National Park Service awards $37.8M contract for Ellis Island seawall stabilization, highlighting infrastructure needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $37,770,707 ($37.8M)

Contractor: Weeks Marine Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2020-09-04

End Date: 2024-02-23

Contract Duration: 1,267 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: STATUE OF LIBERTY NATIONAL MONUMENT, STABILIZE ELLIS ISLAND SEAWALL (STLI 211568), ELLIS ISLAND, HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, AND NEW YORK COUNTY, NEW YORK

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10004

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $37.8 million to WEEKS MARINE INC for work described as: STATUE OF LIBERTY NATIONAL MONUMENT, STABILIZE ELLIS ISLAND SEAWALL (STLI 211568), ELLIS ISLAND, HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, AND NEW YORK COUNTY, NEW YORK Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical infrastructure at a historic landmark, indicating a focus on preservation. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the government. 3. Competition was robust, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. The project's duration and scope point to significant engineering challenges. 5. This award reflects ongoing federal investment in national park infrastructure. 6. The contract's value is substantial for a single infrastructure project of this nature.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $37.8 million for stabilizing the Ellis Island seawall appears reasonable given the historical significance and engineering complexity of the site. While direct comparisons are difficult without more specific project details, large-scale coastal defense and historical preservation projects often fall within this range. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests an effort to manage cost overruns, which is a positive indicator for value. Benchmarking against similar large-scale civil engineering projects for historical sites would provide further context, but the initial assessment suggests a fair price for the scope of work.

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. With three bids received, the competition level suggests a healthy market interest in this type of specialized civil engineering work. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery, as it incentivizes bidders to offer competitive pricing to secure the contract. The agency's decision to pursue full and open competition aligns with best practices for maximizing value and ensuring a broad range of qualified contractors can participate.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive bidding process, which is expected to drive down costs and ensure the government receives the best possible value for its investment in preserving a national landmark.

Public Impact

Preserves a critical component of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, a globally recognized historical site. Ensures the structural integrity of Ellis Island, a key destination for millions of visitors annually. Protects vital infrastructure from erosion and potential damage from environmental factors. Supports specialized construction and engineering jobs in the New York/New Jersey region. Maintains the historical and cultural significance of Ellis Island for future generations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions in a complex marine environment impacting schedule and cost.
Coordination challenges between different government agencies and stakeholders involved in landmark preservation.
Long-term maintenance costs for the stabilized seawall may require future appropriations.

Positive Signals

Award to a contractor with demonstrated experience in heavy civil and marine construction.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process and potential for competitive pricing.
Project addresses critical infrastructure needs at a high-profile national monument.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically focusing on marine and coastal infrastructure. The market for such specialized work is often characterized by a limited number of firms with the requisite expertise and equipment, particularly for projects involving historical landmarks and sensitive environmental conditions. Federal spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure across national parks, transportation networks, and coastal defenses. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve large-scale port improvements, bridge construction, or other significant civil works projects, where costs can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. The prime contractor, Weeks Marine Inc., is a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. However, large infrastructure projects of this nature often involve significant subcontracting opportunities across various trades and specialized services, which could potentially benefit small businesses if actively pursued by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Park Service (NPS) contracting officers and project managers. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases like FPDS. Accountability measures would include performance monitoring, adherence to project milestones, and quality control. While no specific Inspector General (IG) is mentioned, the Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General would have jurisdiction over potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Infrastructure Projects
Coastal Infrastructure Protection
Historic Preservation Projects
Civil Engineering and Construction Contracts
New York/New Jersey Regional Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions
Environmental impact during construction
Weather-related delays
Coordination with historical preservation requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $37.8 million to WEEKS MARINE INC. STATUE OF LIBERTY NATIONAL MONUMENT, STABILIZE ELLIS ISLAND SEAWALL (STLI 211568), ELLIS ISLAND, HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, AND NEW YORK COUNTY, NEW YORK

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WEEKS MARINE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $37.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-04. End: 2024-02-23.

What is Weeks Marine Inc.'s track record with the National Park Service and similar coastal stabilization projects?

Weeks Marine Inc. has a significant history of performing large-scale marine construction and heavy civil engineering projects. Their portfolio includes work on ports, harbors, bridges, and coastal protection systems. While specific past performance data with the NPS for similar seawall stabilization projects would require a deeper dive into contract databases, their general experience in complex marine environments suggests they possess the necessary capabilities. Reviewing past performance evaluations and any debriefings from previous NPS contracts, if available, would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and effectiveness in similar contexts. Their extensive experience in dredging, marine structures, and environmental remediation positions them as a capable contractor for this type of work.

How does the $37.8 million cost compare to similar seawall stabilization projects at national landmarks or coastal areas?

Directly comparing the $37.8 million cost requires detailed project specifications, including the linear footage of the seawall, the complexity of the underlying geology, environmental mitigation requirements, and the specific stabilization techniques employed. However, large-scale coastal defense and infrastructure repair projects, especially those involving historical sites with unique access and preservation constraints, can be very expensive. For instance, major port infrastructure upgrades or significant levee reinforcement projects often run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. Given the iconic status of Ellis Island and the potential engineering challenges associated with its location and historical context, this contract value appears to be within a plausible range for such a critical infrastructure undertaking. Further benchmarking against projects of similar scale and complexity would be necessary for a definitive assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks include unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., encountering unexpected debris, unstable soil, or archaeological artifacts), potential environmental impacts during construction (e.g., sediment dispersion, disruption to marine life), and weather-related delays, particularly given the project's location in a marine environment. Mitigation strategies likely involve thorough geotechnical surveys prior to construction, detailed environmental monitoring plans, contingency planning for weather events, and robust project management by the NPS. The firm-fixed-price contract structure also incentivizes the contractor to manage cost risks effectively. The contractor's experience in marine environments is a key factor in mitigating many of these inherent risks.

What is the expected effectiveness of the seawall stabilization in protecting Ellis Island from future environmental threats?

The effectiveness of the seawall stabilization will depend on the specific engineering solutions implemented, which are not detailed in the provided data. However, the project's objective is to enhance the structural integrity and resilience of the seawall against ongoing erosion, wave action, and potential sea-level rise. A well-executed stabilization project should significantly extend the lifespan of the seawall, thereby protecting the island's infrastructure and historical structures from damage. The National Park Service's selection of a contractor with proven marine construction expertise suggests a commitment to employing effective, long-term solutions. Regular monitoring and potential future maintenance will be crucial to ensure sustained effectiveness against evolving environmental threats.

How has federal spending on national park infrastructure, particularly coastal defenses, trended in recent years?

Federal spending on national park infrastructure, including coastal defenses, has seen fluctuations but generally reflects a growing need to address aging facilities and the impacts of climate change. Recent years have seen increased attention and, in some cases, dedicated funding initiatives aimed at modernizing park infrastructure, which includes critical assets like seawalls, visitor centers, and trails. The Great American Outdoors Act, for example, has provided significant funding for addressing deferred maintenance backlogs across federal lands. While specific data on coastal defense spending within NPS is not provided here, the overall trend indicates a recognition of the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure to protect natural and cultural resources within the park system.

What are the implications of a 1267-day duration for this stabilization project?

A duration of 1267 days (approximately 3.5 years) indicates a project of considerable scale and complexity. Such a long timeframe suggests that the stabilization work involves extensive phases, potentially including detailed design, environmental reviews, phased construction to minimize disruption, and possibly addressing multiple sections of the seawall. It also implies significant resource allocation over an extended period. For taxpayers, this means sustained investment over several fiscal years. For the contractor, it requires long-term resource planning and project management. The extended duration may also be influenced by seasonal work constraints in a marine environment or the need to coordinate with other ongoing park operations or historical preservation efforts.

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

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140P2020R0027

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Peter Kiewit Sons Inc

Address: 4 COMMERCE DR, CRANFORD, NJ, 07016

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: $37,770,707

Exercised Options: $37,770,707

Current Obligation: $37,770,707

Actual Outlays: $37,402,606

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline