NOAA Awards $120.8M Contract for Louisiana Marsh Creation Project

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $120,849,217 ($120.8M)

Contractor: Weeks Marine, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2021-10-15

End Date: 2025-01-23

Contract Duration: 1,196 days

Daily Burn Rate: $101.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: DREDGING AND CONSTRUCTIONS FOR THE LARGE SCALE MARSH CREATION: UPPER BARATARIA COMPONENT (BA-207) FOR NOAA FISHERIES, OFFICE OF HABITAT CONSERVATION, RESTORATION CENTER, DEEPWATER HORIZON (DWH) PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: BELLE CHASSE, PLAQUEMINES County, LOUISIANA, 70037

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $120.8 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC. for work described as: DREDGING AND CONSTRUCTIONS FOR THE LARGE SCALE MARSH CREATION: UPPER BARATARIA COMPONENT (BA-207) FOR NOAA FISHERIES, OFFICE OF HABITAT CONSERVATION, RESTORATION CENTER, DEEPWATER HORIZON (DWH) PROGRAM Key points: 1. Significant investment in coastal restoration and habitat conservation. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include project delays, environmental impacts, and cost overruns. 4. The contract falls under the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $120.8 million for a large-scale marsh creation project appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale civil engineering and environmental restoration projects would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for a critical environmental restoration project, aiming to mitigate the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and enhance coastal resilience.

Public Impact

Restores vital coastal wetlands, benefiting ecosystems and wildlife. Enhances storm surge protection for Louisiana communities. Supports long-term ecological health and biodiversity in the Gulf Coast region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector, which involves large-scale infrastructure projects. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on government priorities, infrastructure needs, and disaster recovery efforts.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to WEEKS MARINE, INC., a large business. There is no indication of specific set-asides or subcontracting goals for small businesses in the provided data, which could be an area for further review.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by NOAA Fisheries, Office of Habitat Conservation, Restoration Center, under the Department of Commerce. Oversight will likely involve regular progress reports, site inspections, and adherence to environmental regulations to ensure project success and proper use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

other-heavy-and-civil-engineering-constr, department-of-commerce, la, definitive-contract, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $120.8 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC.. DREDGING AND CONSTRUCTIONS FOR THE LARGE SCALE MARSH CREATION: UPPER BARATARIA COMPONENT (BA-207) FOR NOAA FISHERIES, OFFICE OF HABITAT CONSERVATION, RESTORATION CENTER, DEEPWATER HORIZON (DWH) PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WEEKS MARINE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $120.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-10-15. End: 2025-01-23.

What are the specific performance metrics and deliverables expected for this marsh creation project, and how will NOAA ensure they are met?

The contract likely includes detailed specifications for the volume of material to be placed, the desired elevation and footprint of the created marsh, and the types of vegetation to be established. NOAA's oversight team will monitor progress through regular site visits, review of contractor reports, and potentially independent environmental assessments to ensure compliance with these metrics and deliverables.

What are the contingency plans in place to address unforeseen environmental challenges or construction difficulties during the project?

Given the scale and nature of the project, contingency plans are crucial. These might include protocols for managing unexpected weather events, addressing potential issues with material sourcing or placement, and responding to any unforeseen ecological impacts. The contract may also include provisions for change orders to adapt to necessary modifications.

How will the long-term success and ecological impact of the marsh creation be measured and evaluated post-completion?

Long-term success will likely be evaluated through ongoing monitoring of marsh stability, vegetation survival rates, and the return of native wildlife. NOAA may conduct periodic assessments over several years to measure the effectiveness of the restoration in terms of habitat function, erosion control, and overall ecosystem health.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ConstructionOther Heavy and Civil Engineering ConstructionOther Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENTNATURAL RESOURCES - OTHER SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Peter Kiewit Sons Inc

Address: 304 GAILLE DR, COVINGTON, LA, 70433

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: $120,849,217

Exercised Options: $120,849,217

Current Obligation: $120,849,217

Actual Outlays: $6,875,106

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 793

Total Subaward Amount: $195,936,070

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2021-10-15

Current End Date: 2025-01-23

Potential End Date: 2025-01-23 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-02-02

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