DoD Awards $21.5M Contract for Dam Tunnel & Warm Water Slide Gates to Marine Diving Solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,479,094 ($21.5M)

Contractor: Marine Diving Solutions, LLC.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-05

End Date: 2029-10-09

Contract Duration: 1,860 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: DAM TUNNEL & WARM WATER SLIDE GATES

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTINGDON, HUNTINGDON County, PENNSYLVANIA, 16652

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.5 million to MARINE DIVING SOLUTIONS, LLC. for work described as: DAM TUNNEL & WARM WATER SLIDE GATES Key points: 1. The contract value of $21.5 million is significant for specialized heavy civil engineering construction. 2. Marine Diving Solutions, LLC, secured this award, indicating potential specialization or existing relationship within the sector. 3. The contract type (Firm Fixed Price) and duration (1860 days) suggest a well-defined scope and cost control measures. 4. The 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector often involves complex projects with long lead times and specialized labor.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $21.5 million for dam tunnel and slide gates appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized heavy civil engineering projects of this nature. Benchmarking against similar large-scale infrastructure projects would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The competition method 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' suggests that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific exclusions may have limited the pool of bidders. This could potentially impact price discovery and lead to less competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The final price achieved through limited competition will determine the ultimate taxpayer impact. A well-managed limited competition can still yield fair prices, but it warrants scrutiny.

Public Impact

Ensures critical infrastructure maintenance and operational readiness for Department of Defense facilities. Supports specialized construction services, potentially impacting regional employment in Pennsylvania. The project's success is vital for water management and safety at the specified DoD location.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may have restricted optimal pricing.
The contract is for a significant duration, increasing exposure to potential cost overruns or scope creep.
Small business participation is not indicated, potentially missing opportunities for economic inclusion.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The award is to a single entity, potentially streamlining project management.
The project addresses essential infrastructure needs for the Department of Defense.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction,' a sector characterized by large-scale infrastructure projects, specialized equipment, and stringent safety and environmental regulations. Spending in this sector is often project-driven and can be influenced by government infrastructure initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award (sb: false). This suggests that the prime contractor is likely a large business, and opportunities for small businesses may be limited to subcontracting roles, if any.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'DEFINITIVE CONTRACT' award type implies a pre-negotiated agreement. Oversight will be crucial to ensure adherence to the contract terms, manage the long duration, and verify the quality of work performed by Marine Diving Solutions, LLC.

Related Government Programs

Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
Long contract duration increases risk of cost escalation and performance issues.
Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions in heavy civil construction.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.5 million to MARINE DIVING SOLUTIONS, LLC.. DAM TUNNEL & WARM WATER SLIDE GATES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MARINE DIVING SOLUTIONS, LLC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-05. End: 2029-10-09.

What specific factors led to the exclusion of certain sources in the full and open competition, and how did this impact the final price?

The exclusion of sources likely stemmed from specific technical requirements, specialized certifications, or unique capabilities needed for dam tunnel and warm water slide gate construction. Understanding these criteria is key to assessing if the limited pool was justified. If the requirements were overly restrictive or not clearly defined, it could have artificially limited competition, potentially leading to a higher price than if a broader range of qualified bidders had participated.

What are the primary risks associated with a 5-year firm-fixed-price contract for complex civil engineering construction, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risks include unforeseen site conditions, material price escalation, labor shortages, and potential design changes impacting the fixed price. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contingency planning, detailed site investigations prior to award, strong contract management to control scope creep, and clear procedures for change order management. The government's oversight team plays a critical role in monitoring progress and enforcing contract terms to manage these risks effectively.

How does the successful completion of this project contribute to the operational effectiveness and readiness of the Department of Defense facilities it serves?

The dam tunnel and warm water slide gates are likely critical components for water management, flood control, or operational water supply at a DoD facility. Their proper functioning ensures the facility can maintain its core mission without disruption from water-related issues. Effective completion directly supports infrastructure resilience, safety, and the overall operational readiness required for national defense.

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 NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W912DR24R0032

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Marine Diving Solutions LLC.

Address: 21670 E GEDDES PL, CENTENNIAL, CO, 80016

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,479,094

Exercised Options: $21,479,094

Current Obligation: $21,479,094

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline