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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation
OFFICE OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE TURNER-FAIRBANK HIGHWAY RESEARCH CENTER

Analysis of Material Source Mergers and Acquisitions on Project Delivery Quality and Costs

Publication Information

Publication Type:
Technical Report
Publication Number:
FHWA-HRT-22-082
Abstract:

This technical report examines the concern of how mergers and acquisitions (M&As) within industries that produce, supply, and install aggregates and plant-produced materials for transportation projects may result in reduced competition and higher prices for public sector construction projects. This report documents research undertaken to analyze relationships and trends that occur when M&As take place in materials supply. The study presents strategies that selected States have employed to minimize adverse impacts and protect taxpayers from unfair pricing and anticompetitive behaviors. These State department of transportation (DOT) practices may limit adverse impacts to competitive market share distribution, bid pricing, and overall project costs.


This report also examines multiyear collections of State DOT construction materials bid prices and processes to monitor and analyze State DOT practices for bidding and letting projects. The research team reviewed data covering a 10-yr period between 2006 and 2016 to explore trends across 31 States. Nine case studies provided additional information to understand better the state of the practice for assessing bid prices and monitoring industry activities. The report and accompanying technical brief (FHWA-HRT-22-081) offer insights into the challenges associated with determining price impacts of M&A activity in the construction materials industry.

 


 

Recommended citation: Federal Highway Administration, Analysis of Material Source Mergers and Acquisitions on Project Delivery Quality and Costs (Washington, DC: 2023) https://doi.org/10.21949/1521910

Publishing Date:
June 2023
Posting Date:
Digital Object Identifier:
https://doi.org/10.21949/1521910
Author(s):
Silber, Hannah (ORCID: 0000-0003-0211-7934)
Bittner, Jason (ORCID: 0000-0002-7920-8773)
Publishing Office:
Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
FHWA Program(s):
Research
Infrastructure
AMRP Program(s):
Promoting Equity, Strengthening Transportation Planning, and Enhancing Environmental Decisionmaking
FHWA Activities:
Data and Analysis
Subject Area:
Research
Construction