Fleming Construction Company awarded $19.9M for Louisiana flood control, highlighting civil engineering needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,930,467 ($19.9M)

Contractor: Fleming Construction Company, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-07-05

End Date: 2017-03-19

Contract Duration: 1,718 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: HUBZONE MATOC TASK ORDER SELA 14; SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA, URBAN FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT, INDUSTRY CANAL DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS, (OAKWOOD CANAL TO ALGIERS OUTFALL CANAL), JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA (ED-10-014), CONTROL NO. SELA14-11-H-0011

Place of Performance

Location: NEW ORLEANS, ORLEANS County, LOUISIANA, 70114

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.9 million to FLEMING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, L.L.C. for work described as: HUBZONE MATOC TASK ORDER SELA 14; SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA, URBAN FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT, INDUSTRY CANAL DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS, (OAKWOOD CANAL TO ALGIERS OUTFALL CANAL), JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA (ED-10-014), CONTROL NO. SELA14-11-H-0011 Key points: 1. Contract value of $19.9M for critical infrastructure improvements. 2. Project addresses urban flood control in Southeast Louisiana, a region prone to natural disasters. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration of 1718 days indicates a significant, long-term project. 5. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and manage financial risk. 6. The project falls under heavy and civil engineering construction, a vital sector for public safety and development.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.9 million for urban flood control improvements appears reasonable given the scope and duration. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific project details, similar large-scale civil engineering projects for flood mitigation in disaster-prone areas often involve multi-million dollar investments. The firm fixed-price structure suggests an effort to establish a clear cost baseline, which is a positive indicator for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' While the 'exclusion of sources' phrasing might initially suggest limitations, in practice, this often means that while certain specific sources might have been excluded for defined reasons (e.g., past performance issues, specific capabilities not required), the competition was still broadly open to all other qualified offerors. The presence of 8 bids indicates a healthy level of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process generally leads to better price discovery and can result in cost savings for taxpayers compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, will benefit from improved flood protection. The project delivers critical drainage improvements to the Industry Canal, enhancing urban resilience. Geographic impact is concentrated in Southeast Louisiana, specifically Jefferson Parish. The project supports the construction workforce through employment opportunities in heavy civil engineering.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-duration civil engineering projects.
Weather and environmental factors can impact project timelines and costs.
Coordination with multiple stakeholders and local authorities is crucial for success.

Positive Signals

Clear project objective focused on essential flood control infrastructure.
Firm fixed-price contract helps mitigate cost overruns.
Awarded under a competitive process, suggesting a fair market price was likely achieved.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, which is crucial for maintaining and upgrading public infrastructure. The market for such services is often characterized by large, complex projects requiring specialized equipment and expertise. Spending in this sector is driven by government investment in infrastructure, disaster recovery, and urban development. Comparable benchmarks would involve other large-scale flood control, levee, or drainage system projects undertaken by federal, state, or local agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Fleming Construction Company, L.L.C., and there is no explicit indication of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements in the provided data. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if there were specific goals for their participation. Without this information, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Army, likely through contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which places cost risk on the contractor. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific oversight reports or inspector general involvement would depend on the project's complexity and any identified issues.

Related Government Programs

US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
National Flood Insurance Program
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Projects
Post-Disaster Reconstruction Funds

Risk Flags

Potential for environmental impact during construction.
Risk of unforeseen subsurface conditions.
Vulnerability to extreme weather events impacting schedule.
Need for effective coordination with local authorities and stakeholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.9 million to FLEMING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, L.L.C.. HUBZONE MATOC TASK ORDER SELA 14; SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA, URBAN FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT, INDUSTRY CANAL DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS, (OAKWOOD CANAL TO ALGIERS OUTFALL CANAL), JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA (ED-10-014), CONTROL NO. SELA14-11-H-0011

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FLEMING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-07-05. End: 2017-03-19.

What is the track record of Fleming Construction Company, L.L.C. with federal contracts, particularly in flood control projects?

Fleming Construction Company, L.L.C. has a history of federal contract awards, primarily with the Department of Defense and Department of the Army. While this specific contract for the SELA project is a significant award, a comprehensive review of their past performance would involve examining other contracts for similar scope, complexity, and project types. Analyzing their performance on previous flood control or civil engineering projects, including adherence to schedule, budget, and quality standards, would provide a clearer picture of their capabilities and reliability. Data on past contract modifications, disputes, or terminations would also be relevant for a complete assessment of their track record.

How does the $19.9 million contract value compare to similar urban flood control projects in Louisiana or the Gulf Coast region?

The $19.9 million contract value for the Industry Canal drainage improvements appears to be within a reasonable range for a significant urban flood control project in a region like Louisiana, which is highly susceptible to flooding. Large-scale civil engineering projects involving canal improvements, levee construction, or drainage system upgrades can easily reach tens of millions of dollars, depending on the specific scope, engineering complexity, and environmental considerations. For instance, projects managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for hurricane and flood protection in the Gulf Coast region often have budgets in this multi-million dollar bracket. A more precise comparison would require detailed project specifications, including linear feet of canal dredged/improved, pump station capacity, and land acquisition costs, which are not fully detailed in the provided data.

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

Primary risks for this urban flood control project include potential environmental impacts during construction (e.g., sediment displacement, water quality), unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., soil instability, buried utilities), extreme weather events disrupting work schedules, and potential community disruption due to construction noise and traffic. The firm fixed-price contract structure helps manage financial risks by capping the government's expenditure. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as the contracting agency, would typically implement oversight through project managers, require detailed environmental mitigation plans, conduct geotechnical surveys, and incorporate weather contingency planning into the project schedule. Contractor performance monitoring and adherence to safety protocols are also key risk management strategies.

What is the historical spending pattern for flood control projects in Southeast Louisiana by the Department of Defense or Army Corps of Engineers?

The Department of Defense, primarily through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), has a long history of significant spending on flood control projects, particularly in vulnerable regions like Southeast Louisiana. The Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project (SELA) itself is a multi-billion dollar program initiated in response to historical flooding events. Historical spending patterns show consistent investment in dredging canals, constructing levees, and improving drainage infrastructure. This specific $19.9 million task order represents a portion of the larger SELA program's ongoing efforts. Annual spending can fluctuate based on appropriations, project phases, and disaster recovery needs, but flood control remains a consistent priority for the USACE in this region.

How effective has the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach been in ensuring competitive pricing for similar Army Corps of Engineers projects?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach is a mechanism designed to ensure broad competition while allowing for specific, justifiable exclusions. When properly implemented, it can still yield competitive pricing by opening the field to a wide range of qualified bidders. The fact that 8 bids were received for this contract suggests that the exclusions, if any, did not unduly limit the competitive pool. The effectiveness in ensuring competitive pricing is generally assessed by comparing the winning bid against the government's estimate and against bids from other offerors. If the exclusions were narrowly defined and based on objective criteria, the process should still drive price competition effectively. However, if exclusions are broad or subjective, they could potentially limit competition and impact pricing.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W912P810R0050

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 23 E AIRLINE DR, KENNER, LA, 70062

Business Categories: Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,930,467

Exercised Options: $19,930,467

Current Obligation: $19,930,467

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912P811D0011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline