Naval Academy quaywall repairs awarded to Marine Solutions Inc. for $5.5M, with a 2026 completion date

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,514,174 ($5.5M)

Contractor: Marine Solutions Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-09-03

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,218 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: E-PROJECTS #1592747: A&E DESIGN: REPAIRS TO QUAYWALL AND YP PIER AT 87NS, USNA/NSA ACTIVITY - NORTH SEVERN, AT LOCATED THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY COMPLEX, ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

Place of Performance

Location: ANNAPOLIS, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21402

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.5 million to MARINE SOLUTIONS INC for work described as: E-PROJECTS #1592747: A&E DESIGN: REPAIRS TO QUAYWALL AND YP PIER AT 87NS, USNA/NSA ACTIVITY - NORTH SEVERN, AT LOCATED THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY COMPLEX, ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized marine engineering services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Project duration is substantial, indicating potential for scope creep or complex execution. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but risks lie with the contractor. 5. Geographic concentration in Maryland may limit broader economic impact. 6. Engineering services sector is critical for infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.51 million for engineering design services for quaywall and pier repairs at the U.S. Naval Academy appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized maritime infrastructure projects. Benchmarking against similar projects is challenging without more specific details on the scope of work and the complexity of the repairs. However, the fixed-price contract type suggests an effort to establish a clear cost ceiling. Further analysis would require comparing the per-square-foot or per-linear-foot cost against industry standards for such repairs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which indicates that while the competition was open, certain sources may have been excluded based on specific criteria. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' nature suggests a robust competitive process was intended. This approach generally aims to maximize the pool of potential offerors and foster price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A fully and openly competed contract is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best value through competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors.

Public Impact

The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, will benefit from improved and maintained critical waterfront infrastructure. Engineering design services will be delivered to support the repair of a quaywall and pier. The project's geographic impact is localized to the Naval Academy complex in Annapolis, Maryland. The contract supports specialized engineering jobs within the marine construction and design sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for schedule delays given the multi-year duration and complexity of marine construction.
Scope creep could increase costs if not managed tightly under the fixed-price contract.
Reliance on a single contractor for design services necessitates strong oversight.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive environment for pricing.
Project addresses critical infrastructure needs at a key military installation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focusing on marine and civil engineering for waterfront infrastructure. The market for such specialized services is often characterized by a limited number of highly qualified firms with specific expertise in naval facilities and maritime construction. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining operational readiness and safety at naval installations. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in other large-scale port, harbor, or naval facility repair and construction projects.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside objective, as the 'ss' (small business set-aside) field is false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the best technical solution and price through open competition, rather than specifically promoting small business involvement in this particular contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and project management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which places cost risk on the contractor. Transparency is facilitated by the contract's public availability through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Contracts
Military Construction Projects
Port and Harbor Infrastructure Maintenance
Department of Defense Design-Build Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not well-defined.
Risk of schedule delays in complex marine construction.
Contractor performance history requires verification for quality assurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.5 million to MARINE SOLUTIONS INC. E-PROJECTS #1592747: A&E DESIGN: REPAIRS TO QUAYWALL AND YP PIER AT 87NS, USNA/NSA ACTIVITY - NORTH SEVERN, AT LOCATED THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY COMPLEX, ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MARINE SOLUTIONS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-03. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Marine Solutions Inc. with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Marine Solutions Inc. has a history of securing federal contracts, primarily with the Department of Defense. While the provided data does not detail their entire contract history, their award for this project indicates they possess the necessary qualifications and experience for marine engineering and construction services. A deeper dive into their past performance, including contract values, types of services rendered, and client satisfaction ratings (if available through sources like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise. Examining previous projects of similar scale and complexity would be particularly insightful for assessing their capability to successfully execute the Naval Academy quaywall repairs.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar quaywall repair projects at other naval installations?

Direct comparison of the $5.51 million award for quaywall and pier repairs at the U.S. Naval Academy to similar projects at other naval installations is challenging without detailed project specifications. Factors such as the extent of damage, materials required, specific engineering challenges (e.g., soil conditions, seismic requirements), and the overall scope of work (e.g., demolition, repair, replacement) significantly influence project costs. However, the firm-fixed-price nature of this contract suggests a defined scope and budget. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify comparable projects, gather their final awarded costs, and normalize for differences in project size, complexity, and geographic location, considering regional construction cost variations.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm-fixed-price contract for quaywall repairs?

The primary risks associated with this firm-fixed-price contract lie with the contractor, Marine Solutions Inc. If the actual costs of labor, materials, and unforeseen issues exceed the fixed price, the contractor absorbs the loss. Conversely, the government's risk is primarily related to potential quality compromises if the contractor seeks to cut corners to maintain profitability, or if the initial scope definition was inadequate. Schedule delays are also a risk, which could impact the operational readiness of the facility. Effective government oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks by ensuring adherence to specifications, quality standards, and timely progress.

What is the expected impact of these repairs on the operational effectiveness of the U.S. Naval Academy's waterfront facilities?

The repairs to the quaywall and pier are critical for maintaining the operational effectiveness and safety of the U.S. Naval Academy's waterfront facilities. Quaywalls and piers serve as essential docking, mooring, and operational platforms for vessels, as well as supporting various training and logistical activities. Degradation of these structures can lead to safety hazards, limitations on vessel access, and potential environmental risks. By addressing these repairs, the project ensures the continued usability and safety of these vital assets, supporting the Academy's mission in training naval officers and maintaining its fleet assets.

How has federal spending on marine infrastructure engineering and repair services trended over the past five years?

Federal spending on marine infrastructure engineering and repair services has generally remained robust, driven by the need to maintain and modernize critical assets across various agencies, particularly the Department of Defense (Navy, Army Corps of Engineers) and the Department of Homeland Security (Coast Guard). Factors influencing spending include aging infrastructure, increased utilization of ports and waterways, and national security requirements. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget allocations and project priorities, there is a consistent demand for these specialized services. Trends may also reflect shifts towards more sustainable materials, advanced construction techniques, and resilience against climate change impacts, potentially influencing the types of projects funded and their associated costs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 225 INDUSTRY PKWY, NICHOLASVILLE, KY, 40356

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Not Designated a Small Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,514,174

Exercised Options: $5,514,174

Current Obligation: $5,514,174

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N3943020D2208

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline