DOT Awards $750K Contract for Steel Tension Member Inspection to Michael Baker International
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $749,968 ($750.0K)
Contractor: Michael Baker International, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2024-09-23
End Date: 2029-09-22
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $411/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Transportation
Official Description: RESEARCH PROJECT INSPECTION OF NONREDUNDANT STEEL TENSION MEMBERS
Place of Performance
Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15219
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $749,968 to MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: RESEARCH PROJECT INSPECTION OF NONREDUNDANT STEEL TENSION MEMBERS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential infrastructure inspection services. 2. Michael Baker International, a large firm, secured the contract. 3. The contract duration is 5 years, indicating a long-term need. 4. The fixed-price contract aims to control costs for the government.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $750,000 over five years appears reasonable for specialized engineering inspection services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for bridge and structural inspections would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair pricing and identify the most capable offeror.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is designed to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary infrastructure maintenance and safety.
Public Impact
Ensures the safety and integrity of critical transportation infrastructure. Supports the maintenance and longevity of U.S. bridges and roads. Provides specialized engineering expertise for complex structural components.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 41 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration may exceed actual need.
- Potential for scope creep in inspection requirements.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical safety inspections.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Firm fixed-price contract type.
- Long-term contract supports consistent infrastructure oversight.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically related to infrastructure inspection. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining public safety and the lifespan of transportation assets.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Michael Baker International, Inc., a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Federal Highway Administration is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard contract management practices should ensure adherence to scope, quality, and budget.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Highway Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for contractor lock-in due to specialized nature.
- Risk of underestimation of inspection complexity.
- Dependence on contractor's quality control processes.
- Long contract duration may not align with evolving inspection technologies.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-transportation, pa, definitive-contract, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $749,968 to MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.. RESEARCH PROJECT INSPECTION OF NONREDUNDANT STEEL TENSION MEMBERS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Highway Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $749,968.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-23. End: 2029-09-22.
What is the specific scope of 'nonredundant steel tension members' and how does it impact the inspection complexity?
Nonredundant steel tension members are critical structural elements where failure could lead to catastrophic collapse, as there are no alternative load paths. Their inspection requires specialized expertise to identify subtle signs of fatigue, corrosion, or material defects. The complexity lies in the detailed analysis of stress points and potential failure modes, demanding highly skilled engineers and advanced NDT techniques.
How does the firm fixed-price contract mitigate risks associated with potential cost overruns during the 5-year period?
A firm fixed-price contract shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, Michael Baker International. The contractor is obligated to complete the work within the agreed-upon price, regardless of unforeseen difficulties or increased costs. This incentivizes efficient performance and cost management by the contractor, protecting the government from budget fluctuations.
What metrics will be used to assess the effectiveness of the inspection services provided by Michael Baker International?
Effectiveness will likely be measured by the accuracy and thoroughness of inspection reports, the identification of potential structural issues before they become critical, and adherence to inspection schedules and methodologies. Key performance indicators could include the number of defects identified, the timeliness of reporting, and the successful completion of all contractually mandated inspections without incident.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Transportation R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 693JJ323BAA0001
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: THE Parsons Corporation
Address: 500 GRANT ST STE 5400, PITTSBURGH, PA, 15219
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,134,968
Exercised Options: $1,134,968
Current Obligation: $749,968
Actual Outlays: $72,558
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-23
Current End Date: 2029-09-22
Potential End Date: 2029-09-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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