USDA Awards $13.9M Construction Contract to Inland Dredging for Louisiana Project

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,899,044 ($13.9M)

Contractor: Inland Dredging Company, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2007-06-20

End Date: 2009-12-14

Contract Duration: 908 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: WEST LAKE BOUDREAUX - CONSTRUCTION; INCREASE

Place of Performance

Location: HOUMA, TERREBONNE County, LOUISIANA, 70361

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $13.9 million to INLAND DREDGING COMPANY, L.L.C. for work described as: WEST LAKE BOUDREAUX - CONSTRUCTION; INCREASE Key points: 1. The contract value of $13.9 million is significant for this type of heavy civil engineering construction. 2. Inland Dredging Company, L.L.C. secured the award through full and open competition. 3. The project duration of 908 days suggests a complex and potentially high-risk undertaking. 4. The sector is Construction, specifically Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $13.9 million for a 908-day project needs comparison to similar heavy civil engineering contracts. Without specific benchmarks for Louisiana dredging projects, assessing value is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the long duration and specific nature of the work might limit the number of truly competitive bids.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently, but the final cost-effectiveness depends on the project's execution and the actual bids received.

Public Impact

This project will likely involve significant environmental considerations and potential disruptions in the Louisiana area. The long-term nature of the contract suggests a substantial impact on local infrastructure or natural resources. Taxpayers can expect to see the results of this investment in improved heavy civil engineering infrastructure or conservation efforts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long project duration (908 days) increases risk of cost overruns and delays.
Specific nature of 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' may limit competition.
Lack of detailed scope for 'WEST LAKE BOUDREAUX - CONSTRUCTION; INCREASE' makes full assessment difficult.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair bidding process.
Contract is for a specific, tangible outcome in construction.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Construction sector, specifically 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction.' Spending in this area can vary widely based on infrastructure needs and federal priorities. The $13.9 million award is a substantial sum for a single project of this nature.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically involve the Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service monitoring the contractor's progress, adherence to specifications, and budget. The long duration necessitates robust oversight to ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Natural Resources Conservation Service Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (908 days).
Ambiguous project title ('INCREASE').
Potential for limited competition in specialized heavy civil engineering.
Lack of specific performance metrics or benchmarks provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $13.9 million to INLAND DREDGING COMPANY, L.L.C.. WEST LAKE BOUDREAUX - CONSTRUCTION; INCREASE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INLAND DREDGING COMPANY, L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Natural Resources Conservation Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-06-20. End: 2009-12-14.

What specific 'increase' is being addressed in the 'WEST LAKE BOUDREAUX - CONSTRUCTION; INCREASE' project, and how does this impact the overall value proposition?

The term 'increase' in the project title is ambiguous without further context. It could refer to an expansion of an existing area, an increase in water levels, or a modification to existing structures. Understanding this specific objective is crucial for evaluating the project's necessity, scope, and ultimate value to the public. Without clarification, assessing the true benefit derived from the $13.9 million investment remains challenging.

Given the 908-day duration, what are the primary risks associated with cost escalation and project delays for this heavy civil engineering contract?

The extended 908-day timeline significantly elevates risks of cost escalation due to inflation, material price fluctuations, and potential unforeseen site conditions common in heavy civil projects. Delays can arise from weather, permitting issues, or contractor performance. These risks necessitate strong contract management, contingency planning, and potentially escalation clauses to protect taxpayer funds and ensure timely completion.

How effectively does the 'full and open competition' method ensure optimal price discovery for specialized heavy civil engineering projects like this one?

Full and open competition is designed to maximize price discovery by allowing all qualified bidders to participate. However, for highly specialized heavy civil engineering projects, the pool of qualified bidders might be limited. If only a few firms can realistically perform the work, the competition may be less robust than intended, potentially impacting the final price achieved. The agency's pre-qualification process and the specific technical requirements are key factors.

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 RESTOR ACVIVS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 103 KING AVE, DYERSBURG, TN, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Small Business, Special Designations, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,899,044

Exercised Options: $13,899,044

Current Obligation: $13,899,044

Timeline