Statue of Liberty National Monument seawall stabilization contract awarded for over $19.7 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,769,062 ($19.8M)

Contractor: Phoenix Marine CO. Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2010-05-07

End Date: 2012-09-29

Contract Duration: 876 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: RECOVERY STLI PMIS# 152319 STATUE OF LIBERTY NATIONAL MONUMENT, STABILIZE ELLIS ISLAND SEAWALL THE WORK DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: 1. INSTALLATION OF STEEL SHEET PILING AND TREMIE CONCRETE; 2. INSTALLATION OF STEEL H-PILES INCLUDING PRE-DRILLING THROUGH TIMBER CRIBBING; 3. INSTALLATION OF PRESSURE GROUTED POST-TENSIONED SOIL ANCHORS AND ASSOCIATED ASSEMBLAGES; 4. INSTALLATION OF CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE BEAMS INCLUDING TIE-IN TO EXISTING STRUCTURES; 5.EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL INCLUDING INSTALLATION OF GEOTEXTILE FABRIC; 6. REPAIR OF GRANITE MASONRY BLOCK FACING INCLUDING UNDERWATER RECOVERY, RESETTING, AND REPOINTING AND INCIDENTAL WORK.

Place of Performance

Location: JERSEY CITY, HUDSON County, NEW JERSEY, 07303

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $19.8 million to PHOENIX MARINE CO. INC. for work described as: RECOVERY STLI PMIS# 152319 STATUE OF LIBERTY NATIONAL MONUMENT, STABILIZE ELLIS ISLAND SEAWALL THE WORK DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: 1. INSTALLATION OF STEEL SHEET PILING AND TREMIE CONCRETE; 2. INSTALLATION OF STEEL H-PILES INCLUDING PRE-DRILLING THROUGH TIMBER CRIBBING; 3. INSTALLATIO… Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical infrastructure needs for the Statue of Liberty National Monument. 2. Project scope includes complex marine construction and repair elements. 3. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 5. Project duration was approximately 2 years, indicating a significant undertaking. 6. The contractor, Phoenix Marine Co. Inc., has experience in marine construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $19.7 million for the stabilization of the Ellis Island seawall appears reasonable given the complexity and scope of the work. This involved extensive marine construction, including sheet piling, concrete work, and granite repair, often in challenging underwater conditions. Benchmarking against similar large-scale marine infrastructure projects would provide a more precise value assessment, but the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests an effort to establish a clear cost ceiling.

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 a bid. While the number of bidders (7) is provided, further analysis would be needed to understand the level of actual competition and whether it led to optimal pricing. A robust competition typically drives down costs and encourages innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and better value for government projects.

Public Impact

Preserves a critical historical and cultural landmark, the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Ensures the structural integrity of the Ellis Island seawall, protecting the island's infrastructure. Supports the tourism industry by maintaining the accessibility and safety of these iconic sites. Likely involved skilled labor in marine construction, engineering, and historical preservation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen subsurface conditions are encountered during marine construction.
Delays in project completion could impact visitor access or seasonal operations.
Ensuring the long-term durability of repairs in a harsh marine environment.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost escalation risks.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
The National Park Service's oversight is expected to ensure quality and adherence to standards.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, specifically addressing critical marine infrastructure. The market for such specialized construction is often characterized by a limited number of highly qualified firms capable of undertaking complex projects in sensitive environmental and historical locations. The value of this contract is significant within the context of specialized coastal and marine engineering projects.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Phoenix Marine Co. Inc. and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. Given the specialized nature and scale of the project, it is less likely to have been primarily targeted towards small businesses without significant subcontracting. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be necessary to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the National Park Service, an agency within the Department of the Interior, which has established oversight mechanisms for federal construction projects. The fixed-price contract type provides a degree of cost control. Transparency would be enhanced by public reporting on project milestones, challenges, and final outcomes. Inspector General oversight would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Infrastructure Projects
Coastal and Marine Infrastructure Repair
Historic Site Preservation Contracts
Federal Public Works Construction

Risk Flags

Complex Marine Environment
Historical Structure Preservation
Potential for Unforeseen Subsurface Conditions
Long Project Duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $19.8 million to PHOENIX MARINE CO. INC.. RECOVERY STLI PMIS# 152319 STATUE OF LIBERTY NATIONAL MONUMENT, STABILIZE ELLIS ISLAND SEAWALL THE WORK DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: 1. INSTALLATION OF STEEL SHEET PILING AND TREMIE CONCRETE; 2. INSTALLATION OF STEEL H-PILES INCLUDING PRE-DRILLING THROUGH TIMBER CRIBBING; 3. INSTALLATION OF PRESSURE GROUTED POST-TENSIONED SOIL ANCHORS AND ASSOCIATED ASSEMBLAGES; 4. INSTALLATION OF CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE BEAMS INCLUDING TIE-IN TO EXISTING STRUCTURES; 5.EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL INCLUDING INSTALLATION OF G

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PHOENIX MARINE CO. 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 $19.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-05-07. End: 2012-09-29.

What is the track record of Phoenix Marine Co. Inc. on similar federal contracts?

Phoenix Marine Co. Inc. has a history of performing marine construction and repair work for various government agencies. Analysis of their past federal contract performance, including on-time completion rates, adherence to budget, and quality of work, would provide insight into their reliability for this project. Examining past performance reviews and any documented disputes or contract modifications can offer a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and potential risks associated with awarding them this significant contract.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar seawall stabilization projects?

Comparing the $19.7 million contract value to similar seawall stabilization projects requires access to data on comparable projects in terms of scale, complexity, location (e.g., marine environment, soil conditions), and the specific types of repairs undertaken. Projects involving extensive underwater work, specialized piling, and historical structure integration tend to be more costly. Without specific benchmark data for similar NPS or other federal coastal infrastructure projects, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the fixed-price nature suggests a negotiated price based on estimated costs and risks.

What were the primary risk indicators identified during the bidding process for this contract?

Primary risk indicators for a contract of this nature typically include the complexity of marine construction, potential for unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., unstable soil, underwater obstructions), environmental considerations, and the historical significance of the structures involved. The duration of the project (over 2 years) also suggests inherent risks. The 'full and open competition' with 7 bidders implies that these risks were assessed by multiple parties. The fixed-price contract type aims to transfer some of these cost-related risks to the contractor.

How effective were the chosen construction methods in addressing the seawall's structural issues?

The effectiveness of the chosen construction methods, such as steel sheet piling, post-tensioned soil anchors, and granite masonry repair, would be evaluated based on the project's successful completion and the long-term performance of the seawall. Post-project inspections, monitoring of structural integrity, and comparison with design specifications are crucial for this assessment. The National Park Service's engineering and project management teams would be responsible for ensuring the methods employed were appropriate and met the required standards for durability and resilience in a marine environment.

What is the historical spending pattern for seawall maintenance and repair at the Statue of Liberty National Monument?

To assess historical spending patterns, one would need to examine previous contracts awarded by the National Park Service for maintenance and repair work specifically at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island, focusing on seawall and related marine infrastructure. This would involve looking at the frequency, value, and scope of past projects. Understanding this history can reveal trends in maintenance needs, the typical costs associated with such work, and whether this $19.7 million contract represents a significant increase or is in line with previous major repair efforts.

Were there any significant contract modifications or change orders during the project's execution?

Information regarding significant contract modifications or change orders would typically be found in contract modification databases or official project reports. Such modifications can indicate unforeseen issues, scope changes, or adjustments to pricing. Analyzing these changes is crucial for understanding the project's actual cost evolution, the reasons behind any deviations from the original plan, and the effectiveness of the initial contract's risk management provisions. A high number of substantial modifications could suggest initial underestimation of complexity or scope.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N2011100198

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 449 WASHINGTON RD STE 1, SAYREVILLE, NJ, 08872

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,769,062

Exercised Options: $19,769,062

Current Obligation: $19,769,062

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline