Army Corps of Engineers awards $45.5M dredging contract for Mississippi River channel maintenance
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $45,538,751 ($45.5M)
Contractor: Weeks Marine, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-09-10
End Date: 2020-06-02
Contract Duration: 631 days
Daily Burn Rate: $72.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: MISSISSIPPI RIVER, MISSISSIPPI RIVER, BATON ROUGE TO THE GULF, HEAD OF PASSES, HOPPER DREDGE DISPOSAL AREA PROJECT (NO. 18‐1), PLAQUEMINES PARISH, LOUISIANA (ED 18‐017)
Place of Performance
Location: BURAS, PLAQUEMINES County, LOUISIANA, 70041
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $45.5 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC. for work described as: MISSISSIPPI RIVER, MISSISSIPPI RIVER, BATON ROUGE TO THE GULF, HEAD OF PASSES, HOPPER DREDGE DISPOSAL AREA PROJECT (NO. 18‐1), PLAQUEMINES PARISH, LOUISIANA (ED 18‐017) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on maintaining the navigational depth of the Mississippi River's Head of Passes. 2. Weeks Marine, Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The project aims to ensure continued maritime commerce and reduce flood risk. 4. This is a significant infrastructure investment for Louisiana's port system.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $45.5M appears reasonable for a large-scale, multi-year dredging project of this nature. Benchmarking against similar Army Corps of Engineers dredging contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, indicating a robust process for soliciting bids and ensuring competitive pricing. This method generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The investment supports vital shipping channels, facilitating commerce and potentially reducing transportation costs for goods moving through the region.
Public Impact
Ensures continued navigability of a critical U.S. waterway for commercial shipping. Supports economic activity in Louisiana by maintaining access to the Port of South Louisiana. Contributes to flood control efforts by managing sediment buildup in the river. Creates jobs in the maritime and construction sectors during the contract period.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to unforeseen dredging conditions.
- Environmental impacts of dredging activities require careful monitoring.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear objective for maintaining critical infrastructure.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically focusing on maritime infrastructure. Spending in this sector is often driven by government needs for transportation, commerce, and national security.
Small Business Impact
While the prime contractor is Weeks Marine, Inc., the contract details do not specify any small business subcontracting goals or participation. Further investigation would be needed to assess small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for overseeing this project. Oversight would typically involve monitoring progress, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and managing any potential issues that arise during execution.
Related Government Programs
- Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for environmental impact.
- Dredging can be subject to unforeseen geological conditions.
- Reliance on a single prime contractor for a critical infrastructure project.
- Long-term maintenance needs of the Mississippi River are substantial.
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 $45.5 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC.. MISSISSIPPI RIVER, MISSISSIPPI RIVER, BATON ROUGE TO THE GULF, HEAD OF PASSES, HOPPER DREDGE DISPOSAL AREA PROJECT (NO. 18‐1), PLAQUEMINES PARISH, LOUISIANA (ED 18‐017)
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 $45.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-09-10. End: 2020-06-02.
What is the historical cost performance of similar dredging projects managed by the Army Corps of Engineers?
Historical data on similar dredging projects managed by the Army Corps of Engineers can provide valuable context for assessing the value of this contract. Analyzing past projects' final costs against initial awards, the duration of work, and any change orders can reveal trends in cost overruns or savings. This analysis helps determine if the $45.5M award is within expected parameters for the scope and complexity of the work.
What are the specific environmental mitigation measures required for this dredging project?
Environmental mitigation measures are crucial for dredging projects to minimize ecological impact. These typically include protocols for managing dredged material disposal, monitoring water quality, protecting marine life and habitats, and adhering to regulations set by environmental agencies. Understanding these measures is key to assessing potential environmental risks and ensuring compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
How does the duration of this contract compare to the typical maintenance cycle for this section of the Mississippi River?
The contract duration of 631 days (approximately 21 months) needs to be compared against the established maintenance schedule for the Mississippi River's Head of Passes. If this duration is significantly longer or shorter than typical cycles, it could indicate a need for more intensive maintenance, potential delays in previous work, or an optimized approach. Understanding this context helps evaluate the project's timeliness and necessity.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID
Solicitation ID: W912P818B0040
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Weeks Marine Inc
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: $45,540,851
Exercised Options: $45,540,851
Current Obligation: $45,538,751
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 750
Total Subaward Amount: $2,040,074,244
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-09-10
Current End Date: 2020-06-02
Potential End Date: 2020-06-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-09-20
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