Blue Ridge Parkway Repair Project Awarded for $14.6M to Central Southern Construction Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,661,421 ($14.7M)

Contractor: Central Southern Construction Corp.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2024-12-26

End Date: 2027-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,100 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: PROJECT NC ERFO NP BLRI 2024-1(1): THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF REPAIRING DAMAGE TO THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY CAUSED BY HURRICANE HELENE. THE WORK INCLUDES TWO SLIDE REPAIRS WITH REINFORCED SOIL SLOPE (RSS), DEEP PATCH, MINIMAL TREE REMOVAL FOR ACCESS, DITC

Place of Performance

Location: ASHEVILLE, BUNCOMBE County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28805

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $14.7 million to CENTRAL SOUTHERN CONSTRUCTION CORP. for work described as: PROJECT NC ERFO NP BLRI 2024-1(1): THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF REPAIRING DAMAGE TO THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY CAUSED BY HURRICANE HELENE. THE WORK INCLUDES TWO SLIDE REPAIRS WITH REINFORCED SOIL SLOPE (RSS), DEEP PATCH, MINIMAL TREE REMOVAL FOR ACCESS, DITC Key points: 1. Project addresses critical infrastructure damage from Hurricane Helene. 2. Repair involves complex slide remediation using Reinforced Soil Slope (RSS) technology. 3. Contract awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract aims to control costs for taxpayer funds.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.6M appears reasonable for extensive slide repairs on a major national parkway. Benchmarking against similar large-scale infrastructure repair projects would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, but with an exclusion of sources. This suggests a specific justification for excluding certain potential bidders, which could impact the breadth of price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of competitive bidding, even with exclusions, aims to secure a fair price for the repairs, minimizing unnecessary taxpayer expense.

Public Impact

Restoration of a vital national parkway, improving access and safety for visitors. Economic stimulus through construction jobs and material procurement in North Carolina. Mitigation of further environmental damage by stabilizing damaged slopes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen geological issues arise during slide repair.
Limited competition due to source exclusion could impact final price.
Project duration extends over multiple years, increasing exposure to economic fluctuations.

Positive Signals

Addresses urgent post-disaster infrastructure needs.
Utilizes advanced engineering solutions (RSS) for durable repairs.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This project falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector. Spending in this sector is often driven by infrastructure needs, disaster recovery, and federal/state funding initiatives. Benchmarks vary widely based on project scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Federal Highway Administration is responsible for overseeing this project. Oversight will be critical to ensure adherence to the contract, quality of work, and timely completion, especially given the technical nature of the repairs.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Reliance on specialized construction techniques (RSS) may limit contractor pool.
Extended project duration increases risk exposure.
Source exclusion in competition warrants further scrutiny for optimal pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $14.7 million to CENTRAL SOUTHERN CONSTRUCTION CORP.. PROJECT NC ERFO NP BLRI 2024-1(1): THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF REPAIRING DAMAGE TO THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY CAUSED BY HURRICANE HELENE. THE WORK INCLUDES TWO SLIDE REPAIRS WITH REINFORCED SOIL SLOPE (RSS), DEEP PATCH, MINIMAL TREE REMOVAL FOR ACCESS, DITC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CENTRAL SOUTHERN CONSTRUCTION CORP..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-12-26. End: 2027-12-31.

What was the specific reason for excluding sources in this 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award?

The exclusion of sources typically occurs when there's a specific, documented reason why only certain contractors can perform the work. This could be due to proprietary technology, unique expertise, national security concerns, or prior involvement in the damage assessment. Understanding this reason is crucial for assessing if the competition was truly as open as possible and if the pricing reflects the best possible value.

How does the cost of Reinforced Soil Slope (RSS) technology compare to alternative slide repair methods for this project?

The cost-effectiveness of RSS technology versus traditional methods like retaining walls or extensive excavation depends on site-specific conditions, soil stability, and long-term performance requirements. While RSS can offer advantages in speed and adaptability, its initial material and installation costs might be higher. A detailed cost-benefit analysis comparing RSS to alternatives would clarify if this choice optimizes long-term value for the taxpayer.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) being tracked to ensure the effectiveness and durability of the slide repairs?

Effective oversight should include KPIs focused on structural integrity (e.g., monitoring settlement, slope stability), material quality, adherence to design specifications, and environmental compliance. Tracking these metrics throughout the construction and into a post-construction warranty period will ensure the repairs are effective, durable, and provide lasting value, preventing future costly interventions.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 693C7325R000027

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2410 HARPER ST, JACKSONVILLE, FL, 32204

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,661,421

Exercised Options: $14,661,421

Current Obligation: $14,661,421

Actual Outlays: $11,297,507

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693C7320D000015

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline