Army awards $131M for coastal defense construction in New Jersey, highlighting significant infrastructure investment
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $131,396,444 ($131.4M)
Contractor: Weeks Marine, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2017-01-10
End Date: 2022-04-01
Contract Duration: 1,907 days
Daily Burn Rate: $68.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF BEACHFILL, INITIAL CONSTRUCTION, MANASQUAN INLET TO BARNEGAT INLET, OCEAN COUNTY, NJ
Place of Performance
Location: MANTOLOKING, OCEAN County, NEW JERSEY, 08738
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $131.4 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF BEACHFILL, INITIAL CONSTRUCTION, MANASQUAN INLET TO BARNEGAT INLET, OCEAN COUNTY, NJ Key points: 1. Contract value represents a substantial commitment to coastal resilience and infrastructure. 2. The project's duration suggests a complex, multi-year undertaking requiring extensive planning and execution. 3. Fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor, potentially impacting final cost if unforeseen issues arise. 4. The award to a single, established contractor may indicate specialized capabilities required for this type of project. 5. Geographic focus on Ocean County, NJ, points to specific regional vulnerability and defense needs. 6. The absence of small business set-asides warrants further investigation into subcontracting opportunities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $131.4 million contract for coastal defense construction is a significant investment. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale civil engineering projects is challenging without more specific project details. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests an attempt to control costs upfront. The duration of the contract (over 1900 days) implies a large scope, and the final cost will be a key indicator of value realization.
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 considered. With 3 bids received, the competition level appears moderate. This suggests that while the process was open, the specialized nature of the work may have limited the pool of qualified contractors. Moderate competition can lead to competitive pricing, but the final price is heavily influenced by the specific technical requirements and market conditions.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple firms to bid, driving down prices and ensuring the government receives the best value. Moderate competition, as seen here, still offers a degree of price discovery.
Public Impact
Residents and businesses in Ocean County, New Jersey, will benefit from enhanced coastal defense infrastructure. The project aims to improve resilience against coastal erosion and storm damage. Construction activities will likely create temporary employment opportunities in the region. The delivered services include heavy civil engineering and construction for coastal protection.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen geological or environmental challenges arise during the extended construction period.
- Risk of schedule delays due to weather, permitting, or contractor performance issues over the multi-year duration.
- Limited visibility into subcontracting opportunities for small businesses given the absence of specific set-asides.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
- Award under full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process.
- The contractor, Weeks Marine, Inc., has a history in large-scale marine and civil construction projects.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically focusing on coastal infrastructure. This sector is critical for national defense, environmental protection, and economic stability, particularly in coastal regions. The market for such specialized construction is often dominated by a few large firms with the necessary expertise and equipment. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on federal infrastructure priorities, disaster recovery needs, and long-term resilience planning.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and the data indicates no specific subcontracting goals were mandated. This suggests that the primary contractor, Weeks Marine, Inc., will likely manage the majority of the work. Further analysis would be needed to determine if and how small businesses will be involved as subcontractors, which could impact the broader small business ecosystem in the region.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and project management offices. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract implies that the government's primary oversight will focus on ensuring the contractor meets the defined scope, schedule, and quality standards. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting, though detailed project-specific oversight mechanisms are not explicitly stated in the provided data.
Related Government Programs
- Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Projects
- Coastal Zone Management Programs
- Beachfill and Dune Restoration Projects
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Projects
Risk Flags
- Extended contract duration increases risk of cost escalation and schedule slippage.
- Potential for environmental impacts during construction requires careful monitoring.
- Lack of explicit small business subcontracting goals may limit opportunities for smaller firms.
Tags
construction, heavy-civil-engineering, coastal-defense, department-of-the-army, new-jersey, full-and-open-competition, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, large-contract, infrastructure, environmental-protection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $131.4 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF BEACHFILL, INITIAL CONSTRUCTION, MANASQUAN INLET TO BARNEGAT INLET, OCEAN COUNTY, NJ
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WEEKS MARINE, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $131.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-01-10. End: 2022-04-01.
What is the track record of Weeks Marine, Inc. on similar large-scale coastal construction projects?
Weeks Marine, Inc. has a significant history in marine construction, dredging, and heavy civil projects. They have been involved in numerous coastal protection and infrastructure projects across the United States. For example, they have undertaken beach nourishment projects, construction of breakwaters, and port development. Their experience suggests they possess the specialized equipment and expertise required for complex projects like the Manasquan Inlet to Barnegat Inlet construction. Reviewing their past performance on similar Army Corps of Engineers contracts would provide further insight into their reliability, cost control, and adherence to schedule on projects of comparable scale and complexity.
How does the cost per mile or per unit of coastal protection compare to similar projects nationwide?
Directly comparing the cost per mile or unit for this $131.4 million project is difficult without detailed breakdowns of the specific engineering solutions and quantities (e.g., cubic yards of fill, linear feet of structures). However, large-scale coastal defense projects often run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. The duration of this contract (over 1900 days) suggests a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach rather than a simple beachfill. Benchmarking would require comparing specific metrics like cost per cubic yard of sand placed, cost per linear foot of protective structure, or cost per acre of area protected against similar projects undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers or other coastal management agencies in different regions.
What are the primary risks associated with this specific coastal construction project?
The primary risks for this project include environmental factors such as unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., unstable soils, buried debris), extreme weather events impacting construction schedules and progress, and potential regulatory changes or permitting issues related to marine ecosystems. Given the long duration, contractor performance and material cost escalation are also significant risks. The firm fixed-price contract shifts some financial risk to the contractor, but significant delays or scope changes could still lead to claims or disputes. Ensuring adequate oversight and contingency planning is crucial.
How effective is this type of coastal construction in providing long-term protection against storm surge and erosion?
Coastal construction projects like this, often involving beach nourishment, dune restoration, and structural defenses (like breakwaters or revetments), are generally effective in mitigating storm surge and erosion. Their effectiveness is measured by their ability to reduce wave energy, dissipate storm surge, and maintain beach width. However, the long-term effectiveness depends on factors such as the volume of material placed, the type of construction, ongoing maintenance, and the intensity of future storm events. Periodic renourishment or repairs are often necessary to maintain the intended level of protection over decades.
What has been the historical spending trend for similar coastal defense projects in New Jersey or the Northeast?
Historical spending on coastal defense projects in New Jersey and the broader Northeast region has been substantial and often increases following major storm events (like Hurricane Sandy). Federal funding, primarily through the Army Corps of Engineers, supports a significant portion of these initiatives. Spending trends are influenced by federal infrastructure appropriations, state matching funds, and the perceived risk of coastal hazards. New Jersey, with its extensive coastline, consistently ranks as a high-priority area for such investments, reflecting a sustained commitment to coastal resilience.
What specific performance metrics will be used to evaluate the success of this contract?
While the provided data doesn't detail specific performance metrics, typical evaluations for such construction contracts focus on adherence to the project schedule, compliance with technical specifications and quality standards, and final cost within the fixed-price ceiling. Key performance indicators (KPIs) might include the volume of material placed (e.g., cubic yards of sand), the linear footage of structures completed, the successful establishment of protective features (like dunes), and the minimization of environmental impact during construction. Post-construction monitoring of the structure's performance against erosion and wave action would also be critical.
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: W912BU16B0014
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Weeks Marine Inc
Address: 304 GAILLE DR, COVINGTON, LA, 70433
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: $143,759,246
Exercised Options: $131,396,444
Current Obligation: $131,396,444
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 264
Total Subaward Amount: $168,484,170
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-01-10
Current End Date: 2022-04-01
Potential End Date: 2022-04-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-04-01
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