Army awards $37.4M contract for Long Beach Island beachfill, with 4 bids received
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $37,440,979 ($37.4M)
Contractor: Weeks Marine, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2017-09-26
End Date: 2018-10-19
Contract Duration: 388 days
Daily Burn Rate: $96.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF BEACHFILL PROJECTS AT LONG BEACH ISLAND, OCEAN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
Place of Performance
Location: BARNEGAT, OCEAN County, NEW JERSEY, 08005
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $37.4 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF BEACHFILL PROJECTS AT LONG BEACH ISLAND, OCEAN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of coastal restoration. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting fair pricing and market responsiveness. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a fixed-price contract and defined scope. 4. Project is a critical component of coastal resilience efforts. 5. Construction sector contract aligns with infrastructure investment trends.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $37.4 million for beachfill projects at Long Beach Island is within a reasonable range for large-scale civil engineering construction. Benchmarking against similar Army Corps of Engineers projects for coastal storm damage reduction and beach nourishment indicates that the pricing is competitive. The firm-fixed-price structure further supports value for money by transferring risk to the contractor.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with four bids received. This level of competition is generally considered healthy and suggests that multiple qualified contractors were aware of and interested in the opportunity. The presence of four bidders likely contributed to price discovery and ensured that the government received competitive offers.
Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition indicates that taxpayer dollars were likely used efficiently, as contractors vied to offer the best price and value for this significant infrastructure project.
Public Impact
Residents and businesses of Long Beach Island, New Jersey, benefit from enhanced storm protection. Services delivered include significant beach nourishment and dune construction. Geographic impact is concentrated on Long Beach Island, Ocean County, New Jersey. Workforce implications include employment for construction workers and related support staff.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating broad market access.
- Firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs and provides budget certainty.
- Contract duration of 388 days is appropriate for the scope of work.
- Project aligns with critical infrastructure and disaster resilience goals.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically focusing on coastal resilience and infrastructure. The market for such projects is often dominated by large engineering and construction firms capable of undertaking complex, large-scale federal contracts. Spending in this sector is driven by federal infrastructure initiatives, disaster recovery efforts, and long-term environmental management programs.
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 award went to a large prime contractor, and the extent of small business participation would depend on the contractor's own subcontracting strategy.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, likely through contracting officers and project managers. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for cost control. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting mechanisms.
Related Government Programs
- Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
- Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Projects
- Beach Nourishment and Dune Restoration
- Federal Infrastructure Investment
Risk Flags
- Potential for weather delays impacting schedule.
- Sourcing sufficient quality sand may present logistical challenges.
- Environmental compliance monitoring is critical.
Tags
construction, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, heavy-and-civil-engineering-construction, new-jersey, coastal-restoration, beach-nourishment, infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $37.4 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF BEACHFILL PROJECTS AT LONG BEACH ISLAND, OCEAN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
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 $37.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-09-26. End: 2018-10-19.
What is the historical spending trend for beachfill projects in the New Jersey region by the Army Corps of Engineers?
Historical spending data for beachfill projects in the New Jersey region by the Army Corps of Engineers reveals a consistent investment in coastal resilience over the past decade. While specific project values fluctuate based on scope and environmental conditions, the overall trend indicates a sustained commitment to maintaining and improving shorelines. For instance, prior to this $37.4 million contract, the Army Corps has awarded numerous contracts for similar nourishment and protection efforts along the Jersey Shore, often in the tens of millions of dollars. These investments are driven by the recurring need to mitigate storm damage, protect valuable real estate and infrastructure, and support the vital tourism economy. Analyzing past awards for projects in nearby counties or similar coastal geographies can provide a benchmark for cost-effectiveness and project duration, suggesting that this contract is in line with established federal spending patterns for such critical infrastructure.
How does the contractor, Weeks Marine, Inc., perform on similar federal contracts?
Weeks Marine, Inc. has a significant track record with federal agencies, particularly the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in executing large-scale marine construction and dredging projects. Their performance on similar contracts, including beachfill and coastal protection initiatives, has generally been rated positively, reflecting their specialized expertise and capacity. Historical contract data indicates they have successfully completed numerous projects of comparable size and complexity. While specific performance metrics for every contract are not always publicly detailed, their consistent bidding and award history on high-value federal projects suggest a reliable performance record. Any potential concerns would typically be documented in past performance reviews, which are often considered during the source selection process for new awards.
What are the primary risks associated with this type of coastal construction contract?
The primary risks associated with this type of coastal construction contract, such as the beachfill project at Long Beach Island, include environmental factors, logistical challenges, and potential scope changes. Environmental risks involve unpredictable weather patterns (storms, hurricanes) that can disrupt work, damage completed portions, or alter sand conditions. Logistical risks include the sourcing and transportation of large volumes of sand, equipment availability, and access to work sites, especially in sensitive coastal areas. Scope changes can arise from unforeseen subsurface conditions, evolving environmental regulations, or adjustments to project design based on initial findings. The firm-fixed-price contract structure helps mitigate cost overruns for the government, but delays or unforeseen complexities could still impact project timelines and potentially lead to claims if not managed carefully.
What is the long-term effectiveness and maintenance cost of beachfill projects like this one?
The long-term effectiveness of beachfill projects is measured by their ability to provide coastal storm damage reduction and maintain recreational beach width. These projects are not a one-time fix; they require periodic renourishment to counteract natural erosion and the impacts of storm events. The typical design life for a beachfill project can range from 5 to 15 years before significant renourishment is needed, depending on the specific site conditions, sand characteristics, and storm frequency. Maintenance costs are an ongoing consideration and are usually factored into the overall lifecycle cost of coastal protection strategies. Federal and local agencies budget for these recurring renourishment cycles, which are essential for sustaining the protective and economic benefits derived from the initial investment. The effectiveness is also tied to complementary measures like dune restoration and vegetation planting.
How does this contract compare to other federal spending on coastal resilience and infrastructure?
This $37.4 million contract for beachfill at Long Beach Island is a significant, but not extraordinary, investment within the broader context of federal spending on coastal resilience and infrastructure. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers alone manages billions of dollars annually for civil works projects, including numerous coastal protection, navigation, and flood control initiatives across the nation. Compared to major infrastructure projects like large dams, port expansions, or hurricane barrier systems, this contract represents a focused investment in a specific area's shoreline. However, when aggregated with other beach nourishment, dune restoration, and shoreline stabilization projects funded by agencies like FEMA, NOAA, and the Department of the Interior, the total federal commitment to coastal resilience is substantial. This contract aligns with national priorities to protect coastal communities from sea-level rise and increasing storm intensity.
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 BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID
Solicitation ID: W912BU17B0008
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Weeks Marine Inc (UEI: 044665230)
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: $39,715,979
Exercised Options: $37,440,979
Current Obligation: $37,440,979
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 19
Total Subaward Amount: $3,144,913
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-09-26
Current End Date: 2018-10-19
Potential End Date: 2018-10-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-25
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