Interior's $103M Colorado River canal project awarded to AMES/CSI JV, highlighting heavy civil engineering needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $103,278,147 ($103.3M)

Contractor: Ames/Csi, a Joint Venture

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2008-08-20

End Date: 2010-10-01

Contract Duration: 772 days

Daily Burn Rate: $133.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCTION OF DROP 2 SOTRAGE RESERVOIR CANAL AND STRUCTURES - COLORADO RIVER FRONT WORK AND LEVEE SYSTEM-CALIFORNIA.

Place of Performance

Location: EL CENTRO, IMPERIAL County, CALIFORNIA, 92243

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $103.3 million to AMES/CSI, A JOINT VENTURE for work described as: CONSTRUCTION OF DROP 2 SOTRAGE RESERVOIR CANAL AND STRUCTURES - COLORADO RIVER FRONT WORK AND LEVEE SYSTEM-CALIFORNIA. Key points: 1. The contract value of over $103 million indicates a significant investment in critical infrastructure. 2. Competition dynamics for this large-scale civil engineering project are crucial for ensuring taxpayer value. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and cost control by the government. 4. Project duration of approximately two years points to a substantial construction timeline. 5. The award to a joint venture may reflect the specialized expertise and capacity required for complex projects. 6. Geographic focus on California highlights regional infrastructure priorities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $103,278,147.02 for the construction of a storage reservoir canal and associated structures appears substantial for a project of this nature. Benchmarking against similar large-scale civil engineering projects managed by the Bureau of Reclamation or other federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm-fixed-price contract type generally aims to provide cost certainty, but the final cost relative to the initial estimates and the scope of work will be key indicators of overall value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited and considered. The presence of 3 bids suggests a reasonable level of competition for this significant infrastructure project. A competitive bidding process is expected to drive down costs and ensure the government receives the best value proposition from qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to lower prices and higher quality services through the selection of the most capable and cost-effective bidder.

Public Impact

The project directly benefits the region by improving water storage and management capabilities along the Colorado River. Construction of the canal and structures will enhance the operational efficiency of the Colorado River Front Work and Levee System. The geographic impact is concentrated in California, addressing specific water infrastructure needs in the state. The project likely created numerous jobs in the construction sector, including skilled labor and specialized engineering roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns on large-scale construction projects if scope creep or unforeseen site conditions arise.
Ensuring timely completion within the established timeline is critical to avoid extended disruption and potential cost increases.

Positive Signals

The award to a joint venture suggests a robust vetting process to ensure the contractor possesses the necessary technical expertise and financial capacity.
The firm-fixed-price contract structure provides a degree of cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition indicates a broad market search, likely resulting in a qualified and competitive selection.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, a critical component of national infrastructure development. The Bureau of Reclamation, as the awarding agency, focuses on water resource management and infrastructure. Projects like this are essential for maintaining and upgrading water conveyance systems, flood control, and storage capabilities, often involving complex engineering and significant capital investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other large federal or state-level water infrastructure projects.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While the primary awardee is a joint venture, the extent of small business subcontracting opportunities is not detailed in the provided data. Analysis of subcontracting plans would be necessary to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular project.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Bureau of Reclamation's project management and contracting officers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring adherence to specifications and timelines. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though detailed project-specific oversight reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Reclamation Water Infrastructure Projects
Colorado River Basin Development
Federal Civil Engineering Contracts
Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to unforeseen site conditions.
Risk of schedule delays impacting project completion.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations throughout construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $103.3 million to AMES/CSI, A JOINT VENTURE. CONSTRUCTION OF DROP 2 SOTRAGE RESERVOIR CANAL AND STRUCTURES - COLORADO RIVER FRONT WORK AND LEVEE SYSTEM-CALIFORNIA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMES/CSI, A JOINT VENTURE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $103.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-08-20. End: 2010-10-01.

What is the track record of AMES/CSI, A JOINT VENTURE, in completing similar large-scale civil engineering projects for the federal government?

Assessing the track record of AMES/CSI, A JOINT VENTURE, requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving heavy civil engineering and water infrastructure. Information from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) would be crucial. Key metrics to examine include on-time completion rates, adherence to budget, quality of work, and any history of disputes or contract modifications. A joint venture's track record can be a composite of its individual members' histories, so understanding the experience of each entity within the JV is also important. Without specific past performance data, it's difficult to definitively assess their capability for this project, but the award itself suggests they met the government's pre-qualification criteria.

How does the awarded amount of $103,278,147.02 compare to the estimated cost and the bids received from other competitors?

The provided data indicates the awarded amount is $103,278,147.02, with 3 bids received. To assess value, this figure needs to be compared against the government's independent cost estimate (ICE) for the project and the bids submitted by the other two competitors. If the awarded amount is significantly below the ICE and the other bids, it suggests strong price competition and good value. Conversely, if it's close to or exceeds the ICE and other bids, it might warrant further investigation into the estimating process or the competitive landscape. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) nature of the contract means the awarded amount is the ceiling, but understanding the bid spread provides insight into the perceived market cost and the effectiveness of the competition in driving down prices.

What are the primary risks associated with the construction of a drop 2 storage reservoir canal and structures, and how were they mitigated in this contract?

Primary risks in constructing a storage reservoir canal and structures often include unforeseen geological or hydrological conditions, environmental compliance challenges, weather delays, and potential for scope creep. For this project, the firm-fixed-price contract structure inherently shifts some cost risk to the contractor, AMES/CSI JV. Mitigation strategies would typically involve thorough site investigations prior to bidding, detailed engineering designs, robust environmental impact assessments, and contingency planning for weather and potential site issues. The government's oversight would focus on ensuring adherence to specifications, managing any change orders strictly, and monitoring progress against the schedule. The contractor's experience and bonding capacity also serve as risk mitigation factors.

What is the expected impact of this project on water management and flood control in the California region served by the Colorado River Front Work and Levee System?

The construction of a 'Drop 2 Storage Reservoir Canal and Structures' is directly aimed at enhancing the water management capabilities of the Colorado River Front Work and Levee System. Improved storage capacity can lead to more reliable water supply for downstream users, agricultural, and municipal needs, especially during periods of drought or high demand. Additionally, well-designed canals and structures can contribute to more effective flood control by managing water flow and preventing overtopping of levees. The 'Drop 2' designation likely refers to a specific elevation or section within the system, implying targeted improvements to optimize water conveyance and storage at that point, thereby increasing the overall resilience and efficiency of the regional water infrastructure.

How does the historical spending on similar heavy and civil engineering construction projects by the Bureau of Reclamation compare to this $103 million award?

To compare historical spending, one would need to analyze the Bureau of Reclamation's contract database for similar heavy and civil engineering construction projects over the past 5-10 years. Key metrics to examine would include the average contract value, the range of values (minimum to maximum), the number of bids typically received for such projects, and the types of contract vehicles used (e.g., firm-fixed-price vs. cost-plus). A $103 million award is substantial and likely falls within the upper range of typical projects for this agency, suggesting a significant investment. Understanding the historical spending patterns can help contextualize whether this award represents a typical expenditure, an increase in investment, or a particularly large-scale undertaking compared to the agency's usual project portfolio.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT NONBUILDING FACILITIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2000 AMES DR, BURNSVILLE, MN, 02

Business Categories: Category Business, Emerging Small Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $103,278,147

Exercised Options: $103,278,147

Current Obligation: $103,278,147

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline