Army awards $42.9M dredging contract to Weeks Marine, Inc. for 350 days of work
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $42,927,944 ($42.9M)
Contractor: Weeks Marine, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-10-15
End Date: 2025-09-30
Contract Duration: 350 days
Daily Burn Rate: $122.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: DREDGING
Place of Performance
Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10278
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $42.9 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC. for work described as: DREDGING Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope and duration of dredging services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of 350 days indicates a significant, long-term project. 4. The contract is a definitive contract, providing a clear framework for services. 5. Fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 6. The award to a single contractor implies specialized capabilities are required.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $42.9 million for 350 days of dredging work suggests a daily rate of approximately $122,651. This rate needs to be benchmarked against similar large-scale dredging projects to fully assess value for money. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government, which is a positive indicator. Without specific details on the scope of work (e.g., cubic yards dredged, depth, location complexity), a precise comparison is challenging, but the overall award seems within a reasonable range for substantial civil engineering construction.
Cost Per Unit: $122,651 per day (estimated)
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The data shows 2 bids were received. A competitive process like this generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios. The presence of multiple bidders suggests a healthy market for these specialized dredging services.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation among contractors.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and potentially other maritime stakeholders requiring maintained waterways. Services delivered include essential dredging operations, crucial for maintaining navigable waterways for commerce and defense. The geographic impact is centered in New York (ST: NY, SN: NEW YORK), where the dredging activities will take place. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for skilled labor in the dredging and marine construction sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for schedule delays impacting critical waterway access if contractor faces unforeseen operational challenges.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a significant duration could limit flexibility if needs change rapidly.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty and limits government exposure to cost overruns.
- Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potentially competitive pricing.
- Award to an established entity like Weeks Marine, Inc. may indicate a track record of successful project execution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically focusing on dredging services. This sector is critical for maintaining and improving national infrastructure, including ports, harbors, and inland waterways. The market for large-scale dredging is often dominated by a few specialized firms due to the high capital investment required for equipment and expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other Army Corps of Engineers or Department of Transportation contracts for similar waterway maintenance projects.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (SB: false). There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Given the specialized nature and scale of major dredging projects, it's common for prime contractors to possess the primary capabilities, but opportunities for smaller firms may exist in supporting roles or material supply, depending on the contractor's strategy.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the contracting officer and the relevant program management office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, although specific operational details might be sensitive. Inspector General involvement would be triggered by allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
- Port and Waterway Infrastructure Projects
- Coastal Navigation Dredging Contracts
- Marine Construction Services
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule delays due to weather or operational issues.
- Limited number of bids received may indicate a concentrated market.
- Scope definition in definitive contracts can sometimes lead to change orders.
Tags
dredging, construction, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, new-york, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, heavy-and-civil-engineering, marine-construction
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $42.9 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC.. DREDGING
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 $42.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-10-15. End: 2025-09-30.
What is the historical spending pattern for dredging services by the Department of the Army in the New York region?
Analyzing historical spending patterns for dredging services by the Department of the Army in the New York region requires access to detailed procurement data over several fiscal years. Typically, the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages a significant portfolio of dredging projects to maintain navigation channels, protect coastlines, and support flood control. Spending can fluctuate based on infrastructure needs, environmental regulations, and federal appropriations. Contracts in this region often involve maintaining major ports like New York/New Jersey, which are critical economic hubs. Without specific historical data for this contract's NAICS code (237990) and geographic focus, it's difficult to provide precise figures. However, large-scale dredging projects can range from millions to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and urgency of maintenance or capital improvement requirements.
How does the awarded price per day compare to industry benchmarks for similar dredging operations?
The estimated daily rate for this contract is approximately $122,651 ($42,927,943.5 / 350 days). Benchmarking this against industry standards requires detailed knowledge of the specific type of dredging (e.g., hopper, cutter suction, clamshell), the material being dredged (e.g., sand, silt, rock), the required depth, and the geographic location's logistical challenges. Large-scale, complex dredging operations, especially in high-cost areas like New York, can command higher daily rates due to equipment, labor, fuel, and environmental compliance costs. While this figure appears substantial, it may be competitive or even favorable depending on the project's specific technical requirements and market conditions. A thorough benchmark would involve comparing it to recent contract awards for similar scopes of work from agencies like the USACE or port authorities.
What is Weeks Marine, Inc.'s track record with large federal dredging contracts?
Weeks Marine, Inc. is a well-established marine construction contractor with a significant history of performing large-scale dredging and marine infrastructure projects for federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They have been involved in numerous contracts related to port deepening, channel maintenance, beach nourishment, and other civil works. Their track record typically includes handling complex projects requiring specialized equipment and adherence to stringent environmental and safety regulations. Reviewing their past performance on similar definitive contracts, particularly those awarded under full and open competition, would provide insight into their reliability, project execution capabilities, and history of meeting cost and schedule requirements. Publicly available contract databases and agency performance evaluations can offer further details on their past project successes and any reported issues.
What are the potential risks associated with a 350-day definitive contract for dredging?
A 350-day definitive contract for dredging carries several potential risks. Firstly, the duration itself presents a risk of schedule slippage due to weather delays (common in marine operations), equipment breakdowns, or unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., encountering unexpected rock formations or hazardous materials). Secondly, as a definitive contract, the scope might be less precisely defined than in a task order contract, potentially leading to change orders if requirements evolve or are initially underestimated. Thirdly, reliance on a single contractor for an extended period means the government's ability to adapt to changing needs or performance issues is limited. Finally, environmental compliance throughout the project duration is critical; any violations could lead to work stoppages and penalties, impacting both schedule and cost.
How does the 'full and open competition' classification impact the value and efficiency of this contract?
The classification of 'full and open competition' is a significant positive indicator for the value and efficiency of this contract. It means that the solicitation was made available to all interested and responsible contractors, fostering a competitive environment. This typically drives down prices as contractors vie for the award. Furthermore, it encourages innovation and allows the government to select the best-value solution from a wider pool of potential providers, rather than being limited to a pre-approved list or a single source. The fact that only two bids were received, however, warrants a closer look to ensure the market is sufficiently robust for this type of specialized service. If the market is indeed limited, even full and open competition might yield fewer bids than ideal, but it remains the preferred method for maximizing competition and achieving fair market prices.
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: W912DS24B0021
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Kiewit-Turner a Joint Venture
Address: 304 GAILLE DR, COVINGTON, LA, 70433
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $42,977,944
Exercised Options: $42,927,944
Current Obligation: $42,927,944
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $52,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-10-15
Current End Date: 2025-09-30
Potential End Date: 2025-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-26
More Contracts from Weeks Marine, Inc.
- Savannah Inner Harbor Unclassified and Maintenance Dredging Reaches 0+000 to 70+000 Reaches C, D,&E — $144.9M (Department of Defense)
- 200409!113803!1700!C2472 !naval Facilities Engineering Com!n6247202c0018 !A!N! !N! ! !20040610!20070616!044665230!044665230!044665230!n!weeks Marine,Inc !4 Commerce Drive !cranford !nj!07016!14530!025!34!colts Neck !monmouth !NEW Jersey!+000022008984!n!n!000263792640!y222!highways, Roads, Streets, Bridges and Railways !C2 !construction !000 !* !237990!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!u!j!2!012!b! !D!N!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!b!y! !N! !Y! ! !0001! ! — $143.1M (Department of Defense)
- Beachfill, Initial Construction, Manasquan Inlet to Barnegat Inlet, Ocean County, NJ — $131.4M (Department of Defense)
- Mscip Comprehensive Barrier Island Restoration Project, Ship Island Phase 2, Harrison County, Mississippi — $131.3M (Department of Defense)
- Dredging and Constructions for the Large Scale Marsh Creation: Upper Barataria Component (BA-207) for Noaa Fisheries, Office of Habitat Conservation, Restoration Center, Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Program — $120.8M (Department of Commerce)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)