Project No. 583-23-509 - Correct Ust Deficiencies.

Awarded 2023-08-21 — 40 days before fiscal year end (Sep 30). End-of-year awards often have compressed timelines and reduced oversight.

Post-award modifications total 102% of the original award. Change orders exceeding 50% suggest scope creep, poor initial estimates, or intentional low-bidding.

Initial award was below peer average, then modifications added scope. This buy-in pattern — underbidding to win, then recovering margin through change orders — is a documented procurement risk.

This agency's spending on this type of work increased significantly vs prior years. Rapid spending increases often outpace oversight capacity.