DOT Awards $23M for Natchez Trace Parkway Drainage Improvements, Covering 83 Miles

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,064,071 ($23.1M)

Contractor: Estes Bros. Const. Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2024-06-03

End Date: 2028-01-31

Contract Duration: 1,337 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: PROJECT NP NATR 3N17, 3H26, ETC. - THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF THE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS OF THE NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY (NATR) FROM MILEPOST (MP) 121 TO MP 204 INCLUDING SOME PARKING AREAS. THE WORK CONSISTS OF DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF DESIGNATED INLETS

Place of Performance

Location: KOSCIUSKO, ATTALA County, MISSISSIPPI, 39090

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $23.1 million to ESTES BROS. CONST. INC. for work described as: PROJECT NP NATR 3N17, 3H26, ETC. - THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF THE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS OF THE NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY (NATR) FROM MILEPOST (MP) 121 TO MP 204 INCLUDING SOME PARKING AREAS. THE WORK CONSISTS OF DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF DESIGNATED INLETS Key points: 1. Significant infrastructure investment in Mississippi's Natchez Trace Parkway. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk appears moderate, focusing on construction execution and weather delays. 4. Sector is Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction, a critical infrastructure area.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar large-scale highway construction projects is needed for a definitive value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was utilized, allowing multiple bidders to participate. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential infrastructure maintenance and improvement, enhancing the longevity and safety of a national parkway.

Public Impact

Enhances safety and accessibility of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Supports local economy through construction jobs and material sourcing. Preserves a significant historical and recreational resource for public use. Addresses critical drainage issues to prevent erosion and road damage.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for construction delays due to weather or unforeseen site conditions.
Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Scope definition for 'some parking areas' could lead to change orders.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract limits cost overrun risk for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive award price.
Project addresses essential infrastructure maintenance needs.

Sector Analysis

This project falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, which is vital for national transportation networks. Spending in this sector often fluctuates with infrastructure initiatives and economic conditions.

Small Business Impact

While the prime contractor is Estes Bros. Const. Inc., the data does not specify subcontracting goals or participation by small businesses in this particular contract. Further review would be needed to assess small business impact.

Oversight & Accountability

The Federal Highway Administration is the contracting agency, responsible for oversight. The definitive contract award suggests a structured process, but ongoing monitoring of performance and adherence to schedule is crucial.

Related Government Programs

Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Highway Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration of over 3 years.
Potential for weather-related delays in Mississippi.
Scope ambiguity in 'some parking areas'.
Large geographical area of work (83 miles).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $23.1 million to ESTES BROS. CONST. INC.. PROJECT NP NATR 3N17, 3H26, ETC. - THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF THE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS OF THE NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY (NATR) FROM MILEPOST (MP) 121 TO MP 204 INCLUDING SOME PARKING AREAS. THE WORK CONSISTS OF DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF DESIGNATED INLETS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ESTES BROS. CONST. INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-03. End: 2028-01-31.

What is the historical cost performance of Estes Bros. Const. Inc. on similar federal contracts?

Analyzing the contractor's past performance on comparable federal projects is essential to gauge their reliability and cost control capabilities. This includes reviewing past contract values, completion times, and any documented issues or disputes. A strong track record suggests a lower risk of cost overruns and schedule delays for this current drainage improvement project.

How will potential environmental impacts during construction be mitigated?

Drainage improvements can have environmental implications, particularly concerning water runoff and potential disruption to local ecosystems. The contract should detail specific mitigation measures, such as sediment control, erosion prevention, and waste management plans. The agency's oversight will be critical in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and minimizing any negative ecological effects.

What is the projected long-term benefit of these drainage improvements to the Parkway's infrastructure?

The primary benefit is the prevention of further erosion and structural damage to the Natchez Trace Parkway caused by inadequate drainage. This investment is expected to extend the lifespan of the roadway and associated parking areas, reducing future maintenance costs and ensuring continued safe access for visitors. Quantifying the avoided costs from potential future repairs would highlight the project's long-term value.

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: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: 693C7324R000004

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 126 SUGAR RUN RD, JONESVILLE, VA, 24263

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,064,071

Exercised Options: $23,064,071

Current Obligation: $23,064,071

Actual Outlays: $16,598,117

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline