Reclamation's $28.2M concrete siphon project funded by ARRA, awarded to Mowat Construction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,181,160 ($28.2M)

Contractor: Mowat Construction Company

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2009-09-30

End Date: 2012-03-31

Contract Duration: 913 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: RECOVERY--INSTALLATION OF NEW CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE BARREL SIPHONS AT THE WEBER BRANCH SIPHON AND THE WEBER COULEE SIPHON. THIS AWARD IS FUNDED WITH MONIES MADE AVAILABLE TO RECLAMATION UNDER THE AMERICAN RECOVERY & REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009. BUREAU PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 7.000. TAS::14 0681::TAS

Place of Performance

Location: MOSES LAKE, GRANT County, WASHINGTON, 98837

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $28.2 million to MOWAT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY for work described as: RECOVERY--INSTALLATION OF NEW CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE BARREL SIPHONS AT THE WEBER BRANCH SIPHON AND THE WEBER COULEE SIPHON. THIS AWARD IS FUNDED WITH MONIES MADE AVAILABLE TO RECLAMATION UNDER THE AMERICAN RECOVERY & REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009. BUREAU PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBE… Key points: 1. The contract's value of $28.2 million represents a significant investment in water infrastructure. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The project's duration of 913 days indicates a substantial undertaking in construction. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and manage financial risk. 5. The project's funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) highlights its economic stimulus purpose. 6. The geographic focus on Washington state points to regional infrastructure needs. 7. The contractor, Mowat Construction Company, has secured a large-scale civil engineering project.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific cost breakdowns or comparable project data. However, the $28.2 million price tag for the installation of concrete barrel siphons suggests a significant investment in heavy civil engineering. The firm-fixed-price structure implies that the contractor assumed most of the cost risk, which can sometimes lead to higher initial bids but provides greater certainty for the government. Further analysis would require comparing unit costs for similar construction elements (e.g., per cubic yard of concrete, per linear foot of siphon installed) against industry standards and other Bureau of Reclamation projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 11 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this significant infrastructure project. A higher number of bidders generally leads to more competitive pricing and a greater likelihood that the government secures the best value. The specific details of the bidding process, such as the range of bids received, would provide further insight into the effectiveness of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition award. The multiple bids received provide assurance that the selected price reflects market conditions and the contractor's ability to perform the work efficiently.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely residents and agricultural users in the region served by the Weber Branch and Weber Coulee Siphons, ensuring reliable water delivery. The project delivers critical upgrades to aging water infrastructure, enhancing its capacity and longevity. The geographic impact is concentrated in Washington state, specifically within the service area of the Bureau of Reclamation's projects. The construction activities will likely create temporary employment opportunities for skilled labor in the civil engineering and construction sectors within Washington.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite the fixed-price contract.
Risk of project delays due to weather, material availability, or labor issues, impacting the timeline.
Ensuring the long-term durability and performance of the newly installed siphons requires rigorous quality control.
The large contract value could present financial risks for the contractor if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts significant cost risk to the contractor.
Awarded under full and open competition with 11 bids, indicating a competitive market.
Funding through ARRA suggests a focus on timely project completion and economic stimulus.
The project addresses essential water infrastructure, contributing to long-term regional stability.
The contractor, Mowat Construction Company, has experience in heavy civil engineering projects.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector, a critical part of the construction industry focused on large-scale public works. This sector includes projects like dams, bridges, tunnels, and water infrastructure. The market for such projects is often characterized by large, specialized firms capable of handling complex engineering and logistical challenges. The $28.2 million award is substantial, placing it in the upper tier for individual civil engineering contracts. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale water conveyance or infrastructure projects undertaken by federal agencies like the Bureau of Reclamation or the Army Corps of Engineers.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. The prime contractor, Mowat Construction Company, is not identified as a small business. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely limited unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized services or materials.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily be conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation, an agency within the Department of the Interior. As a large federal contract, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting. The Inspector General for the Department of the Interior would have jurisdiction to investigate any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Reclamation Water Infrastructure Projects
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funded Projects
Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction Contracts
Federal Water Resource Management Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Risk of weather delays affecting construction timeline.
Ensuring long-term durability and performance of installed siphons.
Contractor financial stability for a project of this magnitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $28.2 million to MOWAT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. RECOVERY--INSTALLATION OF NEW CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE BARREL SIPHONS AT THE WEBER BRANCH SIPHON AND THE WEBER COULEE SIPHON. THIS AWARD IS FUNDED WITH MONIES MADE AVAILABLE TO RECLAMATION UNDER THE AMERICAN RECOVERY & REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009. BUREAU PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 7.000. TAS::14 0681::TAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MOWAT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-09-30. End: 2012-03-31.

What is the track record of Mowat Construction Company on similar federal contracts?

Mowat Construction Company has a history of securing and executing large-scale civil engineering and construction projects. While specific details on past federal contracts are not provided in this data snippet, their ability to win a $28.2 million ARRA-funded project from the Bureau of Reclamation suggests they possess the necessary experience, bonding capacity, and technical expertise. Further investigation into their contract performance history with federal agencies, including any past performance evaluations or dispute resolutions, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and capabilities. Examining their portfolio of completed projects, particularly those involving water infrastructure like siphons, dams, or canals, would offer valuable context for assessing their suitability for this specific undertaking.

How does the $28.2 million cost compare to similar siphon installation projects?

Directly comparing the $28.2 million cost without detailed project specifications (e.g., length, diameter, depth, material specifications, site conditions) is difficult. However, large-scale water infrastructure projects, especially those involving concrete work and underground installation like siphons, are inherently expensive. The fact that this project was funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in 2009 suggests it was part of a significant national effort to stimulate the economy through infrastructure investment. To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze unit costs (e.g., cost per linear foot of siphon, cost per cubic yard of concrete placed) against similar projects undertaken by the Bureau of Reclamation or other federal agencies during the same period. The number of bids received (11) suggests the price was perceived as competitive within the market at that time.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of heavy civil engineering contract?

Heavy civil engineering contracts, particularly those involving underground construction like siphons, carry several inherent risks. These include unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., unexpected soil types, rock formations, groundwater issues) that can lead to significant cost increases and schedule delays. Weather-related disruptions are also a common risk, especially in regions with distinct seasons. Material procurement and availability can pose challenges, potentially impacting timelines and costs. Labor availability and management are critical, as are ensuring stringent quality control and safety standards throughout the construction process. For the government, the primary risk is ensuring the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the specified quality standards, delivering the intended long-term functionality of the infrastructure.

How effective was the ARRA funding in stimulating economic activity through this contract?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 aimed to stimulate the economy through infrastructure spending, among other measures. Contracts like this one, totaling $28.2 million and awarded to Mowat Construction Company, directly contributed to economic activity by creating jobs in construction and related industries, purchasing materials, and utilizing equipment. The firm-fixed-price nature and the competitive bidding process suggest an effort to ensure efficient use of funds. While the immediate impact was job creation and economic injection, the long-term effectiveness is measured by the successful completion of vital water infrastructure that supports regional economic activity and resilience. Quantifying the precise multiplier effect would require detailed economic analysis of job creation, supply chain impacts, and the subsequent benefits of improved water infrastructure.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar water infrastructure projects by the Bureau of Reclamation?

The Bureau of Reclamation historically invests significant funds in water infrastructure, including dams, canals, pipelines, and siphons, across the western United States. Spending patterns vary based on agency priorities, congressional appropriations, and the condition of existing infrastructure. Projects funded by ARRA, like this one, represented a surge in federal investment aimed at both economic stimulus and infrastructure modernization. Analyzing historical spending would reveal trends in project types, average contract values, and the duration of such projects. It would also highlight the agency's ongoing commitment to maintaining and upgrading water management systems, which are critical for agriculture, municipal water supply, and environmental needs in arid regions.

Industry Classification

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

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

Solicitation ID: 09SP101729

Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 20210 142ND AVE NE, WOODINVILLE, WA, 98072

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,181,160

Exercised Options: $28,181,160

Current Obligation: $28,181,160

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline