Manson Construction awarded $61M for Marine Corps facility, facing limited competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $61,080,000 ($61.1M)

Contractor: Manson Construction CO

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-30

End Date: 2027-08-26

Contract Duration: 695 days

Daily Burn Rate: $87.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: DESIGN-BID-BUILD (BBD), FIRM-FIXED-PRICE (FFP), CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR P021 LIGHTERAGE AND SMALL CRAFT FACILITY AT MARINE CORP SUPPORT FACILITY (MCSF) BLOUNT ISLAND COMMAND (BIC), JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA.

Place of Performance

Location: JACKSONVILLE, DUVAL County, FLORIDA, 32228

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $61.1 million to MANSON CONSTRUCTION CO for work described as: DESIGN-BID-BUILD (BBD), FIRM-FIXED-PRICE (FFP), CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR P021 LIGHTERAGE AND SMALL CRAFT FACILITY AT MARINE CORP SUPPORT FACILITY (MCSF) BLOUNT ISLAND COMMAND (BIC), JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. Key points: 1. Contract value of $61.08 million for a design-bid-build construction project. 2. Project involves lighterage and small craft facilities at Blount Island Command. 3. Competition was full and open, but only two bids were received. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating price certainty. 5. Performance period spans from September 2025 to August 2027. 6. The contractor, Manson Construction Co., has a track record in heavy civil engineering. 7. Geographic focus is Jacksonville, Florida.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $61.08 million appears to be within a reasonable range for a large-scale civil engineering project of this nature. However, without specific benchmarks for similar lighterage and small craft facility constructions, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs, but the limited number of bids could suggest potential for higher pricing than if competition were more robust. Further analysis would require detailed cost breakdowns and comparisons to industry standards for similar projects.

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. However, only two bids were received. This level of competition, while technically open, is on the lower side and may indicate potential barriers to entry for other firms or a limited pool of qualified contractors for this specific type of specialized construction. The limited number of bidders could impact price discovery and potentially lead to less aggressive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was open, the low number of bids suggests taxpayers may not have benefited from the most competitive pricing possible. The government secured a bid, but a more robust competition could have potentially driven down costs further.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Marine Corps, who will receive enhanced facilities for lighterage and small craft operations at Blount Island Command. The project will deliver critical infrastructure improvements, supporting logistical capabilities and operational readiness. The geographic impact is concentrated in Jacksonville, Florida, specifically at the Marine Corps Support Facility. The construction activities will likely create temporary employment opportunities for skilled trades and labor in the local Florida workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited number of bidders (2) for a full and open competition may indicate potential issues with market reach or contractor interest, possibly impacting price competitiveness.
The contract is for construction, which inherently carries risks related to cost overruns, schedule delays, and unforeseen site conditions.
The specific nature of 'lighterage and small craft facility' might require specialized expertise, and the performance of Manson Construction Co. on this niche project needs monitoring.

Positive Signals

The contract is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor and provides budget certainty.
Manson Construction Co. is an established entity in heavy and civil engineering construction, suggesting a degree of experience.
The project is awarded by the Department of the Navy, a major federal agency with established procurement processes and oversight.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically related to port and marine infrastructure. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 237990 covers 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction.' This sector is characterized by large-scale projects, significant capital investment, and specialized engineering requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other port development, dredging, or specialized marine facility construction contracts awarded by federal agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers or the Navy.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a small business set-aside. The prime contractor, Manson Construction Co., is likely a large business, and any subcontracting opportunities would be at their discretion.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be provided by the Department of the Navy. As a definitive contract awarded under full and open competition, it is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. Accountability measures are embedded in the Firm Fixed Price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver the specified facilities within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Contracts
Military Construction Projects
Port and Harbor Infrastructure Development
Marine Corps Logistics Facilities
Heavy Civil Engineering Construction Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Cost Overruns (inherent in construction)
Schedule Delay Risk
Contractor Performance Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $61.1 million to MANSON CONSTRUCTION CO. DESIGN-BID-BUILD (BBD), FIRM-FIXED-PRICE (FFP), CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR P021 LIGHTERAGE AND SMALL CRAFT FACILITY AT MARINE CORP SUPPORT FACILITY (MCSF) BLOUNT ISLAND COMMAND (BIC), JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANSON CONSTRUCTION CO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $61.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2027-08-26.

What is the track record of Manson Construction Co. on similar federal contracts, particularly those involving marine facilities?

Manson Construction Co. has a history of performing large-scale civil engineering and heavy construction projects for federal agencies. While specific details on their past performance on 'lighterage and small craft facilities' are not provided in the summary data, their general experience in marine construction, including work on ports, bridges, and other waterfront structures, suggests they possess the requisite capabilities. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any disputes or claims on similar projects, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their suitability and potential risks associated with this specific contract.

How does the awarded price of $61.08 million compare to similar federal contracts for marine facility construction?

Benchmarking the $61.08 million award requires comparison with contracts for similar scope, scale, and complexity. Projects involving the construction or upgrade of lighterage facilities, docks, piers, or small craft harbors by agencies like the Navy or the Army Corps of Engineers would serve as relevant comparators. Factors such as geographic location (labor and material costs), specific design requirements, and the year of award significantly influence pricing. Without access to a database of comparable contract values adjusted for these variables, it is difficult to definitively state whether this award represents excellent, fair, or concerning value. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests a negotiated price based on expected costs.

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

The primary risks include potential cost overruns (though mitigated by FFP), schedule delays due to unforeseen site conditions or weather, and contractor performance issues. Given the specialized nature of marine construction, risks related to environmental compliance and permitting are also present. Mitigation strategies include the FFP contract type, which places cost risk on the contractor. The government's mitigation also involves selecting a contractor with relevant experience (Manson Construction Co.) and establishing clear performance standards and inspection protocols. The relatively long performance period (nearly two years) also allows for potential schedule adjustments, though delays can still impact operational readiness.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar marine construction projects by the Department of the Navy or Marine Corps?

Historical spending on similar marine construction projects by the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps can vary significantly based on mission requirements, infrastructure modernization efforts, and budget allocations. Major projects like port upgrades, new pier construction, or specialized facility development can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. Spending patterns are often cyclical, influenced by defense budgets and strategic priorities. Analyzing past awards for facilities at installations like Blount Island Command or other Marine Corps logistics bases would provide insight into the typical scale and frequency of such investments. This contract appears to be a significant, but not unprecedented, investment in specialized marine infrastructure.

Given only two bids were received under 'full and open competition,' what does this imply about the market for this type of specialized construction?

The receipt of only two bids under a 'full and open competition' solicitation suggests a potentially constrained market for this specific type of specialized marine construction. This could be due to several factors: a limited number of qualified contractors with the necessary expertise and bonding capacity, high barriers to entry (e.g., specialized equipment, certifications), or perhaps the project's location or specific requirements made it less attractive to a broader range of firms. While the competition was technically open, the low number of bidders may have reduced the government's leverage in price negotiations and could indicate that the market is not as robust as desired for optimal price discovery and taxpayer value.

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: N6945024R0003

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5209 E MARGINAL WAY S, SEATTLE, WA, 98134

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: $72,699,044

Exercised Options: $61,080,000

Current Obligation: $61,080,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline