Army awards $23.1M for Brevard County shore protection, highlighting coastal resilience efforts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,132,371 ($23.1M)

Contractor: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock CO, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-09-13

End Date: 2014-05-01

Contract Duration: 230 days

Daily Burn Rate: $100.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: FLOOD CONTROL AND COASTAL EMERGENCY, BREVARD COUNTY SHORE PROTECTION NORTH AND SOUTH REACH BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

Place of Performance

Location: COCOA BEACH, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32932

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $23.1 million to GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CO, LLC for work described as: FLOOD CONTROL AND COASTAL EMERGENCY, BREVARD COUNTY SHORE PROTECTION NORTH AND SOUTH REACH BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical infrastructure protection and environmental restoration. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Project duration is relatively short, indicating a focused scope of work. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor. 5. Geographic focus on Florida's coast addresses vulnerability to natural disasters.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $23.1 million for shore protection appears reasonable given the scope of work involving flood control and coastal emergency response. Benchmarking against similar large-scale civil engineering projects in coastal regions suggests that this award falls within expected cost ranges for such specialized services. The firm fixed-price structure also indicates a commitment to budget certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. The presence of a competitive bidding process generally supports price discovery and can lead to more favorable terms for the government. The specific number of bids received would provide further insight into the intensity of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages a wider range of contractors to bid, potentially driving down costs and ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in Brevard County, Florida, benefit from enhanced protection against coastal erosion and storm surge. The project delivers vital services for flood control and coastal emergency management. Geographic impact is concentrated in Brevard County, Florida, a region prone to coastal hazards. The project supports the construction and engineering workforce involved in civil infrastructure projects.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in emergency response contracts if unforeseen conditions arise.
Dependence on contractor's specialized equipment and personnel for timely execution.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost overruns for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market for these services.
Focus on critical infrastructure protection aligns with national resilience goals.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically focusing on coastal protection and flood control. This sector is crucial for national infrastructure and resilience, particularly in areas vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather events. Spending in this area often involves significant capital investment and specialized engineering expertise, with projects ranging from small-scale repairs to large-scale coastal defense systems.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside consideration for this specific award (ss: false, sb: false). While the prime contractor, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co, LLC, is a large entity, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business subcontracting and its impact on the broader small business ecosystem in this sector.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, part of the Department of the Army. Mechanisms likely include regular progress reports, site inspections, and adherence to contract specifications. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, with potential for Inspector General review if any irregularities are identified.

Related Government Programs

Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
Coastal Zone Management Programs
Disaster Relief and Emergency Management Funding
Shoreline and Beach Erosion Control Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for environmental impacts during construction.
Risk of project delays due to weather or unforeseen site conditions.
Long-term effectiveness dependent on ongoing maintenance and environmental changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $23.1 million to GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CO, LLC. FLOOD CONTROL AND COASTAL EMERGENCY, BREVARD COUNTY SHORE PROTECTION NORTH AND SOUTH REACH BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CO, 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 $23.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-09-13. End: 2014-05-01.

What is the track record of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co, LLC with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of the Army?

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co, LLC has a significant history of federal contracting, particularly with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Their experience often involves large-scale dredging, marine construction, and coastal restoration projects. Reviewing their past performance on similar Army contracts would reveal their ability to meet deadlines, manage budgets, and adhere to quality standards. Data from contract databases often shows a pattern of successful project completion, though specific details on any past issues or disputes would require deeper investigation into contract performance reports and any associated corrective actions.

How does the $23.1 million award compare to other similar shore protection projects undertaken by the federal government?

The $23.1 million award for the Brevard County shore protection project is a substantial but not extraordinary figure for large-scale coastal engineering efforts. Similar projects, such as beach nourishment, dune restoration, or the construction of protective structures (like seawalls or breakwaters) in other coastal regions, can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the geographic scale, complexity, and specific engineering solutions required. Factors influencing cost include the volume of material moved, the type of construction, environmental mitigation measures, and the duration of the project. This award appears to be in the mid-to-high range for a single-phase, focused shore protection initiative.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of coastal protection contract?

Primary risks for this type of contract include environmental factors (e.g., unexpected weather events like hurricanes impacting work progress or damaging completed sections), unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., encountering unexpected geological formations or debris), and potential delays in permitting or regulatory approvals. For the contractor, risks also include fluctuations in material costs and ensuring adequate skilled labor availability. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract shifts significant cost overrun risk to the contractor, but could incentivize cutting corners if not rigorously overseen. The government's risk is primarily related to project delays and ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the protection measures.

How effective are shore protection projects like this in mitigating long-term coastal erosion and storm damage?

The effectiveness of shore protection projects varies significantly based on the design, implementation, and the specific environmental context. Projects like this, often involving beach nourishment (adding sand) and potentially structural elements, can provide immediate and medium-term protection against erosion and storm surge. However, they are often part of a continuous management strategy rather than a permanent solution. Natural processes will continue to erode beaches, and the effectiveness can be diminished by severe storm events or inadequate maintenance. Long-term success depends on adaptive management, ongoing monitoring, and potentially integrating these projects with broader coastal resilience strategies that may include living shorelines or stricter land-use planning.

What has been the historical spending trend for flood control and coastal emergency projects by the Department of the Army?

The Department of the Army, primarily through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), has a long and substantial history of investing in flood control and coastal protection projects. Historical spending trends show consistent, significant appropriations for these activities, often fluctuating based on the severity of recent natural disasters, congressional priorities, and the status of ongoing major infrastructure initiatives. Funding levels can increase following major hurricane seasons or significant flood events, reflecting a national commitment to mitigating risks associated with water-related hazards. Analyzing multi-year spending data reveals a sustained focus on maintaining and improving the nation's water infrastructure and coastal defenses.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W912EP10R0026

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (UEI: 362899130)

Address: 2122 YORK RD STE 200, OAK BROOK, IL, 60523

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,132,371

Exercised Options: $23,132,371

Current Obligation: $23,132,371

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912EP13D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline