Triton Marine Construction Corp. awarded $39.3M for Philadelphia pier repair, highlighting infrastructure needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,266,848 ($39.3M)

Contractor: Triton Marine Construction Corp.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-09-30

End Date: 2016-12-12

Contract Duration: 1,169 days

Daily Burn Rate: $33.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF REPAIR TO PIER 4 AT PNBC ANNEX, PHILADELPHIA PA

Place of Performance

Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19112

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $39.3 million to TRITON MARINE CONSTRUCTION CORP. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF REPAIR TO PIER 4 AT PNBC ANNEX, PHILADELPHIA PA Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in critical naval infrastructure. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process for specialized marine construction. 3. Contract duration of nearly four years indicates a complex and lengthy project. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but scope creep could impact final expenditure. 5. Geographic concentration in Philadelphia points to specific regional infrastructure priorities. 6. The award falls within the broader category of heavy civil engineering construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $39.3 million for repairing Pier 4 at the PNBC Annex in Philadelphia appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale marine construction projects would be necessary to definitively assess value for money. The fixed-price nature of the contract suggests an attempt to cap costs, but the nearly four-year duration could introduce risks of cost escalation if not managed meticulously. Without specific comparable data on pier repair costs per linear foot or square footage, a precise value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited. With 8 bidders identified, this suggests a reasonably competitive environment for this specialized type of heavy civil engineering construction. 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: A competitive bidding process for this significant infrastructure project likely resulted in a more cost-effective outcome for taxpayers by encouraging multiple firms to offer their best pricing and technical solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of the Navy, which gains a repaired and functional pier essential for its operations at the Philadelphia Naval Business Center. The services delivered include heavy and civil engineering construction, specifically focused on the repair and maintenance of critical maritime infrastructure. The geographic impact is concentrated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, supporting local economic activity and employment during the construction period. Workforce implications include the employment of skilled laborers, engineers, and project managers within the marine construction sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to the long duration and complexity of marine construction.
Risk of schedule delays impacting naval operational readiness.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical infrastructure repair.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost uncertainty.
The project addresses a clear need for infrastructure maintenance and upgrade.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, a critical component of national infrastructure. The market for specialized marine construction, particularly for government facilities, is often characterized by a limited number of highly qualified firms. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain and modernize aging port facilities, naval bases, and other maritime infrastructure, which can represent significant capital investments. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically look at the cost per linear foot of pier repaired or the total square footage of deck space rehabilitated.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting goals mentioned. The prime contractor, Triton Marine Construction Corp., is likely a larger entity capable of undertaking such a substantial project. The absence of small business set-asides means that opportunities for smaller firms would primarily be through subcontracting, if the prime contractor chooses to engage them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and their representatives within the Department of the Navy. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control, but performance monitoring is crucial to ensure quality and adherence to schedule. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed project progress reports may not always be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Contracts
Department of Defense Infrastructure Projects
Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction Contracts
Port and Harbor Infrastructure Maintenance

Risk Flags

Long contract duration increases risk of cost escalation and delays.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions in marine environments.
Dependence on fixed-price structure for cost control over extended period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $39.3 million to TRITON MARINE CONSTRUCTION CORP.. IGF::OT::IGF REPAIR TO PIER 4 AT PNBC ANNEX, PHILADELPHIA PA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRITON MARINE CONSTRUCTION CORP..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $39.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-09-30. End: 2016-12-12.

What is Triton Marine Construction Corp.'s track record with similar large-scale marine repair contracts?

Assessing Triton Marine Construction Corp.'s track record requires a review of their past performance on contracts of similar scope, complexity, and value. Specifically, one would look for previous awards for pier repair, dredging, or other marine infrastructure projects, particularly those with the Department of Defense or other federal agencies. Analyzing their on-time completion rates, adherence to budget, and quality of work on prior projects would provide insight into their capability to execute this $39.3 million contract successfully. Information on past performance, including any disputes or contract terminations, is often available through federal contract databases and performance evaluation reports (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), though direct access may be limited.

How does the awarded price compare to industry benchmarks for pier repair?

To benchmark the $39.3 million award against industry standards for pier repair, one would need to gather data on the scope of work beyond the total dollar amount. Key metrics for comparison include the linear footage of the pier repaired, the square footage of the deck area, the type of repair (e.g., structural, resurfacing), and the complexity of the work (e.g., underwater repairs, pile driving). Without these specifics, a direct comparison is difficult. However, large-scale marine construction projects can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per linear foot, depending heavily on the factors mentioned. The fixed-price nature suggests the government sought a defined cost, but the actual value is realized through successful, timely, and quality completion.

What are the primary risks associated with a nearly four-year duration for this type of construction contract?

A contract duration of 1169 days (approximately 3.2 years) for a pier repair project introduces several significant risks. Firstly, there's an increased likelihood of encountering unforeseen subsurface conditions or environmental challenges that could lead to delays and cost increases, even with a fixed-price contract. Secondly, material costs can fluctuate significantly over such a long period, potentially impacting the contractor's profitability and, indirectly, the government if change orders become necessary. Thirdly, maintaining consistent oversight and quality control over an extended period requires sustained effort and resources. Finally, the longer the project, the greater the potential for the original requirements to become outdated or for operational needs to change, necessitating modifications.

What is the historical spending pattern for pier repair and maintenance within the Department of the Navy?

Historical spending on pier repair and maintenance by the Department of the Navy is substantial, reflecting the critical role of naval bases and the aging nature of much of their infrastructure. The Navy consistently allocates significant portions of its budget towards facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization (FSRM). This includes major repair and replacement projects for piers, wharves, and other waterfront facilities across its global installations. Annual spending can fluctuate based on specific infrastructure needs, budget appropriations, and the prioritization of projects. Analyzing past Navy budgets and contract awards for similar projects would reveal trends in investment levels and the types of repairs most frequently undertaken.

How does the 'full and open competition' with 8 bidders impact the government's leverage in price negotiation?

The fact that this contract was awarded under 'full and open competition' with 8 bidders suggests a healthy level of market interest and capacity for this type of specialized construction. A larger number of bidders generally increases the government's leverage in price negotiations. It reduces the likelihood of a single contractor dictating terms and encourages more competitive pricing as firms vie for the award. The government can compare proposals not just on price but also on technical merit, potentially selecting the best value. The presence of 8 bidders indicates that the market is sufficiently robust to support competition, which is a positive sign for achieving a fair and reasonable price for taxpayers.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: N4008513R3512

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2181 CHICO WAY NW, BREMERTON, WA, 98312

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: $39,266,848

Exercised Options: $39,266,848

Current Obligation: $39,266,848

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $1,773,333

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline