DoD Awards $27.8M Contract for Grand Isle Hurricane Protection to Weeks Marine, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,856,169 ($27.9M)
Contractor: Weeks Marine, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-04-01
End Date: 2015-12-18
Contract Duration: 2,452 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: GRAND ISLE & VICINITY, HURRICANE
Place of Performance
Location: NEW ORLEANS, ORLEANS County, LOUISIANA, 70118
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $27.9 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC. for work described as: GRAND ISLE & VICINITY, HURRICANE Key points: 1. Significant investment in coastal resilience and infrastructure. 2. Weeks Marine, Inc. secured a large contract for critical hurricane protection. 3. Contract duration spans over 6 years, indicating a long-term project. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for taxpayers.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $27.8M for hurricane protection appears reasonable given the project's scope and multi-year duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale civil engineering projects would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for taxpayer value, as it encourages multiple bids and potentially lower prices.
Public Impact
Enhances critical infrastructure for hurricane protection in Louisiana. Supports regional economic stability by mitigating storm damage. Demonstrates federal commitment to disaster preparedness and recovery efforts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (over 6 years) could lead to scope creep or cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Potential for unforeseen environmental challenges in coastal construction projects.
- Reliance on a single contractor for an extended period may limit flexibility.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, promoting fair pricing.
- Firm fixed price contract type helps control costs.
- Addresses a critical need for hurricane protection in a vulnerable area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically focused on infrastructure resilience. Spending in this sector is often driven by government needs for public works and disaster mitigation.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to Weeks Marine, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit information on small business participation or subcontracting goals within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and significant value necessitate robust oversight from the Department of the Army to ensure project milestones are met, costs remain controlled, and the final outcome meets federal standards.
Related Government Programs
- Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may increase risk of cost escalation or scope creep.
- Potential for unforeseen environmental issues in coastal construction.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
- Contract awarded to a single large entity, limiting broader economic impact for smaller firms.
Tags
other-heavy-and-civil-engineering-constr, department-of-defense, la, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $27.9 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC.. GRAND ISLE & VICINITY, HURRICANE
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 $27.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-04-01. End: 2015-12-18.
What specific engineering challenges were anticipated for this hurricane protection project, and how did they influence the contract's structure and pricing?
The specific engineering challenges likely included complex coastal geology, potential environmental impacts, and the need for durable materials to withstand severe weather. These factors would influence the contract by requiring detailed specifications, potentially longer timelines, and risk mitigation clauses. The firm fixed-price structure suggests the government aimed to transfer much of this risk to the contractor, who would have factored these anticipated challenges into their bid.
How does the $27.8M cost compare to similar large-scale civil engineering projects for coastal defense or hurricane protection?
Without specific project details (e.g., scope of work, geographic location, specific protective measures), a direct cost comparison is difficult. However, $27.8M for a multi-year project involving significant civil engineering in a hurricane-prone area like Louisiana is within the expected range for major infrastructure investments. Benchmarking against projects like levee construction, seawall reinforcement, or storm surge barrier development would be necessary for a precise assessment.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the long-term effectiveness and maintenance of the hurricane protection infrastructure built under this contract?
This contract primarily covers the construction phase. Long-term effectiveness and maintenance would typically be addressed through separate operational and maintenance (O&M) contracts or by transferring responsibility to local or state authorities. The initial contract likely includes performance standards and warranties for the construction itself, but ongoing upkeep and adaptation to future environmental changes would require subsequent planning and funding.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT NONBUILDING FACILITIES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID
Solicitation ID: W912P809B0035
Offers Received: 5
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, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $27,856,169
Exercised Options: $27,856,169
Current Obligation: $27,856,169
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-04-01
Current End Date: 2015-12-18
Potential End Date: 2015-12-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-09-28
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