Manson Construction awarded $29.9M for West Coast hopper dredging, highlighting critical infrastructure needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,904,165 ($29.9M)

Contractor: Manson Construction CO

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-04-01

End Date: 2025-12-15

Contract Duration: 258 days

Daily Burn Rate: $115.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: FY25 WEST COAST HOPPER DREDGING

Place of Performance

Location: PORTLAND, MULTNOMAH County, OREGON, 97217

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.9 million to MANSON CONSTRUCTION CO for work described as: FY25 WEST COAST HOPPER DREDGING Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in maintaining vital West Coast waterways. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the dredging services. 3. Competition dynamics for this contract are crucial for ensuring taxpayer value. 4. Performance will be monitored to ensure timely and effective completion of dredging. 5. This contract supports national maritime infrastructure and economic activity. 6. The duration suggests a substantial scope of work for the specified period.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $29.9 million for hopper dredging services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Without specific benchmarks for West Coast dredging projects of this scale, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the firm-fixed-price contract type suggests an effort to establish a clear cost ceiling, which is a positive indicator for value. Further analysis would require comparing this award to similar contracts awarded by the Army Corps of Engineers or other agencies for comparable dredging activities.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited and evaluated. This competitive process is generally expected to yield a fair market price and encourage efficiency from the awarded contractor. The presence of multiple bidders suggests a healthy market for these specialized dredging services, which benefits the government through potentially lower prices and better service offerings.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by leveraging market forces to drive down costs and improve service quality for essential infrastructure projects.

Public Impact

Benefits port authorities and maritime industries by ensuring navigable waterways. Delivers essential dredging services to maintain depth and capacity of key West Coast ports. Geographic impact is focused on the West Coast, specifically Oregon. Supports a specialized segment of the construction and maritime workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for schedule delays impacting port operations if performance issues arise.
Environmental compliance monitoring is critical to avoid disruptions and penalties.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive award process.
Clear performance period from April to December 2025.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically focusing on marine construction and dredging. The market for dredging services is specialized, involving significant capital investment in equipment and expertise. This award contributes to the broader efforts of maintaining and improving national maritime infrastructure, which is crucial for trade and commerce. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in Army Corps of Engineers budget allocations for navigation and dredging projects.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary focus is on the prime contractor's capabilities. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. Future analysis could explore whether Manson Construction has a history of subcontracting with small businesses on similar projects.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Army, potentially through the Army Corps of Engineers, which is responsible for civil works and navigation projects. Accountability measures will be tied to the contract's performance requirements, delivery schedules, and quality standards. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though specific oversight reports may not be publicly available unless mandated by IG reviews or specific reporting requirements.

Related Government Programs

Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
Port Infrastructure Development Grants
Maritime Transportation System Investment

Risk Flags

Environmental compliance risks
Potential for schedule delays due to weather or unforeseen conditions
Dependence on specialized equipment and skilled labor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $29.9 million to MANSON CONSTRUCTION CO. FY25 WEST COAST HOPPER DREDGING

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 Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-01. End: 2025-12-15.

What is Manson Construction Co.'s track record with similar federal dredging contracts?

Manson Construction Co. has a significant history of performing large-scale marine construction and dredging projects for federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Their portfolio often includes hopper dredging, channel maintenance, and port infrastructure development. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract awards can provide insight into their reliability, quality of work, and ability to meet deadlines and budget constraints on similar projects. Specific details on past contract values, durations, and client satisfaction would offer a more precise assessment of their suitability for this $29.9 million award.

How does the $29.9 million award compare to historical federal spending on West Coast dredging?

The $29.9 million award for FY25 West Coast hopper dredging is a substantial figure, reflecting the ongoing need for critical waterway maintenance. To benchmark this against historical spending, one would need to analyze the Army Corps of Engineers' budget allocations and contract awards for dredging services along the West Coast over the past several fiscal years. Factors such as inflation, the scope of specific projects (e.g., channel deepening vs. maintenance dredging), and the number of contracts awarded annually would influence year-over-year comparisons. This single award represents a significant portion of the annual investment required for maintaining navigational integrity in key West Coast ports.

What are the primary risks associated with this hopper dredging contract?

Key risks for this hopper dredging contract include potential environmental impacts and compliance issues, which could lead to work stoppages or fines. Schedule delays are another significant risk, stemming from weather disruptions, equipment malfunctions, or unforeseen subsurface conditions, impacting port operations and associated economic activities. Furthermore, cost overruns, although mitigated by the firm-fixed-price structure, remain a risk if scope changes or unforeseen complexities arise. The contractor's ability to manage these risks effectively will be crucial for successful project completion.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in managing costs for dredging projects?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective in managing costs for dredging projects, especially when the scope of work is well-defined. It shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, providing the government with cost certainty. For the government, this means the price is set and unlikely to increase unless there are significant, documented changes to the contract's scope. However, if the initial scope is poorly defined or unforeseen conditions are extensive, contractors may build in higher contingency costs, potentially leading to a higher initial price compared to other contract types. For this $29.9 million award, the FFP structure provides a clear budget ceiling.

What is the typical duration and scope for federal hopper dredging contracts on the West Coast?

The typical duration and scope for federal hopper dredging contracts on the West Coast can vary significantly based on the specific project's objectives, such as routine maintenance, channel deepening, or capital improvements. Contracts can range from a few months for localized maintenance to over a year for extensive capital projects. The 258-day duration (approximately 8.5 months) for this $29.9 million contract suggests a substantial maintenance or improvement effort, likely involving significant cubic yards of material to be moved. This duration is within the typical range for major dredging operations aimed at ensuring navigational safety and efficiency in busy port areas.

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: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W9127N25B0005

Offers Received: 1

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: $33,654,165

Exercised Options: $29,904,165

Current Obligation: $29,904,165

Actual Outlays: $16,242,470

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline