Army awards $24.6M dredging contract to Weeks Marine, Inc. for Louisiana port maintenance
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,643,350 ($24.6M)
Contractor: Weeks Marine, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-04-25
End Date: 2025-11-11
Contract Duration: 200 days
Daily Burn Rate: $123.2K/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: VENICE, PLAQUEMINES County, LOUISIANA, 70091
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $24.6 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC. for work described as: DREDGING Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of heavy civil engineering construction. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include project delays or unforeseen environmental challenges. 4. Contract performance will be critical for maintaining navigational access in Louisiana. 5. This contract falls within the broader category of infrastructure and port development. 6. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $24.6 million for dredging services in Louisiana is within a typical range for similar heavy civil engineering projects. Benchmarking against other Army Corps of Engineers dredging contracts of comparable scope and duration would provide further insight into value for money. The firm-fixed-price award type suggests that the government has secured a predictable cost, assuming the contractor can execute within the defined parameters.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
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 presence of two bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific requirement. While two bidders are better than one, a higher number of bids could potentially drive prices lower and offer a wider range of technical solutions.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and maritime stakeholders relying on navigable waterways. Services delivered include essential dredging to maintain channel depth and navigability. The geographic impact is concentrated in Louisiana, specifically affecting port operations. Workforce implications include employment for skilled labor in dredging operations and related support services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if unforeseen subsurface conditions require extensive additional work.
- Environmental compliance during dredging operations could pose challenges and require careful management.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
- Award to an established contractor like Weeks Marine, Inc. suggests a degree of confidence in their capabilities.
- The contract duration is defined, allowing for clear performance expectations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically focusing on marine infrastructure. The dredging market is crucial for maintaining ports, waterways, and coastal defenses. Spending in this sector is often driven by federal infrastructure initiatives and the need to ensure efficient trade and transportation. Comparable benchmarks would involve other dredging contracts awarded by agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers for similar port maintenance activities.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless the prime contractor actively engages small business subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for ensuring compliance with contract terms and performance standards. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price structure and the defined performance period. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, though specific operational details may be less public.
Related Government Programs
- Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program
- Port Infrastructure Development Program
- Inland Waterways Trust Fund
- Coastal Navigation Projects
Risk Flags
- Potential for environmental impact
- Dependence on specific weather conditions for optimal execution
- Risk of unforeseen subsurface geological conditions
Tags
construction, dredging, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, louisiana, firm-fixed-price, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, heavy-and-civil-engineering, infrastructure, port-maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $24.6 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 $24.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-04-25. End: 2025-11-11.
What is the historical spending pattern for dredging services by the Department of the Army in Louisiana?
Analyzing historical spending for dredging in Louisiana by the Department of the Army reveals a consistent need for these services to maintain critical waterways and port infrastructure. The Army Corps of Engineers, a primary steward of these waterways, regularly awards contracts for maintenance dredging, capital dredging, and related construction activities. Spending levels can fluctuate based on federal appropriations, infrastructure priorities, and the condition of specific channels. For instance, periods of increased hurricane activity may necessitate more extensive dredging. Examining contract databases for the past 5-10 years would show the frequency and average value of such awards, providing context for the current $24.6 million contract. This historical data helps in assessing whether the current award is in line with typical investment in the region's maritime infrastructure.
How does the awarded price compare to similar dredging contracts in the Gulf Coast region?
To assess the competitiveness of the $24.6 million award, a comparison with similar dredging contracts in the Gulf Coast region is essential. Factors such as the volume of material to be dredged, the type of dredging equipment used (e.g., hopper dredge, cutterhead dredge), the complexity of the material (e.g., sand, silt, rock), and the duration of the contract all influence pricing. Contracts awarded by the Army Corps of Engineers or other port authorities in states like Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama for comparable projects would serve as benchmarks. If this contract's per-cubic-yard cost or overall value falls within the typical range for similar projects in the region, it suggests fair pricing. Conversely, significant deviations could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing, warranting further investigation into the specific project requirements and market conditions.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this dredging contract?
Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this dredging contract are crucial for ensuring the successful completion of the project and the effective use of federal funds. While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, typical metrics for dredging contracts include the volume of material dredged per unit of time (e.g., cubic yards per day), adherence to specified channel depths and widths, environmental compliance (e.g., turbidity levels, disposal site management), and project completion within the scheduled timeframe. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that meeting these performance standards is directly tied to the contractor's profitability. The Army Corps of Engineers will likely monitor these KPIs closely through site inspections, progress reports, and potentially independent surveys to verify performance and authorize payments.
What is the track record of Weeks Marine, Inc. on similar federal contracts?
Weeks Marine, Inc. has a significant track record in the marine construction and dredging industry, often securing contracts with federal agencies, particularly the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Their history includes numerous projects involving dredging, port construction, and offshore services. A review of their past performance on similar federal contracts would assess their ability to meet schedule, budget, and quality requirements. This includes examining past project completion times, any instances of contract disputes or penalties, and client satisfaction feedback. A strong performance history on comparable dredging projects in the Gulf Coast region would lend confidence to their ability to successfully execute this $24.6 million contract, while any significant past issues might raise concerns about potential risks.
What are the potential environmental risks associated with this dredging project and how are they managed?
Dredging projects inherently carry environmental risks, including the potential disturbance of marine habitats, suspension of sediments that can impact water quality and aquatic life, and the management of dredged material. For this contract in Louisiana, specific risks could involve the impact on sensitive coastal ecosystems, potential contamination of dredged material, and the effects of sediment plumes on local fisheries or navigation channels. The Army Corps of Engineers typically mandates strict environmental compliance measures, often detailed in the contract's environmental protection plan. These measures may include monitoring water quality, using specialized equipment to minimize sediment dispersion, adhering to approved dredged material placement sites, and implementing mitigation strategies for habitat impacts. The contractor's adherence to these environmental protocols is a critical aspect of contract oversight.
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: W912P825B0003
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: $30,952,100
Exercised Options: $24,643,350
Current Obligation: $24,643,350
Actual Outlays: $16,752,062
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-04-25
Current End Date: 2025-11-11
Potential End Date: 2025-11-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-03
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