Minuteman Missile Access Road Construction contract awarded for $5.98M to Pine Bluffs Gravel & Excavating, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,980,000 ($6.0M)

Contractor: Pine Bluffs Gravel & Excavating, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-03-06

End Date: 2026-09-18

Contract Duration: 196 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CO OMAD 300(70) MINUTEMAN MISSILE ACCESS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION, INCLUDING RE-GRAVELING SEVERAL MILES OF EXISTING GRAVEL ROADS IN VARIOUS COUNTIES WITHIN COLORADO, NEBRASKA, AND WYOMING.

Place of Performance

Location: FE WARREN AFB, LARAMIE County, WYOMING, 82001

State: Wyoming Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $6.0 million to PINE BLUFFS GRAVEL & EXCAVATING, INC. for work described as: CO OMAD 300(70) MINUTEMAN MISSILE ACCESS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION, INCLUDING RE-GRAVELING SEVERAL MILES OF EXISTING GRAVEL ROADS IN VARIOUS COUNTIES WITHIN COLORADO, NEBRASKA, AND WYOMING. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on essential road construction and maintenance for missile access, supporting critical infrastructure. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. The project spans multiple states, requiring coordination across different geographic regions. 5. The duration of the contract is relatively short, focusing on specific construction phases. 6. The contract value is moderate, suggesting a focused scope of work.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.98 million for road construction appears reasonable given the scope of re-graveling several miles of roads across three states. Benchmarking against similar federal highway construction projects of comparable size and complexity would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that while the competition was open, certain sources may have been excluded based on specific criteria. The presence of 7 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition, which typically leads to better pricing and value for the government. The specific exclusion criteria, if detailed, would offer further insight into the competition dynamics.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely resulted in a more favorable price compared to a sole-source award. The multiple bids received indicate that the government received a range of options, allowing for selection of the most cost-effective proposal.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the military personnel and support staff requiring access to Minuteman Missile sites. The contract delivers essential road construction and maintenance services, ensuring operational readiness. The geographic impact covers counties within Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for construction workers and related trades in the affected regions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen geological or environmental challenges arise during construction.
Dependence on timely material procurement and availability, which could be subject to market fluctuations.
Coordination challenges across multiple states and counties, potentially leading to logistical complexities.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits the government's exposure to cost overruns.
Multiple bidders indicate a competitive environment, likely driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Clear definition of work (re-graveling roads) suggests a focused and manageable project scope.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader construction sector, specifically focusing on heavy civil engineering and infrastructure development. The market for road construction is competitive, with numerous firms capable of undertaking such projects. The value of this contract is modest within the context of large-scale federal infrastructure spending, but it is critical for maintaining access to vital defense assets. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other federal contracts for road maintenance and construction in similar geographic and operational contexts.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Pine Bluffs Gravel & Excavating, Inc., and the data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions or subcontracting requirements. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem through this specific contract appears limited unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess the impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would likely be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program office within the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified road improvements. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, though detailed project progress reports may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Minuteman Missile Program
Federal Highway Administration Construction Contracts
Department of Defense Infrastructure Support
Road Maintenance and Construction Services

Risk Flags

Potential for weather-related delays impacting construction schedule.
Risk of unforeseen subsurface conditions affecting excavation and road base.
Dependence on timely delivery of construction materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $6.0 million to PINE BLUFFS GRAVEL & EXCAVATING, INC.. CO OMAD 300(70) MINUTEMAN MISSILE ACCESS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION, INCLUDING RE-GRAVELING SEVERAL MILES OF EXISTING GRAVEL ROADS IN VARIOUS COUNTIES WITHIN COLORADO, NEBRASKA, AND WYOMING.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PINE BLUFFS GRAVEL & EXCAVATING, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-06. End: 2026-09-18.

What is the track record of Pine Bluffs Gravel & Excavating, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Transportation?

A review of federal contract databases indicates that Pine Bluffs Gravel & Excavating, Inc. has been awarded multiple federal contracts, primarily with the Department of Transportation and the General Services Administration. These contracts have generally been for construction and maintenance services, including road work and site improvements. While the company has a history of federal engagement, a deeper dive into past performance reviews, any past disputes, or contract modifications would be necessary to fully assess their track record specifically for a project of this nature and scale. The current contract's value of $5.98 million is substantial, suggesting a level of trust and demonstrated capability by the agency.

How does the awarded price of $5.98 million compare to similar road construction projects for military installations?

Directly comparing the $5.98 million price tag to similar road construction projects for military installations is challenging without specific project details like mileage, terrain, materials used, and the specific scope of work (e.g., new construction vs. re-graveling). However, the contract's description as 're-graveling several miles of existing gravel roads' suggests a focus on maintenance and improvement rather than entirely new construction. Federal contracts for road construction can range widely in cost. For context, smaller-scale road repairs might cost hundreds of thousands, while major highway construction can run into hundreds of millions. This contract's value appears moderate for its described scope, especially considering it spans three states, implying a need for efficient project management and potentially standardized work processes.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific road construction contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential environmental factors (e.g., soil conditions, weather delays impacting gravel application and compaction), material cost fluctuations for gravel and related supplies, and logistical challenges in coordinating work across multiple counties and states. Mitigation strategies are primarily embedded in the contract structure. The firm fixed-price nature shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor. The contract duration (approx. 6 months) provides a defined timeframe, and the 'Full and Open Competition' process likely selected a contractor with demonstrated experience in managing such risks. Specific contract clauses regarding performance standards, material quality, and delivery schedules would further define mitigation.

What is the expected effectiveness of the re-graveling work in improving access and operational readiness for the Minuteman Missile sites?

The effectiveness of the re-graveling work is expected to be high in terms of improving access and operational readiness. Well-maintained gravel roads are crucial for the safe and efficient movement of personnel, vehicles, and equipment to and from missile silos. Poor road conditions can lead to vehicle damage, delays, and increased wear and tear, potentially impacting response times and maintenance schedules. By re-graveling several miles of existing roads, the contract aims to provide a smoother, more durable surface, reducing dust, improving traction, and ensuring year-round accessibility, thereby directly supporting the operational integrity and security of the Minuteman Missile infrastructure.

How does the historical spending on road construction and maintenance for Minuteman Missile sites compare to this contract's value?

To assess historical spending patterns, one would need to analyze the total federal expenditure on road construction and maintenance specifically for Minuteman Missile sites over several fiscal years. This contract, valued at $5.98 million, represents a significant but likely episodic investment rather than a continuous operational expense. Historical data might reveal whether this amount is typical for major road improvement projects at these sites, or if it represents an increase or decrease in investment. Without access to that specific historical data, it's difficult to provide a precise comparison, but it's reasonable to assume such projects are undertaken periodically to address wear and tear and maintain critical access infrastructure.

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

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 600 PARSON ST, PINE BLUFFS, WY, 82082

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,980,000

Exercised Options: $5,980,000

Current Obligation: $5,980,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline