Army awards $64.4M for Wild Rice River Structure to Ames Construction, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $64,434,132 ($64.4M)
Contractor: Ames Construction, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-11-27
End Date: 2026-03-03
Contract Duration: 2,288 days
Daily Burn Rate: $28.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: WILD RICE RIVER STRUCTURE.
Place of Performance
Location: FARGO, CASS County, NORTH DAKOTA, 58102
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $64.4 million to AMES CONSTRUCTION, INC. for work described as: WILD RICE RIVER STRUCTURE. Key points: 1. Significant investment in civil engineering infrastructure. 2. Ames Construction, Inc. secured a large contract. 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Contract duration extends over 2200 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $64.4 million for heavy and civil engineering construction appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale infrastructure projects would be necessary to fully assess its pricing fairness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. The use of a definitive contract with a firm fixed price indicates clear scope and cost expectations.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for a significant infrastructure project, with the competitive bidding process aiming to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Enhances regional water management and flood control capabilities. Supports local employment and economic activity in North Dakota. Long-term infrastructure investment for public benefit.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns given the long duration.
- Scope creep risks in large civil engineering projects.
- Environmental impact considerations.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical infrastructure needs.
- Competitive award process.
- Clear contract type and pricing.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under heavy and civil engineering construction, a sector critical for public infrastructure development. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on government priorities and economic conditions.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, suggesting larger firms dominated the bidding process for this substantial project.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to monitor project progress, manage potential risks, and ensure adherence to contract terms and quality standards throughout the multi-year duration.
Related Government Programs
- Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
- Potential for cost escalation due to market volatility.
- Complexity of large-scale civil engineering projects.
- Environmental compliance monitoring required.
Tags
other-heavy-and-civil-engineering-constr, department-of-defense, nd, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $64.4 million to AMES CONSTRUCTION, INC.. WILD RICE RIVER STRUCTURE.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMES CONSTRUCTION, 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 $64.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-11-27. End: 2026-03-03.
What are the specific performance metrics and deliverables expected under this contract?
The contract likely includes detailed specifications for the construction of the Wild Rice River Structure, encompassing aspects like structural integrity, capacity, and environmental compliance. Performance metrics would focus on timely completion of milestones, adherence to quality standards, and successful integration with existing water management systems.
What are the primary risks associated with the long duration of this contract?
The extended duration of 2288 days (over 6 years) presents risks such as potential material cost fluctuations, labor availability challenges, and the possibility of unforeseen site conditions or environmental changes impacting the project's scope or budget. Regulatory changes over such a long period could also necessitate modifications.
How will the effectiveness of the Wild Rice River Structure be measured post-construction?
Effectiveness will likely be measured by its performance in flood control, water management, and ecological impact mitigation as per its design specifications. Post-construction monitoring would assess its operational efficiency, structural stability, and contribution to the intended environmental and community benefits over its lifespan.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering 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: W912ES19R0019
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2000 AMES DR, BURNSVILLE, MN, 55306
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $64,434,132
Exercised Options: $64,434,132
Current Obligation: $64,434,132
Actual Outlays: $18,700,957
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-11-27
Current End Date: 2026-03-03
Potential End Date: 2026-03-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-18
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