DoD awards $20.2M contract for channel riprap, with 11 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,102,000 ($20.1M)

Contractor: RED Bison Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-15

End Date: 2027-10-30

Contract Duration: 775 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CHANNEL RIPRAP R-90

Place of Performance

Location: BAKER, EAST BATON ROUGE County, LOUISIANA, 70714

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.1 million to RED BISON SERVICES, LLC for work described as: CHANNEL RIPRAP R-90 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of heavy civil engineering construction. 2. Strong competition with 11 bids suggests potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low due to a firm fixed-price contract type. 4. Contract duration of over two years allows for phased execution and resource allocation. 5. This contract falls within the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector. 6. The definitive contract structure allows for flexibility in task orders.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20.2 million for channel riprap services seems aligned with typical heavy civil engineering projects of this nature. Benchmarking against similar Army Corps of Engineers projects for erosion control and waterway stabilization suggests this pricing is within a competitive range. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, which is a positive indicator for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a robust bidding process. The receipt of 11 bids suggests a healthy level of market interest and engagement from potential contractors. This level of competition is generally favorable for achieving competitive pricing and ensuring that the government receives a fair value for its investment.

Taxpayer Impact: The strong competition among 11 bidders is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down prices and encouraged efficient service delivery. This process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used effectively by selecting the most cost-competitive and capable offeror.

Public Impact

The Department of the Army benefits from improved waterway infrastructure and flood control. Services include the placement of riprap to prevent erosion and stabilize channels. The geographic impact is focused on Louisiana, addressing specific regional needs. This contract supports the heavy civil engineering and construction workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if task orders are not clearly defined.
Reliance on a single contractor for a multi-year project requires diligent oversight.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
Multiple bidders indicate a competitive market and potential for quality service.
Longer contract duration allows for better planning and execution.

Sector Analysis

The 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector encompasses a wide range of infrastructure projects, including waterway management and flood control. This contract for channel riprap fits within this sector by addressing the need for erosion control and channel stabilization. Comparable spending in this sector often involves significant investments in public works and infrastructure maintenance, with contract values varying widely based on project scale and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). While the primary awardee is Red Bison Services, LLC, there is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant Army Corps of Engineers district responsible for waterway management in Louisiana. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver services within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting mechanisms.

Related Government Programs

Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies
River and Harbor Improvements
Erosion Control Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost/schedule.
Contractor performance risk over a multi-year duration.
Need for clear definition of 'riprap' specifications and quality control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.1 million to RED BISON SERVICES, LLC. CHANNEL RIPRAP R-90

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RED BISON SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-15. End: 2027-10-30.

What is the track record of Red Bison Services, LLC with the Department of Defense?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Red Bison Services, LLC has received multiple contracts from various government agencies, including the Department of Defense. While specific details on past performance for similar channel riprap projects are not immediately available in this summary, the company's history suggests experience in construction and heavy civil engineering. Further investigation into past performance evaluations and contract completion records would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and quality of work on previous government projects. Analyzing the number and value of previous contracts awarded to Red Bison Services, LLC can offer insights into their capacity and established relationship with federal agencies.

How does the $20.2 million contract value compare to similar channel riprap projects?

The $20.2 million contract value for channel riprap services appears to be within a reasonable range for heavy civil engineering projects focused on waterway stabilization and erosion control. Projects of this nature, particularly those managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, often involve substantial material quantities and specialized equipment. Benchmarking against publicly available data for similar projects in Louisiana or other Gulf Coast states, which face similar environmental challenges, would provide a more precise comparison. Factors such as the specific scope of work, duration, environmental conditions, and material costs can significantly influence the overall contract value, making direct comparisons challenging without detailed project specifications.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract?

The primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract are relatively low, as this contract type is designed to shift most of the cost risk to the contractor. However, potential risks could include the contractor encountering unforeseen site conditions (e.g., unusually difficult soil or subsurface obstructions) that were not adequately anticipated during the bidding process, potentially leading to claims for equitable adjustments. Another risk is the contractor's potential inability to perform due to financial instability or resource limitations, although the competitive bidding process aims to mitigate this. Diligent contract administration and oversight by the government are crucial to manage these risks and ensure successful project completion within the fixed price.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method for this type of project?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method, as indicated by the 'ct' field, is a robust approach for procuring heavy civil engineering services like channel riprap. This method ensures that a wide range of qualified contractors are considered, while also allowing for specific exclusions if justified (though the reason for exclusion isn't detailed here). Receiving 11 bids suggests this approach effectively stimulated competition. For infrastructure projects, this method balances the need for broad market access with the potential for specialized requirements, aiming to secure the best value through a competitive process. The high number of bidders implies the solicitation was well-defined and attractive to the market.

What is the historical spending trend for channel riprap projects by the Department of the Army?

Historical spending on channel riprap projects by the Department of the Army, particularly through the Army Corps of Engineers, is substantial and consistent, reflecting the ongoing need for waterway maintenance and infrastructure protection. Annual expenditures can fluctuate based on infrastructure needs, disaster recovery efforts, and budget allocations. While specific aggregate data for 'channel riprap' alone is not readily available without deep dives into specific project categories, the Army Corps consistently invests billions annually in civil works, which includes projects for navigation, flood control, and environmental restoration where riprap is a critical component. This contract represents a typical investment within that broader framework.

What are the implications of the contract duration (775 days) on project management and cost?

The contract duration of 775 days (approximately 2 years and 1 month) for this channel riprap project provides a significant timeframe for execution. This extended period allows for detailed planning, phased construction, and adaptation to potential environmental or logistical challenges. For a firm fixed-price contract, a longer duration can sometimes increase the contractor's risk if market conditions (e.g., material costs) change unfavorably over time, though this is often factored into the initial bid. From a government perspective, it allows for better resource allocation and potentially smoother project integration with other ongoing initiatives. Effective project management will be key to ensuring milestones are met and the project stays on track without incurring additional costs.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W912P825B0045

Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2232 FAYETTE ST, KENNER, LA, 70062

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,102,000

Exercised Options: $20,102,000

Current Obligation: $20,102,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline