road repairs in a national forest. Benchmarking against similar engineering service contracts for infrastructure projects of this scale would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the government has negotiated a set price, which can be advantageous if the contractor manages costs effectively. However, without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to industry standards for specific engineering tasks, a definitive value-for-money judgment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of multiple bidders, though not explicitly stated in the provided data, is generally expected in such a scenario. This level of competition is favorable for price discovery and ensures that the government receives offers from a wide range of qualified contractors, potentially leading to more competitive pricing and better service offerings.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces. It ensures that public funds are used efficiently by selecting the most cost-effective and technically capable solution available.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the users of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest roads, including recreational visitors and those involved in resource management. The services delivered will focus on engineering solutions for road repairs, ensuring safer and more accessible routes. The geographic impact is concentrated within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, primarily in Oregon. The contract supports the engineering sector workforce, potentially creating or sustaining jobs for engineers and related technical professionals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial repair estimates are inaccurate.
Dependence on contractor's expertise for accurate engineering assessments.
Environmental considerations during repair work could impact timelines and costs.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract mitigates cost overrun risk for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Focus on essential infrastructure repair aligns with public service goals.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, a critical component of the broader Construction and Infrastructure industry. The market for engineering services supporting public infrastructure is substantial, driven by ongoing needs for maintenance, repair, and development of transportation networks, utilities, and public facilities. Spending in this sector is often influenced by federal and state funding initiatives for infrastructure improvement. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other federal contracts for similar road and bridge engineering services, particularly those administered by agencies like the Federal Highway Administration.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside provision. The prime contractor, HDR ENGINEERING, INC., is likely a large business, and any subcontracting opportunities would be at their discretion.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily be managed by the Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Accountability measures are embedded in the Firm Fixed Price contract type, which incentivizes the contractor to adhere to the agreed-upon scope and budget. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Highway Administration Road Repair Programs
National Forest Service Infrastructure Maintenance
Department of Transportation Engineering Services Contracts
Public Lands Infrastructure Improvement Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not clearly defined.
Risk of inadequate engineering design leading to future structural issues.
Environmental compliance challenges could delay project timelines.
Contractor performance risk: ensuring timely and quality delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $286,718.82 to HDR ENGINEERING, INC.. AE CI/CPE SERVICES FOR WA ERFO FS MTBKR605 2020-1(1), MT. BAKER SNOQUALMIE ERFO REPAIRS 2020, PHASE 1 & WA ERFO FS MTBKR605 2022-1(1), MT. BAKER SNOQUALMIE ERFO REPAIRS 2022

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HDR ENGINEERING, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $286,718.82.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-12-30.

What is HDR ENGINEERING, INC.'s track record with the Federal Highway Administration and similar infrastructure projects?

HDR ENGINEERING, INC. has a significant history of working with federal agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), on various infrastructure projects. Their portfolio often includes complex engineering and design services for transportation systems, such as highways, bridges, and transit. Analyzing their past performance on similar road repair and maintenance contracts within national forests or other public lands would provide insight into their capabilities, on-time delivery rates, and adherence to budget. A review of past FHWA contract awards to HDR would reveal the scale and nature of their previous engagements, helping to assess their suitability and reliability for this specific project. Their extensive experience suggests a strong understanding of federal contracting requirements and engineering best practices.

How does the $2.87 million contract value compare to similar engineering services for national forest road repairs?

The $2.87 million contract value for engineering services related to road repairs in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest needs to be benchmarked against similar projects to assess its value. Factors influencing cost include the complexity of the terrain, the extent of the damage, the specific engineering tasks required (e.g., geotechnical surveys, structural design, environmental assessments), and the duration of the engineering effort. Comparing this award to other FHWA or Forest Service contracts for road repair engineering in comparable national forest environments would provide context. If this value is significantly higher or lower than average for similar scopes of work, it could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing/underbidding. Without specific comparable data, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or fair value.

What are the primary risks associated with this engineering services contract for road repairs?

Key risks for this contract include potential scope creep, where unforeseen issues during the assessment phase necessitate additional engineering work beyond the initial contract scope. There's also a risk related to the accuracy of initial assessments and designs, which could lead to costly rework or construction problems if not properly addressed. Environmental factors, such as weather delays or the discovery of sensitive ecological areas, could impact project timelines and require adaptive engineering solutions. Furthermore, reliance on the contractor's expertise means that any deficiencies in their analysis or design could have downstream consequences. The firm fixed-price nature transfers some financial risk to the contractor, but significant unforeseen technical challenges could still pose risks to timely completion.

How effective are engineering service contracts like this in ensuring the long-term durability of national forest roads?

The effectiveness of engineering service contracts in ensuring long-term road durability hinges on the quality of the engineering work performed. A well-executed contract should result in thorough assessments, robust designs, and appropriate material specifications that address the unique challenges of national forest environments (e.g., varied topography, weather extremes, heavy loads). High-quality engineering plans are crucial for selecting the right repair methods and materials, thereby extending the lifespan of the roads and minimizing future maintenance needs. Conversely, inadequate engineering can lead to premature failures, requiring more frequent and costly repairs. The selection of a qualified and experienced engineering firm, coupled with effective government oversight, is paramount to achieving long-term durability.

What is the historical spending pattern for engineering services related to national forest road maintenance and repair?

Historical spending on engineering services for national forest road maintenance and repair is influenced by several factors, including the overall federal budget allocated to agencies like the Forest Service and FHWA, the condition of existing infrastructure, and the prioritization of repair projects. Spending can fluctuate year-to-year based on funding availability and emergency repair needs (e.g., after severe weather events). Analyzing historical data would reveal trends in contract values, the types of engineering services most frequently procured, and the average duration and cost of such contracts. Understanding these patterns helps in forecasting future needs and budgeting appropriately, as well as identifying any significant shifts in spending priorities or contract award strategies over time.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: HDR, Inc

Address: 1050 SW 6TH AVE STE 1800, PORTLAND, OR, 97204

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: $286,719

Exercised Options: $286,719

Current Obligation: $286,719

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 69056721D000004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline