Coast Guard awards $26.8M contract for Canaveral port and waterfront rebuild to Whiting-Turner

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,837,623 ($26.8M)

Contractor: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2021-04-15

End Date: 2024-09-19

Contract Duration: 1,253 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: REBUILD STA PORT CANAVERAL AND WATERFRONT AT USCG CAPE CANAVERAL, FL

Place of Performance

Location: CAPE CANAVERAL, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32920

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $26.8 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE for work described as: REBUILD STA PORT CANAVERAL AND WATERFRONT AT USCG CAPE CANAVERAL, FL Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating phased execution. 3. The fixed-price nature of the contract shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. Project duration of 1253 days suggests a significant, long-term construction effort. 5. The contract is for commercial and institutional building construction, a common sector for federal spending. 6. The award is for a specific location in Florida, impacting regional infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $26.8 million for port and waterfront reconstruction appears reasonable for a project of this scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction projects for federal agencies would provide a more precise assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor has factored in potential cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 5 bids indicates a healthy level of competition for this project. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces. Multiple bidders increase the likelihood of securing the best value for the government.

Public Impact

The U.S. Coast Guard benefits from improved port and waterfront facilities at Cape Canaveral. The project will enhance operational capabilities and infrastructure resilience for the Coast Guard. The geographic impact is concentrated in Cape Canaveral, Florida, supporting regional maritime activities. The construction effort will likely create jobs in the local Florida workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for construction delays impacting operational readiness.
Risk of cost escalation if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite fixed-price contract.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations during extensive waterfront construction.

Positive Signals

Award to an established contractor, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, suggests experience.
Firm-fixed-price contract aligns incentives for efficient project completion.
Long project duration allows for thorough planning and execution of complex construction.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant area of federal procurement. The market for large-scale infrastructure and construction projects is substantial, with numerous firms capable of undertaking such work. This specific project addresses critical infrastructure needs for the U.S. Coast Guard, aligning with national security and operational readiness objectives. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar port and waterfront development projects would provide further context on value.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if the prime contractor has plans for small business subcontracting, which could still provide opportunities for the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Coast Guard contracting office and potentially the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, with penalties or incentives tied to performance and completion.

Related Government Programs

USCG Infrastructure Modernization Programs
Port and Waterway Security Projects
Federal Construction Contracts
Homeland Security Facilities

Risk Flags

Potential for environmental impact during construction.
Risk of unforeseen subsurface conditions affecting schedule and cost.
Dependency on contractor's ability to manage complex logistics in an active port.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $26.8 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE. REBUILD STA PORT CANAVERAL AND WATERFRONT AT USCG CAPE CANAVERAL, FL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-04-15. End: 2024-09-19.

What is Whiting-Turner Contracting Company's track record with similar federal construction projects, particularly for maritime infrastructure?

Whiting-Turner Contracting Company has a substantial track record in large-scale construction projects across various sectors, including federal facilities. While specific details on their maritime infrastructure projects for the Coast Guard would require deeper database analysis, their general experience in complex building and infrastructure development suggests a capacity to handle this type of contract. Reviewing their past performance ratings and any past issues on similar government contracts would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and expertise in this specific domain. Their history with firm-fixed-price contracts is also a key indicator of their ability to manage costs and schedules effectively.

How does the awarded amount of $26.8 million compare to the estimated cost or bids from other competitors?

The awarded amount of $26.8 million represents the government's final negotiated price with Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. With five bids received under full and open competition, this figure can be compared against the other submitted bids to assess the competitiveness of the final award. If the awarded amount is significantly lower than other bids, it suggests strong negotiation or a highly competitive initial bidding environment. Conversely, if it's close to the highest bids, it might warrant further scrutiny into the pricing structure. Without access to the unawarded bids, a precise value-for-money assessment relative to competitors is limited, but the fact that it was awarded suggests it met the government's price objectives.

What are the primary risks associated with a large-scale waterfront construction project of this nature?

Large-scale waterfront construction projects inherently carry several risks. Environmental risks are significant, including potential impacts on marine ecosystems, managing hazardous materials, and adhering to strict environmental regulations. Geological and hydrological risks are also present, such as unforeseen soil conditions, groundwater intrusion, and the impact of tides and weather on construction activities. Furthermore, logistical challenges related to material delivery, site access, and coordination with ongoing port operations can lead to delays and cost overruns. The long duration of this 1253-day project amplifies these risks, requiring robust risk management and contingency planning from the contractor.

What is the expected impact of this project on the U.S. Coast Guard's operational capabilities at Cape Canaveral?

This project aims to rebuild and modernize the U.S. Coast Guard's port and waterfront facilities at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The expected impact is a significant enhancement of operational capabilities. Modernized facilities can improve vessel berthing, maintenance, and deployment efficiency. Enhanced waterfront infrastructure can also bolster security measures and resilience against environmental factors or potential threats. Ultimately, the project is designed to ensure the Coast Guard can effectively carry out its missions in the region, including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and port security, by providing reliable and up-to-date infrastructure.

How has federal spending on similar port and waterfront construction projects trended in recent years?

Federal spending on port and waterfront construction projects has generally seen an upward trend, driven by the need to modernize aging infrastructure, enhance security, and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Agencies like the Coast Guard, Navy, and Army Corps of Engineers are major contributors to this spending. Factors such as increased maritime trade, national security concerns, and infrastructure investment initiatives contribute to this trend. Analyzing historical spending data for similar projects within the Department of Homeland Security and other relevant agencies would reveal specific patterns in contract values, durations, and types of work performed, providing a benchmark for this current award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 E JOPPA RD, BALTIMORE, MD, 21286

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,837,623

Exercised Options: $26,837,623

Current Obligation: $26,837,623

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z04718DWHITUR00

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline