Interior Dept. Spends $29.7M on Elwha Dam Removal, Awarded to Barnard Construction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,724,221 ($29.7M)

Contractor: Barnard Construction Company, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2010-08-26

End Date: 2014-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,588 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, REMOVAL OF ELWHA AND GLINES CANYON DAMS, ELWHA RESTORATION, OLYM 005375 5.0 AND 155929

Place of Performance

Location: PORT ANGELES, CLALLAM County, WASHINGTON, 98362

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $29.7 million to BARNARD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED for work described as: OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, REMOVAL OF ELWHA AND GLINES CANYON DAMS, ELWHA RESTORATION, OLYM 005375 5.0 AND 155929 Key points: 1. Significant investment in ecological restoration, a unique project for the National Park Service. 2. Barnard Construction, a large firm, secured the contract, indicating a focus on capacity for complex projects. 3. The project carries inherent environmental risks and requires specialized expertise in dam removal and site restoration. 4. Spending falls within the 'Site Preparation Contractors' NAICS code, but the scale and nature are highly specific.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $29.7M for dam removal and restoration is substantial. Benchmarking is difficult due to the unique nature of the Elwha Restoration project, but the fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to control costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method is appropriate for large, complex projects where multiple qualified contractors can bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The $29.7M expenditure is a significant investment in environmental restoration, aiming for long-term ecological benefits rather than immediate financial returns for taxpayers.

Public Impact

Restoration of the Elwha River ecosystem, benefiting fish populations and natural habitats. Removal of two major dams, a landmark environmental achievement for Olympic National Park. Potential for increased tourism and recreational opportunities in the restored area. Demonstrates federal commitment to large-scale environmental remediation projects.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for unforeseen environmental conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Complexity of large-scale dam removal and river restoration.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm fixed-price contract aims to control costs.
Significant environmental benefit and restoration outcome.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under site preparation, but the scale and ecological focus are highly specialized. Large-scale environmental remediation projects like dam removal are infrequent and require significant investment, often exceeding typical benchmarks for standard site preparation.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Barnard Construction Company, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of specific small business participation or subcontracting goals in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The National Park Service, under the Department of the Interior, managed this contract. Oversight would focus on adherence to environmental regulations, project milestones, and budget control for this complex restoration effort.

Related Government Programs

Site Preparation Contractors
Department of the Interior Contracting
National Park Service Programs

Risk Flags

High complexity of project scope.
Potential for environmental unforeseen conditions.
Significant taxpayer investment in ecological restoration.
Contract awarded to a large business, potentially limiting small business opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $29.7 million to BARNARD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED. OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, REMOVAL OF ELWHA AND GLINES CANYON DAMS, ELWHA RESTORATION, OLYM 005375 5.0 AND 155929

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BARNARD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-08-26. End: 2014-12-31.

What were the primary cost drivers for the Elwha dam removal and restoration project?

The primary cost drivers likely included the complex engineering required for safe dam demolition, the extensive environmental mitigation and monitoring during and after removal, the restoration of the riverbed and surrounding habitat, and the logistical challenges of working within a national park. Specialized equipment and expertise for handling large volumes of sediment and debris also contributed significantly to the overall cost.

What are the key risks associated with large-scale dam removal projects like the Elwha?

Key risks include unforeseen geological or hydrological conditions, potential for significant sediment release impacting downstream ecosystems, challenges in restoring complex riverine and riparian habitats, and the potential for project delays due to weather or environmental factors. Ensuring public safety during demolition and managing the ecological transition are also critical risk areas.

How effective is the firm fixed-price contract in managing costs for such a unique environmental project?

A firm fixed-price contract is generally effective in transferring cost risk to the contractor and incentivizing efficiency. However, for highly unique and complex projects like dam removal, where unforeseen conditions are probable, it can also lead to change orders or disputes if the scope is not perfectly defined upfront. Its effectiveness hinges on thorough initial planning and risk assessment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Specialty Trade Contractors › Site Preparation Contractors

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 701 GOLD AVE, BOZEMAN, MT, 01

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,724,221

Exercised Options: $29,724,221

Current Obligation: $29,724,221

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline