NOAA awards $14.86M contract for Louisiana coastal restoration dredging

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,863,025 ($14.9M)

Contractor: Weeks Marine, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2005-08-18

End Date: 2006-12-31

Contract Duration: 500 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: DREDGING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CHALAND HEADLAND RESTORATION PROJECT, GULF OF MEXICO, LOUISIANA

Place of Performance

Location: PORT SULPHUR, PLAQUEMINES County, LOUISIANA, 70083

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $14.9 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC. for work described as: DREDGING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CHALAND HEADLAND RESTORATION PROJECT, GULF OF MEXICO, LOUISIANA Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in ecological restoration. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding environment. 3. Fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. Project duration of 500 days indicates a substantial, multi-year undertaking. 5. Geographic focus on Louisiana highlights regional environmental priorities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.86 million for dredging services appears reasonable given the scope of a coastal restoration project. Benchmarking against similar large-scale civil engineering projects would provide further context, but the fixed-price nature suggests the government has a clear understanding of costs. The award amount is within expected ranges for such specialized environmental remediation work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized service. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, the existing competition likely provided a reasonable basis for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive process, which aims to secure the best value for public funds by encouraging multiple firms to offer their services.

Public Impact

The project directly benefits the Gulf Coast region of Louisiana through habitat restoration. Dredging services will contribute to the physical reconstruction of coastal landforms. The project supports environmental resilience and protection against coastal erosion. Local and regional economies may see indirect benefits through employment and related services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen environmental conditions arise during dredging.
Performance delays could impact the overall restoration timeline and ecological benefits.
Contractor's ability to manage complex environmental regulations is critical.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process.
The project addresses critical environmental needs in a vulnerable region.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically focusing on environmental remediation and coastal restoration. The market for such services is specialized, involving firms with expertise in marine construction, dredging, and environmental compliance. Spending in this area is often driven by federal and state initiatives aimed at mitigating environmental damage and enhancing coastal resilience, particularly in areas prone to erosion and storm surge.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary contractor, Weeks Marine, Inc., will likely perform the majority of the work with its own resources or through larger, non-small business subcontractors. The impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific contract appears minimal.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), likely through a contracting officer's representative (COR). The fixed-price nature of the contract implies that oversight will focus on ensuring performance milestones are met and that the work adheres to the specified technical requirements and environmental standards. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements.

Related Government Programs

Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act
Gulf Coast Restoration Fund
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund Program

Risk Flags

Environmental Risk
Performance Risk
Schedule Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $14.9 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC.. DREDGING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CHALAND HEADLAND RESTORATION PROJECT, GULF OF MEXICO, LOUISIANA

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 $14.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-08-18. End: 2006-12-31.

What is the track record of Weeks Marine, Inc. in performing similar large-scale dredging and coastal restoration projects?

Weeks Marine, Inc. has a significant history of undertaking large-scale marine construction and dredging projects. They have been involved in numerous projects across the United States, including port deepening, beach nourishment, and environmental restoration initiatives. Their experience often includes complex projects requiring specialized equipment and adherence to stringent environmental regulations. A review of their past performance on contracts with agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers and NOAA would reveal their capabilities and reliability in executing projects of similar scope and complexity to the Chaland Headland Restoration Project.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or budget for the Chaland Headland Restoration Project?

The provided data indicates an award amount of $14,863,025.07. Without access to the government's initial cost estimate or the specific budget allocated for this project, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition with two bidders suggests that the bids received were considered competitive and within a reasonable range of the government's expectations. Further analysis would require accessing pre-award estimates or budget documents related to the project.

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

Key risks for this dredging contract include potential environmental impacts (e.g., sediment dispersion, habitat disruption), unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., buried debris, unstable soil), weather-related delays, and contractor performance issues. Mitigation strategies typically involve detailed environmental impact assessments, pre-dredging surveys, robust contract language specifying environmental protection measures, contingency planning for weather, and close government oversight by a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). The fixed-price contract also shifts some financial risk to the contractor.

What is the expected ecological and economic impact of the Chaland Headland Restoration Project?

The Chaland Headland Restoration Project is expected to have significant positive ecological impacts by restoring vital coastal wetlands, which serve as natural buffers against storm surge, reduce erosion, and provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife. Economically, the project contributes to the resilience of coastal communities, potentially protecting infrastructure and supporting industries like fisheries and tourism. While the direct economic impact of the contract itself involves payments to the contractor and associated labor, the long-term economic benefits stem from enhanced coastal protection and ecosystem services.

How has NOAA's spending on coastal restoration and dredging projects evolved over the years?

NOAA's spending on coastal restoration and dredging projects has generally increased over the years, driven by growing awareness of coastal vulnerability due to climate change, sea-level rise, and increased storm intensity. Federal funding initiatives and disaster recovery efforts often supplement regular appropriations for such projects. Analyzing historical spending patterns would show a trend towards larger, more complex restoration efforts, reflecting both increased need and greater federal commitment to addressing coastal erosion and habitat loss.

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 NONBUILDINGS

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: Weeks Marine Inc (UEI: 044665230)

Address: 304 GAILLE DR, COVINGTON, LA, 01

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,863,025

Exercised Options: $14,863,025

Current Obligation: $14,863,025

Timeline