Army awards $21.18M dredging contract to Weeks Marine, Inc. for Louisiana operations
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,181,000 ($21.2M)
Contractor: Weeks Marine, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-09-19
End Date: 2025-12-31
Contract Duration: 103 days
Daily Burn Rate: $205.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: DREDGING
Place of Performance
Location: MORGAN CITY, SAINT MARY County, LOUISIANA, 70380
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.2 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. Definitive contract type indicates a clear scope of work. 4. Firm fixed price structure transfers risk to the contractor. 5. Contract duration of approximately 10 months aligns with typical dredging project timelines. 6. Geographic focus on Louisiana is noted.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $21.18 million for dredging services in Louisiana appears to be within a reasonable range for heavy civil engineering projects of this nature. Without specific details on the exact scope, volume of material to be moved, or duration of the dredging operations, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor has assessed the risks and costs associated with the project. Further analysis would involve comparing this award to similar dredging contracts awarded by the Army Corps of Engineers or other agencies for projects in comparable geographic areas and with similar technical requirements.
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 3 bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this dredging project. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, three offers generally provide a basis for price comparison and selection. The agency's decision to proceed with full and open competition is a positive indicator for achieving fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple companies to bid, which can lead to more competitive pricing and better value for the government's investment.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring navigable waterways and port access. Services delivered include essential dredging operations to maintain or improve water channels. Geographic impact is concentrated in Louisiana, likely supporting maritime commerce and infrastructure in the region. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for skilled labor in the construction and maritime industries.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if initial project parameters are not clearly defined.
- Environmental impact of dredging activities requires careful monitoring and mitigation.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor.
- Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process.
- Clear contract end date provides a defined project timeline.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically focusing on dredging services. This sector is critical for maintaining and improving national infrastructure, particularly waterways, ports, and harbors. The market for dredging services is specialized, often dominated by a few large, experienced firms. The award to Weeks Marine, Inc., a known entity in this field, aligns with industry norms. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing historical dredging contract values awarded by the Army Corps of Engineers for similar projects in the Gulf Coast region.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely limited unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and relevant project managers within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver the specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific project-level oversight details are not provided.
Related Government Programs
- Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
- Port and Waterway Maintenance Contracts
- Coastal and Harbor Dredging Projects
Risk Flags
- Potential environmental impact
- Schedule delay risk due to weather or subsurface conditions
Tags
dredging, department-of-defense, army, louisiana, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, heavy-civil-engineering-construction, maritime-infrastructure, waterway-maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $21.2 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 $21.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-19. End: 2025-12-31.
What is the historical performance record of Weeks Marine, Inc. with the Department of Defense?
Weeks Marine, Inc. has a significant history of contracting with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies for dredging and marine construction services. A review of federal procurement data indicates numerous past awards, suggesting established experience and capability. Analyzing past performance reviews, any instances of contract disputes, or on-time delivery rates would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their track record. However, the award of a new contract, especially under full and open competition, generally implies that the agency has assessed their past performance as satisfactory for the current requirement.
How does the awarded price compare to similar dredging contracts in Louisiana?
Benchmarking this $21.18 million contract against similar dredging projects in Louisiana requires access to detailed historical contract data, including the volume of material dredged, the type of dredging (e.g., maintenance, new construction), the specific location, and the duration. Without these specifics, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests the contractor has factored in all anticipated costs and risks. If this contract is for routine maintenance dredging in a major port, the price might be considered standard. If it involves more complex or extensive work, further investigation into unit costs (e.g., cost per cubic yard dredged) would be necessary to assess value for money against market rates.
What are the primary risks associated with this dredging contract?
The primary risks associated with this dredging contract include potential environmental impacts, such as disturbance to marine ecosystems and water quality, which require strict adherence to environmental regulations and mitigation plans. Schedule delays could arise due to unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., buried debris, hard rock), adverse weather, or equipment malfunctions. Cost risks are largely borne by the contractor due to the firm fixed-price structure, but significant unforeseen issues could lead to claims or contractor default. Operational risks involve ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment during dredging operations.
What is the expected impact of this contract on Louisiana's maritime infrastructure?
This contract is expected to have a positive impact on Louisiana's maritime infrastructure by ensuring the continued navigability of key waterways, ports, or channels. Dredging is essential for maintaining safe depths for commercial shipping, facilitating the movement of goods, and supporting the state's significant role in national and international trade. Improved or maintained channel depths can lead to increased efficiency for cargo vessels, potentially reducing shipping costs and enhancing the competitiveness of Louisiana's ports. The specific impact will depend on the exact location and scope of the dredging work.
How does the competition level (3 bidders) influence the value for taxpayers?
A competition level with three bidders generally provides a reasonable basis for price discovery and can lead to competitive pricing. While more bidders might theoretically yield even lower prices, three offers suggest that the market is sufficiently accessible to attract multiple qualified firms. This level of competition helps ensure that the government is not overpaying and that the selected contractor's price reflects market realities. It strikes a balance between ensuring sufficient choice and avoiding an overly burdensome solicitation process that might deter potential bidders.
What is the significance of the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' NAICS code?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 237990, 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction,' signifies that this contract is for construction projects that do not fit into more specific heavy and civil engineering categories. This typically includes activities like dredging, marine construction, pipeline construction, and land reclamation. Awarding a contract under this code indicates the project involves specialized heavy construction work related to infrastructure, often in or around water bodies, requiring specific expertise and equipment distinct from general building construction.
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: W912P824B0032
Offers Received: 3
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: $38,824,000
Exercised Options: $21,181,000
Current Obligation: $21,181,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-19
Current End Date: 2025-12-31
Potential End Date: 2025-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-13
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