DoD awards $46.5M for St. Georges Bridge concrete substructure repair, highlighting infrastructure needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $46,457,531 ($46.5M)

Contractor: J D Eckman Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-09-30

End Date: 2024-11-09

Contract Duration: 771 days

Daily Burn Rate: $60.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONCRETE SUBSTRUCTURE REPAIR ST. GEORGES BRIDGE.

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT GEORGES, NEW CASTLE County, DELAWARE, 19733

State: Delaware Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $46.5 million to J D ECKMAN INC for work described as: CONCRETE SUBSTRUCTURE REPAIR ST. GEORGES BRIDGE. Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in critical transportation infrastructure. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding environment for this type of work. 3. Contract duration of 771 days indicates a complex and lengthy project. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 5. Project location in Delaware points to regional infrastructure priorities. 6. The award falls under the broad category of highway, street, and bridge construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $46.5 million for bridge substructure repair appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale bridge repair projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests an effort to manage cost overruns, but the final cost will depend on the contractor's efficiency and unforeseen site conditions. The award to J D ECKMAN INC, a known entity in construction, suggests a level of confidence in their capability.

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. The presence of 2 bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific project. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, a competitive process was still employed, which is a positive sign for price discovery and ensuring a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition, even with a limited number of bidders, generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple firms to offer their best pricing and technical solutions, leading to a more cost-effective outcome.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are users of the St. Georges Bridge, who will experience improved safety and reliability. The project delivers essential repair and maintenance services for a critical piece of transportation infrastructure. The geographic impact is localized to Delaware, specifically the area served by the St. Georges Bridge. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for construction workers, engineers, and project managers in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen structural issues arise during repair.
Risk of project delays due to weather or supply chain disruptions.
Dependence on contractor's expertise for complex substructure repairs.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract helps mitigate cost escalation risks.
Award to an established contractor suggests a higher likelihood of successful execution.
Full and open competition process aims to secure competitive pricing.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically focusing on bridge and infrastructure repair. The market for such projects is often characterized by large, specialized firms capable of handling complex engineering challenges and significant capital investments. Government spending on infrastructure repair is a substantial segment of this market, driven by the need to maintain and upgrade aging public works.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger firm, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless the prime contractor actively engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant project management office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified repairs within the agreed budget. 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

Federal Highway Administration Bridge Repair Programs
Department of Defense Military Construction Projects
State Infrastructure Improvement Funds

Risk Flags

Potential for extended duration impacting traffic and local economy.
Risk of unforeseen structural issues during substructure repair.
Dependency on contractor's specialized expertise for complex repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $46.5 million to J D ECKMAN INC. CONCRETE SUBSTRUCTURE REPAIR ST. GEORGES BRIDGE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is J D ECKMAN INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $46.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2024-11-09.

What is the historical spending pattern for bridge substructure repairs by the Department of the Army in Delaware?

Analyzing historical spending data for bridge substructure repairs by the Department of the Army specifically within Delaware is challenging without access to granular contract databases. However, federal agencies, including the Army Corps of Engineers, are responsible for maintaining numerous bridges, particularly those supporting military installations or critical transportation routes. Spending in this area is often driven by the age of existing infrastructure, the results of regular inspections, and the availability of federal and state funding. Trends generally show consistent investment in infrastructure maintenance, with significant increases during periods of dedicated infrastructure stimulus or when major repair needs are identified across multiple facilities. Without specific data points for the Army in Delaware, it's difficult to establish a precise historical pattern, but it aligns with a broader national trend of addressing aging infrastructure.

How does the awarded amount compare to the average cost of similar bridge substructure repair projects nationwide?

Comparing the $46.5 million award for the St. Georges Bridge substructure repair to national averages requires careful consideration of project scope, complexity, and location. Large-scale bridge repairs, especially those involving substructure elements like foundations, piers, and abutments, can vary significantly in cost. National averages for major bridge rehabilitation projects can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. Factors such as the size of the bridge, the extent of the damage, the type of repair needed (e.g., concrete rehabilitation, structural reinforcement), and local labor and material costs heavily influence the final price. Given the substantial nature of substructure work, this $46.5 million award appears to be within the expected range for a significant bridge repair project of this type, though a precise benchmark would necessitate detailed comparison with projects of identical scope and complexity.

What is J D ECKMAN INC's track record with Department of Defense contracts, particularly in bridge construction?

J D ECKMAN INC has a documented history of performing construction work for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. Their portfolio includes various infrastructure projects, which may encompass bridge construction and repair. A thorough review of their contract history would reveal the number and value of previous DoD awards, their performance ratings on those contracts, and any instances of disputes or contract modifications. Companies like J D ECKMAN INC often specialize in specific types of construction, and their experience with substructure repairs would be a key indicator of their capability for this St. Georges Bridge project. Past performance is a critical factor in federal procurement, and agencies typically evaluate a contractor's history to assess their likelihood of successful project completion.

What are the potential risks associated with a 771-day duration for a bridge repair contract?

A contract duration of 771 days (approximately two years) for bridge substructure repair introduces several potential risks. Firstly, the extended timeline increases the exposure to fluctuating material costs and labor rates, even with a fixed-price contract, as unforeseen economic shifts can impact the contractor's profitability and potentially lead to claims or requests for equitable adjustments. Secondly, prolonged construction periods can lead to extended traffic disruptions and detours, impacting local communities and businesses more significantly. Weather-related delays are also a greater concern over a longer duration, potentially pushing the project completion date further out. Finally, the longer the project, the higher the chance of encountering unforeseen site conditions or design issues that require modifications, adding complexity and potential cost increases. Effective project management and contingency planning are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does the firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type influence the risk allocation for this project?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type significantly influences risk allocation by placing the majority of the cost risk on the contractor, J D ECKMAN INC. Under an FFP agreement, the government agrees to pay a set price for the completed work, regardless of the contractor's actual costs. This incentivizes the contractor to manage their expenses efficiently and complete the project within budget. For the government, the primary benefit is cost certainty; the total expenditure is known upfront, barring any contract modifications. However, this also means that if the contractor encounters unexpected difficulties or inefficiencies, they bear the financial burden. The risk for the government shifts more towards ensuring the contractor has the capability and resources to perform the work to the required standards, as the contractor may be less inclined to absorb significant cost overruns, potentially impacting quality or leading to disputes if not managed carefully.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W912BU22B0016

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4781 LOWER VALLEY RD, ATGLEN, PA, 19310

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $46,457,531

Exercised Options: $46,457,531

Current Obligation: $46,457,531

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline