NASA Spends $36M on Wallops Island Dredging and Beachfill Project Awarded to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,053,032 ($36.1M)

Contractor: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock CO, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-09-28

End Date: 2012-06-30

Contract Duration: 276 days

Daily Burn Rate: $130.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: NASA DREDGEING AND BEACHFILL AT WALLOPS ISLAND, VA.

Place of Performance

Location: CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND, ACCOMACK County, VIRGINIA, 23336

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $36.1 million to GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CO, LLC for work described as: NASA DREDGEING AND BEACHFILL AT WALLOPS ISLAND, VA. Key points: 1. The contract value of $36.05 million for dredging and beachfill at Wallops Island represents a significant investment in coastal infrastructure. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process for this project. 3. The project falls under the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector, which can be subject to environmental and logistical risks. 4. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but potential risks include unforeseen site conditions.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $36.05 million appears reasonable for a large-scale dredging and beachfill project of this nature. Benchmarking against similar Army Corps of Engineers or NASA coastal resilience projects would provide a more precise assessment.

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 had the opportunity to submit proposals. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages lower bids and potentially more efficient project execution.

Public Impact

Enhances coastal resilience and protects critical NASA infrastructure at Wallops Island. Supports environmental restoration through beach nourishment and habitat improvement. Ensures operational continuity for space launch and research activities at the facility. Contributes to local economies through project-related employment and resource utilization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen environmental conditions or material requirements arise.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical infrastructure project.
Weather-related delays could impact project timeline and costs.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition likely resulted in a competitive bid.
Project addresses critical infrastructure needs for NASA.

Sector Analysis

This project falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically focusing on coastal protection and environmental restoration. Spending in this sector is often driven by infrastructure needs, environmental regulations, and disaster recovery efforts. Benchmarks for similar projects can vary widely based on scope, location, and environmental factors.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co, LLC, a large business. There is no indication in the provided data that small businesses were involved as prime contractors or significant subcontractors on this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army, likely through the Army Corps of Engineers, managed this contract. Oversight would typically involve monitoring project progress, adherence to specifications, and financial expenditures to ensure accountability and successful completion.

Related Government Programs

Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Environmental risks associated with dredging and marine ecosystems.
Weather dependency can lead to project delays.
Reliance on a single large contractor for a critical task.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $36.1 million to GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CO, LLC. NASA DREDGEING AND BEACHFILL AT WALLOPS ISLAND, VA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CO, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $36.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-09-28. End: 2012-06-30.

What was the specific scope of work for the dredging and beachfill, and how did it align with NASA's long-term infrastructure needs at Wallops Island?

The scope involved dredging materials to replenish beaches and potentially create or maintain protective berms around Wallops Island. This directly supports NASA's need for resilient infrastructure, safeguarding launch pads, research facilities, and operational assets from storm surges and erosion, thereby ensuring the continuity of critical space missions and scientific endeavors.

Were there any significant environmental challenges or mitigation efforts associated with this dredging and beachfill project?

Dredging and beachfill projects often involve environmental considerations, such as managing turbidity, protecting marine life, and ensuring the suitability of fill material. While specific details are not provided, such projects typically require environmental impact assessments and adherence to strict environmental regulations to minimize negative effects on the local ecosystem and marine habitats.

How does the $36 million expenditure compare to other coastal resilience or infrastructure projects undertaken by federal agencies in similar geographic regions?

The $36 million cost is substantial and aligns with the scale of major coastal infrastructure projects. Comparing it to similar Army Corps of Engineers or state-level coastal protection projects in the Mid-Atlantic region would provide context. Factors like the volume of material moved, the extent of shoreline protected, and the complexity of the work influence costs significantly.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT NONBUILDING FACILITIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W9123611B0016

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (UEI: 362899130)

Address: 2122 YORK RD STE 200, OAK BROOK, IL, 60523

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,053,032

Exercised Options: $36,053,032

Current Obligation: $36,053,032

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $280,690

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline