Army awards $16M jetty repair contract to AHTNA Infrastructure & Technologies LLC for Monterey County

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,037,425 ($16.0M)

Contractor: Ahtna Infrastructure & Technologies LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-05-30

End Date: 2026-01-23

Contract Duration: 238 days

Daily Burn Rate: $67.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: MOSS LANDING HARBOR JETTY REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE DREDGING, MONTEREY COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Place of Performance

Location: MOSS LANDING, MONTEREY County, CALIFORNIA, 95039

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $16.0 million to AHTNA INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNOLOGIES LLC for work described as: MOSS LANDING HARBOR JETTY REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE DREDGING, MONTEREY COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized marine construction and dredging. 2. Limited competition suggests potential for higher pricing than a fully competed contract. 3. Contract duration of 238 days is standard for this type of infrastructure project. 4. Project is critical for maintaining harbor navigability and supporting local maritime activities. 5. AHTNA Infrastructure & Technologies LLC has experience in similar heavy civil engineering projects.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $16,037,425 for jetty repair and maintenance dredging in Monterey County appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized marine construction. Benchmarking against similar Army Corps of Engineers projects for harbor maintenance and repair, the cost per day of approximately $67,384 (based on the award amount and duration) is comparable. However, without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to fully competed projects, a definitive assessment of value for money is challenging. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not openly competed. While the specific justification for the sole-source award is not detailed here, such awards are typically made when only one responsible source is available or when urgency dictates. The lack of competition means that the government did not benefit from a bidding process that could have driven down prices through market forces. This can sometimes lead to higher costs compared to contracts awarded under full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards limit the government's ability to secure the best possible price through competitive bidding, potentially resulting in higher expenditures for taxpayers. The absence of multiple bids means taxpayers may not be receiving the full benefit of market competition.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the local maritime community in Monterey County, California. The contract will ensure the continued navigability of the Moss Landing Harbor by repairing and maintaining its jetty. This project has a direct geographic impact on Monterey County, California, supporting its commercial fishing and recreational boating industries. The project will likely create temporary employment opportunities for skilled labor in the construction and dredging sectors within the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition, potentially increasing costs for taxpayers.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown makes independent value assessment difficult.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical infrastructure maintenance could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Contractor has experience in heavy civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
Project addresses a critical need for harbor maintenance and navigability.

Sector Analysis

The construction industry, specifically heavy and civil engineering, is a significant sector for federal spending, particularly for infrastructure maintenance and improvement. This contract falls under the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' NAICS code (237990). Federal agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers regularly award contracts for dredging, jetty repair, and other marine infrastructure projects to maintain waterways and ports. The market for such specialized services involves a limited number of highly qualified contractors capable of performing complex marine construction. Spending benchmarks for similar projects vary widely based on scope, location, and environmental considerations.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to AHTNA Infrastructure & Technologies LLC, a company that is not typically categorized as a small business, suggests that the primary focus was on technical capability and capacity for this specialized project. The absence of small business set-asides or subcontracting goals means that this particular contract is unlikely to directly benefit the small business ecosystem in the immediate sense, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses as suppliers.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the awarding agency, the Department of the Army. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight by establishing a ceiling cost. Accountability measures will be tied to the contract's performance requirements and delivery schedule. Transparency may be limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, but contract details are typically available through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund
Coastal Infrastructure Projects
Marine Construction Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Potential for cost overruns
Contractor performance risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $16.0 million to AHTNA INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNOLOGIES LLC. MOSS LANDING HARBOR JETTY REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE DREDGING, MONTEREY COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AHTNA INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNOLOGIES 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 $16.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-30. End: 2026-01-23.

What is AHTNA Infrastructure & Technologies LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly for marine construction?

AHTNA Infrastructure & Technologies LLC has a history of performing federal contracts, primarily with agencies like the Department of Defense and the Department of the Interior. Their experience includes various heavy civil engineering projects, such as construction, infrastructure repair, and environmental remediation. While specific details on their marine construction portfolio require deeper database analysis, their involvement in projects requiring specialized equipment and expertise suggests a capability relevant to jetty repair and dredging. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract awards would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and success rates in similar endeavors.

How does the $16 million contract value compare to similar jetty repair and dredging projects awarded by the Army Corps of Engineers?

The $16 million contract value for the Moss Landing Harbor jetty repair and maintenance dredging is within the expected range for significant marine infrastructure projects. Similar projects by the Army Corps of Engineers can range from a few million dollars for smaller repairs to tens or even hundreds of millions for large-scale harbor deepening or breakwater construction. Factors influencing cost include the volume of material to be dredged, the complexity of the jetty structure, the type of repair needed, environmental mitigation requirements, and the specific geographic location. Without a detailed scope of work and cost breakdown for this specific contract, a precise comparison is difficult, but the award amount suggests a substantial undertaking.

What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risk associated with this sole-source contract is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive bidding, which could lead to reduced value for taxpayer money. Another risk is contractor performance; if AHTNA Infrastructure & Technologies LLC underperforms or encounters unforeseen issues, the project timeline and budget could be impacted, especially given the limited alternative options. Mitigation strategies typically involve rigorous contract negotiation, clear performance standards, milestone-based payments, and close government oversight. The firm fixed-price structure also shifts some financial risk to the contractor. However, the inherent risks of a sole-source award remain higher than in a competitive scenario.

How effective is the Army Corps of Engineers in managing dredging and marine construction contracts to ensure program effectiveness?

The Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has extensive experience and established processes for managing dredging and marine construction contracts, which are critical to their mission of maintaining navigable waterways and coastal infrastructure. Their program effectiveness is generally considered high, supported by dedicated engineering and contracting divisions, robust project management methodologies, and adherence to federal acquisition regulations. USACE employs technical experts to oversee contract performance, conduct site inspections, and ensure compliance with specifications and environmental regulations. While challenges can arise, such as weather delays or unforeseen site conditions, USACE's long history and specialized focus contribute to a high degree of effectiveness in delivering these complex projects.

What are the historical spending patterns for jetty repair and maintenance dredging by the Department of Defense over the last five years?

Historical spending patterns for jetty repair and maintenance dredging by the Department of Defense (DoD) show a consistent and significant investment in maintaining coastal infrastructure. While precise figures for 'jetty repair and maintenance dredging' specifically can be difficult to isolate from broader 'civil works' or 'construction' categories, the DoD, primarily through the Army Corps of Engineers, allocates billions annually to such projects. This spending fluctuates based on infrastructure needs, congressional appropriations, and the condition of existing assets. Trends indicate a steady demand for these services, driven by aging infrastructure, increased storm activity, and the need to support military and commercial port operations. Specific annual outlays can vary widely, but it is a core and ongoing expenditure.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis instead of full and open competition?

The justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis is not explicitly provided in the abbreviated data. However, common reasons for sole-source procurements include situations where only one responsible source is capable of meeting the government's needs, or when a critical urgency exists that precludes full and open competition. For specialized marine construction like jetty repair and dredging, it's possible that AHTNA Infrastructure & Technologies LLC possesses unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or existing site knowledge that makes them the only viable option within the required timeframe. Alternatively, if this contract is a follow-on to a previous effort where AHTNA was the sole provider and significant investment has been made in their specialized approach, it might be deemed more efficient to continue with them. A formal Justification and Approval (J&A) document would typically detail the specific rationale.

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: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: W912P725R0011

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 900 SW 16TH STREET, SUITE #330A, RENTON, WA, 98057

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,420,595

Exercised Options: $16,037,425

Current Obligation: $16,037,425

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline