Army awards $30.1M for Louisiana flood mitigation, with 3 bidders vying for the project

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,141,563 ($30.1M)

Contractor: Weeks Marine, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-12-20

End Date: 2020-05-11

Contract Duration: 508 days

Daily Burn Rate: $59.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF HSDRRS - LPV MITIGATION, NEW ZYDECO RIDGE II, FLOOD SIDE BOTTOM LAND HARDWOOD-WET (BLH-WET) AND BRACKISH MARSH RESTORATION, ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA

Place of Performance

Location: GLENMORA, ALLEN County, LOUISIANA, 71433

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.1 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF HSDRRS - LPV MITIGATION, NEW ZYDECO RIDGE II, FLOOD SIDE BOTTOM LAND HARDWOOD-WET (BLH-WET) AND BRACKISH MARSH RESTORATION, ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA Key points: 1. The contract's value of $30.1 million appears reasonable given the scope of large-scale civil engineering and environmental restoration. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized services, potentially leading to competitive pricing. 3. The project's focus on flood mitigation and marsh restoration indicates a strategic investment in environmental resilience. 4. Performance duration of approximately 1.7 years provides a clear timeline for project completion and impact. 5. The contract falls within the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' NAICS code, a sector with significant federal investment. 6. The absence of small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements suggests the prime contractor is expected to handle the full scope.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $30.1 million for extensive civil engineering and environmental restoration in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, seems aligned with the project's complexity. While specific benchmarks for similar 'BLH-WET and Brackish Marsh Restoration' projects are not readily available, the scale of work involving flood side bottom land hardwood and marsh restoration typically commands substantial investment. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, assuming the contractor accurately estimated the scope and risks.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. With three bidders participating, the competition level suggests a moderately competitive environment for this specialized type of heavy civil engineering and environmental restoration work. The presence of multiple bidders generally supports price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition with three bidders is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely resulted in a more competitive price than if fewer companies were involved. This process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by encouraging contractors to offer their best pricing to win the award.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, will benefit from enhanced flood protection and improved environmental conditions. The project will deliver critical services related to flood side bottom land hardwood and brackish marsh restoration. The geographic impact is focused on St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, addressing specific local environmental and resilience needs. The project is expected to create or sustain jobs in the heavy and civil engineering construction and environmental services sectors within the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen environmental conditions arise during restoration.
Dependence on contractor's expertise for successful and long-term ecological restoration.
Risk of project delays due to weather or permitting issues in coastal Louisiana.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potential for competitive pricing.
Project addresses critical environmental and resilience needs, aligning with government priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector, which encompasses a wide range of infrastructure projects. Federal spending in this sector is substantial, driven by needs for transportation, water management, and environmental protection. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve large-scale dredging, levee construction, and habitat restoration projects. The market for these services is specialized, requiring significant expertise and equipment.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the prime contractor, Weeks Marine, Inc., is expected to perform the majority of the work with its own resources or through larger subcontractors. The absence of set-asides means that opportunities for small businesses in this specific contract are likely limited unless they are part of the prime contractor's supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, given the Department of Defense agency and the nature of civil works projects. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified outcomes. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though detailed project-specific oversight reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA)
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund Sites

Risk Flags

Environmental Risk
Weather Dependency
Contractor Performance Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.1 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF HSDRRS - LPV MITIGATION, NEW ZYDECO RIDGE II, FLOOD SIDE BOTTOM LAND HARDWOOD-WET (BLH-WET) AND BRACKISH MARSH RESTORATION, ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA

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 $30.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-12-20. End: 2020-05-11.

What is the track record of Weeks Marine, Inc. in performing similar large-scale civil engineering and environmental restoration projects for the federal government?

Weeks Marine, Inc. has a significant history of performing large-scale marine construction and dredging projects for various federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Their portfolio includes projects involving beach nourishment, channel deepening, breakwater construction, and environmental restoration. While specific details on past performance for 'BLH-WET and Brackish Marsh Restoration' in Louisiana may require deeper investigation into contract databases, their general experience in complex coastal and waterway projects suggests a capability to handle the scope of this contract. Reviewing past performance evaluations and any contract disputes or awards would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and quality of work.

How does the $30.1 million contract value compare to other federal flood mitigation and marsh restoration projects of similar scale and complexity?

Benchmarking the $30.1 million contract value requires comparing it to similar projects in terms of scope, geographic location, and environmental complexity. Large-scale civil engineering projects, especially those involving significant environmental restoration like marsh creation and flood mitigation in coastal areas, are inherently costly. Factors such as the volume of material moved, the extent of hydrological engineering required, and the duration of the project significantly influence costs. While specific comparable projects are not detailed here, federal contracts for coastal resilience and ecosystem restoration can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scale of the intervention and the specific ecological challenges addressed. The value appears within a reasonable range for a project of this nature.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific flood mitigation and marsh restoration project, and how are they being managed?

Primary risks for this project likely include unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., unstable soils, buried debris), extreme weather events impacting construction schedules and progress, and potential ecological challenges in establishing new marsh habitats. The firm fixed-price contract structure shifts much of the financial risk to the contractor, incentivizing them to accurately estimate and manage these factors. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as the contracting agency, would provide oversight to ensure adherence to specifications and manage any scope changes. Risk mitigation strategies would typically involve thorough site investigations prior to award, contingency planning for weather delays, and close monitoring of ecological success metrics post-construction.

What is the expected effectiveness of this project in achieving its stated goals of flood mitigation and marsh restoration in St. Tammany Parish?

The effectiveness of the project hinges on the successful execution of the engineering and ecological restoration plans. Flood mitigation is expected to be achieved through the construction of flood side bottom land hardwood and potentially levees or other protective structures, reducing the impact of storm surges and high water events on the parish. Marsh restoration aims to enhance natural buffers against coastal erosion and storm damage, while also improving habitat for wildlife. The long-term success will depend on factors like the resilience of the restored marsh to environmental changes, ongoing maintenance, and the overall hydrological dynamics of the area. Monitoring and adaptive management strategies are crucial for ensuring the project's sustained effectiveness.

How has federal spending on flood mitigation and coastal restoration in Louisiana trended over the past decade, and how does this contract fit into that pattern?

Federal spending on flood mitigation and coastal restoration in Louisiana has been substantial and generally increasing over the past decade, particularly following major hurricanes and recognizing the state's vulnerability to sea-level rise and land loss. Programs administered by agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and NOAA have seen significant investment. This $30.1 million contract represents a specific, localized investment within this broader federal effort. It aligns with the trend of prioritizing resilience and environmental restoration in coastal regions, reflecting a strategic allocation of resources to address critical infrastructure and ecological needs in a high-risk area.

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: W912P818B0060

Offers Received: 3

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, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,141,563

Exercised Options: $30,141,563

Current Obligation: $30,141,563

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 237

Total Subaward Amount: $40,376,234

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline