DoD Awards $27.7M Firm-Fixed Price Contract for Delaware River Dredging to Norfolk Dredging Company

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,690,000 ($27.7M)

Contractor: Norfolk Dredging Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-30

End Date: 2026-10-01

Contract Duration: 366 days

Daily Burn Rate: $75.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: AWARD OF A FIRM-FIXED PRICE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO PROVIDE MAINTENANCE DREDGING OF THE DELAWARE RIVER, PHILADELPHIA TO SEA AND WILMINGTON HARBOR.

Place of Performance

Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19112

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $27.7 million to NORFOLK DREDGING COMPANY for work described as: AWARD OF A FIRM-FIXED PRICE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO PROVIDE MAINTENANCE DREDGING OF THE DELAWARE RIVER, PHILADELPHIA TO SEA AND WILMINGTON HARBOR. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential maintenance dredging of the Delaware River. 2. Norfolk Dredging Company secured the $27.7 million firm-fixed price contract. 3. The project aims to maintain navigable depths in a critical waterway. 4. Competition method and specific performance metrics are key areas for review.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $27.7 million appears reasonable for a 366-day dredging project of this scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale civil engineering construction contracts would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is generally expected to yield fair pricing and good value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential infrastructure maintenance, ensuring continued economic activity and safe navigation.

Public Impact

Ensures continued safe navigation and commerce on the Delaware River. Supports critical port operations in Philadelphia and Wilmington. Maintains vital federal waterway infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen conditions arise.
  • Dependence on a single contractor for a critical task.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost risk to the government.
  • Essential infrastructure maintenance project.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector, specifically related to waterway maintenance. Spending in this sector is often driven by infrastructure needs and federal waterway management programs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as Norfolk Dredging Company is likely a larger entity. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure the contractor meets performance standards and timelines. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract should provide some cost control, but monitoring progress and quality is essential.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Potential for unforeseen subsurface conditions.
  • Environmental compliance risks.
  • Contractor performance and schedule adherence.
  • Weather-related delays.

Tags

other-heavy-and-civil-engineering-constr, department-of-defense, pa, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $27.7 million to NORFOLK DREDGING COMPANY. AWARD OF A FIRM-FIXED PRICE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO PROVIDE MAINTENANCE DREDGING OF THE DELAWARE RIVER, PHILADELPHIA TO SEA AND WILMINGTON HARBOR.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORFOLK DREDGING COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2026-10-01.

What are the specific performance metrics and quality standards for the dredging work?

The contract likely includes detailed specifications for the required dredging depth, width, and material disposal. Quality assurance measures would involve regular inspections and potentially hydrographic surveys to verify compliance. Adherence to environmental regulations during dredging and material disposal is also a critical component.

What is the historical performance record of Norfolk Dredging Company on similar projects?

Investigating Norfolk Dredging Company's past performance on comparable maintenance dredging contracts is important. This includes reviewing their track record for on-time completion, adherence to budget, quality of work, and any past disputes or contract modifications. Positive historical performance can be a strong indicator of future success.

Are there any environmental considerations or potential risks associated with the dredged material disposal?

Dredging operations can disturb sediments that may contain contaminants. The disposal plan for the dredged material must comply with strict environmental regulations to prevent pollution of surrounding waters or land. Potential risks include the discovery of hazardous materials, requiring specialized handling and disposal, which could impact project timelines and costs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ConstructionOther Heavy and Civil Engineering ConstructionOther Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTYMAINT, ALTER, REPAIR BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W912BU25BA007

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 110 CENTERVILLE TPKE N, CHESAPEAKE, VA, 23320

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,690,000

Exercised Options: $27,690,000

Current Obligation: $27,690,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2025-09-30

Current End Date: 2026-10-01

Potential End Date: 2026-10-01 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-01

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