Army awards $32.4M contract for Bayou Meto Pumping Station, AR, with 8 bidders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,424,769 ($32.4M)

Contractor: Harry Pepper & Associates Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2010-09-07

End Date: 2014-05-20

Contract Duration: 1,351 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: TAS::96 3113::TAS RECOVERYPROJECT#::081307::RP#-BAYOU METO PUMPING STATION NO. 1, PULASKI COUNTY, AR. THIS PROJECT INCLUDES ALL THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ALONG WITH THE BUILDING FEATURES. INCLUDED IN THE WORK IS EARTHWORK CONSISTING OF APPROXIMATELY 600 FEET OF INLET CHANNEL EXCAVATION, TEMPORARY COFFERDAM CONSTRUCTION, EXCAVATION OF RESERVOIR, CONSTRUCTION OF RESERVOIR EMBANKMENT AND RESERVOIR LINING WITH OFF SITE IMPERMEABLE CLAY, CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROAD, AND ALL RELATED APPURTENANCES. SITE DEWATERING WILL BE REQUIRED. THIS WORK WILL INVOLVE COORDINATING THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION (THROUGH ENTERGY) OF THE ELECTRICAL UTILITY SUBSTATION AND SERVICES TO SUPPLY POWER FOR THE PUMPING STATION. WORK ALSO INCLUDES THE CLEARING AND DISPOSAL OF DEBRIS THEREFROM, FURNISHING AND PLACING OF FILTER MATERIAL AND RIPRAP, TURFING, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

Place of Performance

Location: LITTLE ROCK, PULASKI County, ARKANSAS, 72204

State: Arkansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $32.4 million to HARRY PEPPER & ASSOCIATES INC for work described as: TAS::96 3113::TAS RECOVERYPROJECT#::081307::RP#-BAYOU METO PUMPING STATION NO. 1, PULASKI COUNTY, AR. THIS PROJECT INCLUDES ALL THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ALONG WITH THE BUILDING FEATURES. INCLUDED IN THE WORK IS EARTHWORK CONSISTING OF APPROXIMATELY 600 FEET OF INL… Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 2. The definitive contract type suggests a clear scope of work was established. 3. The project involves significant civil engineering and construction, including earthwork, reservoir construction, and utility coordination. 4. The duration of the contract (1351 days) points to a complex, multi-year undertaking. 5. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the government. 6. The project is located in Arkansas, potentially impacting local workforce and economy.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $32.4 million for the Bayou Meto Pumping Station project appears to be within a reasonable range for large-scale civil engineering and construction contracts of this nature. Without specific benchmarks for similar pumping station projects in the region or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the presence of 8 bidders suggests a competitive environment that likely contributed to a fair price. Further analysis would require comparing the unit costs of key components (e.g., earthwork per cubic yard, concrete per cubic yard) against industry standards and historical data for comparable government projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with 8 bids received. This indicates a robust bidding process where multiple qualified contractors had the opportunity to compete for the work. A higher number of bidders generally suggests a healthier competitive market, which can lead to more favorable pricing and better quality offerings for the government. The agency's decision to pursue full and open competition implies that there were no specific restrictions or preferences that would limit the pool of potential offerors.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition with 8 bidders is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down costs through competitive pressure, ensuring the government received the best possible value for its investment in this critical infrastructure project.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the residents and agricultural sector in Pulaski County, Arkansas, who will benefit from improved water management and flood control. The project delivers essential infrastructure through the construction of a pumping station, including electrical and mechanical equipment, and associated civil works like channels, reservoirs, and access roads. The geographic impact is localized to Pulaski County, Arkansas, addressing specific regional water management needs. The construction phase will likely create employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled labor in the local area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise during extensive earthwork and dewatering.
Coordination challenges with Entergy for electrical utility substation and services could lead to delays.
The long contract duration (1351 days) increases exposure to potential material price fluctuations.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations during reservoir construction and lining.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract helps mitigate cost uncertainty for the government.
Full and open competition with 8 bidders suggests a competitive pricing environment.
The definitive contract type implies a well-defined scope, reducing ambiguity.
The project addresses a critical need for water management infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy civil construction sector, specifically focusing on water and sewer infrastructure. The market for such projects is often characterized by a mix of large, established construction firms and specialized subcontractors. The total federal spending on water and sewer line construction (NAICS 237110) can fluctuate based on infrastructure investment cycles and specific agency needs. This particular project, involving a pumping station and extensive earthwork, represents a significant investment in regional water management capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The contract details indicate that small business participation was not a primary set-aside criterion, as the award was made under full and open competition and the 'sb' (small business) flag is false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely limited unless the prime contractor, Harry Pepper & Associates Inc., voluntarily 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. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Projects
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants
Environmental Protection Agency Water Infrastructure Projects
State-level Flood Control and Water Management Initiatives

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays due to utility coordination.
Risk of cost escalation due to material price volatility over the contract duration.
Site-specific challenges related to dewatering and soil conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $32.4 million to HARRY PEPPER & ASSOCIATES INC. TAS::96 3113::TAS RECOVERYPROJECT#::081307::RP#-BAYOU METO PUMPING STATION NO. 1, PULASKI COUNTY, AR. THIS PROJECT INCLUDES ALL THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ALONG WITH THE BUILDING FEATURES. INCLUDED IN THE WORK IS EARTHWORK CONSISTING OF APPROXIMATELY 600 FEET OF INLET CHANNEL EXCAVATION, TEMPORARY COFFERDAM CONSTRUCTION, EXCAVATION OF RESERVOIR, CONSTRUCTION OF RESERVOIR EMBANKMENT AND RESERVOIR LINING WITH OFF SITE IMPERMEABLE CLAY, CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROAD, AND ALL RELATED APP

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HARRY PEPPER & ASSOCIATES 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 $32.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-09-07. End: 2014-05-20.

What is the track record of Harry Pepper & Associates Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in civil engineering and construction?

Harry Pepper & Associates Inc. has a history of performing federal contracts, primarily within the civil engineering and construction domain. While the provided data highlights this specific $32.4 million award for the Bayou Meto Pumping Station, a comprehensive review of their federal contracting history would involve examining past performance on similar projects, including their success in meeting deadlines, budget adherence, and quality standards. Analyzing their portfolio of completed Army Corps of Engineers or other agency projects would provide further insight into their capabilities and reliability as a contractor. Information on past performance, including any disputes or contract terminations, is crucial for a complete assessment.

How does the cost per unit of earthwork and reservoir construction compare to industry benchmarks for this project?

To assess the value for money regarding earthwork and reservoir construction, a detailed cost breakdown from the contract would be necessary. This would allow for the calculation of unit costs (e.g., cost per cubic yard of excavation, cost per square foot of reservoir lining) and comparison against industry benchmarks published by organizations like the Engineering News-Record (ENR) or government cost estimating guides. Given the scale of earthwork (approximately 600 feet of inlet channel excavation, reservoir excavation, embankment, and lining), significant cost drivers are involved. Without these specific unit costs and benchmarks, it's difficult to definitively state if the pricing was competitive or if there were opportunities for cost savings.

What are the primary risks associated with the coordination of electrical utility services with Entergy for this pumping station?

The primary risks associated with coordinating electrical utility services with Entergy involve potential delays, cost increases, and integration issues. Delays can arise from scheduling conflicts, differing technical requirements, or unforeseen complexities in extending or upgrading the substation and services. Cost risks include potential charges from Entergy for the new services or upgrades, which may not have been fully anticipated in the prime contract's initial cost estimates. Integration risks pertain to ensuring the new electrical systems seamlessly connect with the pumping station's mechanical and electrical equipment, requiring close collaboration on specifications, testing, and commissioning. Effective project management and clear communication protocols between the contractor, the Army, and Entergy are essential to mitigate these risks.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar water management infrastructure projects by the Department of the Army in Arkansas?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar water management infrastructure projects by the Department of the Army in Arkansas would provide context for the $32.4 million Bayou Meto Pumping Station award. This would involve reviewing past contracts awarded by the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for projects such as levees, dams, flood control structures, and pumping stations within the state. Key metrics to examine would include the average contract value, project duration, number of bidders, and the types of contractors typically awarded these projects. Understanding these historical trends can help identify whether this contract represents a typical investment level or an outlier, and whether spending has increased or decreased over time in response to regional needs or federal funding priorities.

How does the contract duration of 1351 days compare to typical durations for projects of this complexity and scale?

A contract duration of 1351 days, approximately 3.7 years, is substantial and suggests a project of significant complexity and scale. For large civil engineering and construction projects involving extensive earthwork, reservoir construction, and utility integration, such durations are not uncommon. Factors contributing to longer timelines include the need for phased construction, environmental permitting, coordination with multiple stakeholders (like Entergy), and the sheer volume of physical work. Comparing this duration to similar pumping station or water infrastructure projects undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers or other federal agencies would reveal if it falls within the expected range. Shorter durations might indicate more streamlined processes or smaller project scopes, while significantly longer ones could point to potential inefficiencies or unforeseen challenges.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Utility System Construction › Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W912EQ10B0012

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Roberts Immigration LAW Group, LLC (UEI: 017106386)

Address: 9000 REGENCY SQUARE BLVD STE 100, JACKSONVILLE, FL, 32211

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,424,769

Exercised Options: $32,424,769

Current Obligation: $32,424,769

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline