Yosemite National Park restoration contract awarded to Martin Brothers Construction for $22.7M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,692,796 ($22.7M)

Contractor: Martin Brothers Construction

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2016-06-20

End Date: 2017-11-24

Contract Duration: 522 days

Daily Burn Rate: $43.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF X:OTHER MARIPOSA GROVE RESTORATION PHASE 5 CONSTRUCTION AT YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, YOSEMITE, MARIPOSA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, YOSE 206431

Place of Performance

Location: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, MARIPOSA County, CALIFORNIA, 95389

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $22.7 million to MARTIN BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF X:OTHER MARIPOSA GROVE RESTORATION PHASE 5 CONSTRUCTION AT YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, YOSEMITE, MARIPOSA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, YOSE 206431 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a large-scale park restoration project. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Project duration of 522 days indicates a significant undertaking. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor. 5. Project is located in Mariposa County, California. 6. Contract awarded to a single prime contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $22.7 million for Phase 5 of the Mariposa Grove Restoration is within a reasonable range for a project of this scale and complexity, involving significant construction and environmental restoration within a national park. Benchmarking against similar large-scale park infrastructure and restoration projects suggests that the pricing is competitive, especially given the specialized nature of working within a protected natural environment. The firm fixed-price structure also indicates that the contractor assumed the primary risk for cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. While the specific number of bids received is not detailed, this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, leading to more favorable pricing and better value for the government. The open nature of the competition suggests that the National Park Service sought to maximize market participation and ensure a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it is designed to drive down costs through competitive bidding, ensuring that taxpayer funds are used efficiently and effectively.

Public Impact

Benefits visitors to Yosemite National Park by improving infrastructure and access to the Mariposa Grove. Delivers critical restoration and construction services to preserve a significant natural and historical site. Geographic impact is localized to Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County, California. Supports the construction workforce through employment opportunities during the project duration.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if restoration needs exceed initial assessments.
Environmental impact during construction requires careful monitoring.
Logistical challenges of working in a remote national park setting.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment.
Project addresses critical infrastructure needs within a high-visitation national park.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Construction sector, specifically Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction, but with a strong environmental restoration component. Large-scale infrastructure and restoration projects in protected areas like national parks often involve specialized contractors and can command higher costs due to logistical complexities, environmental regulations, and the need for preservation-focused techniques. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in large civil engineering projects or major public works initiatives, adjusted for the unique requirements of park environments.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger firm capable of handling the scale of the project. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if there were opportunities missed for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Park Service contracting officers and project managers. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract implies that the government's primary oversight will focus on ensuring the work is completed according to specifications and on schedule, rather than detailed cost monitoring. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases, and any Inspector General involvement would likely be triggered by specific allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Infrastructure Projects
Yosemite National Park Operations
Federal Construction Contracts
Environmental Restoration Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen environmental conditions impacting schedule and cost.
Logistical challenges in a remote national park setting.
Reliance on a single prime contractor for a large scope of work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $22.7 million to MARTIN BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION. IGF::OT::IGF X:OTHER MARIPOSA GROVE RESTORATION PHASE 5 CONSTRUCTION AT YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, YOSEMITE, MARIPOSA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, YOSE 206431

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MARTIN BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $22.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-06-20. End: 2017-11-24.

What is the track record of Martin Brothers Construction with federal contracts, particularly with the National Park Service?

A review of federal contract databases indicates that Martin Brothers Construction has a history of performing work for various federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. Their past performance often involves construction and infrastructure projects. To fully assess their track record for this specific contract, a deeper dive into the quality of their past work, adherence to schedules, and any past disputes or contract modifications would be necessary. Examining performance evaluations from previous NPS contracts would provide crucial context on their reliability and capability for complex restoration projects.

How does the awarded amount of $22.7 million compare to the estimated cost or budget for this phase of the Mariposa Grove Restoration?

The provided data indicates an awarded amount of $22,692,796.12. Without access to the original cost estimates or budget allocations for Phase 5 of the Mariposa Grove Restoration, it is difficult to definitively state whether the awarded amount represents a significant deviation. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition suggests that the bids received were considered competitive and represented a reasonable value. If the awarded amount is close to the government's estimate, it implies effective cost management during the solicitation phase. Conversely, a significantly higher award than estimated could warrant further investigation into the bidding process and market conditions.

What are the primary risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for a large-scale park restoration project?

The primary risk associated with a firm fixed-price (FFP) contract for a large-scale park restoration project lies with the contractor, Martin Brothers Construction. If the project encounters unforeseen challenges, such as difficult site conditions, material cost increases, or complex environmental mitigation requirements that were not fully anticipated, the contractor may incur losses as they are obligated to complete the work for the agreed-upon price. For the government, the risk is that the contractor might cut corners on quality or scope to protect their profit margin if they face significant cost overruns, although robust oversight and clear specifications aim to mitigate this. The remote and sensitive nature of a national park setting can exacerbate these risks.

What specific restoration activities are included in Phase 5 of the Mariposa Grove Restoration, and how does this contract contribute to the overall project goals?

Phase 5 of the Mariposa Grove Restoration, as indicated by the contract description, focuses on construction activities related to the Mariposa Grove. While the specific details of Phase 5 are not fully elaborated in the provided data, typical restoration projects in such areas involve trail construction and repair, infrastructure development (like parking areas or visitor facilities), habitat restoration, and potentially measures to protect giant sequoia trees. This contract's $22.7 million value suggests it encompasses a substantial portion of the physical construction and engineering work required for this phase, directly contributing to the park's goals of preserving the grove's natural beauty and ecological integrity while improving visitor access and experience.

Have there been significant cost increases or contract modifications in previous phases of the Mariposa Grove Restoration, and what does this imply for Phase 5?

The provided data does not contain information on cost increases or modifications for previous phases of the Mariposa Grove Restoration. However, large, multi-phase federal projects, especially those involving complex environmental and construction elements in sensitive locations, often experience some level of modification due to evolving requirements, unforeseen site conditions, or changes in scope. If previous phases saw significant cost escalations or numerous change orders, it could indicate potential challenges in project planning, estimation, or execution. For Phase 5, the firm fixed-price nature and full and open competition suggest an effort to establish a clear, cost-controlled scope from the outset, potentially learning from or aiming to avoid issues in prior phases.

What is the expected impact of this $22.7 million contract on the local economy in Mariposa County, California?

A contract of this magnitude, $22.7 million, is expected to have a notable positive impact on the local economy of Mariposa County, California. The project will likely create numerous jobs in the construction sector, including direct employment for skilled laborers, engineers, and project managers, as well as indirect employment in supporting industries such as material suppliers, equipment rental companies, and local hospitality services catering to the workforce. Furthermore, improved infrastructure and visitor access resulting from the restoration could lead to increased tourism in the long term, benefiting local businesses reliant on park visitors. The influx of spending associated with the project can stimulate local commerce and provide a significant economic boost to the region.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: P16PS00262

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8801 FOLSOM BLVD STE 260, SACRAMENTO, CA, 95826

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,692,796

Exercised Options: $22,692,796

Current Obligation: $22,692,796

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline