Baltimore Harbor Dredging Contract Awarded for $25.6M to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,605,250 ($25.6M)
Contractor: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock CO, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-11-17
End Date: 2026-04-16
Contract Duration: 150 days
Daily Burn Rate: $170.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: FY25 BALTIMORE HARBOR AND CHANNELS MAINTENANCE DREDGING - CAPE HENRY CHANNEL. FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION - UNRESTRICTED. INVITATION FOR BID IFB.
Place of Performance
Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA BEACH CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23459
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.6 million to GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CO, LLC for work described as: FY25 BALTIMORE HARBOR AND CHANNELS MAINTENANCE DREDGING - CAPE HENRY CHANNEL. FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION - UNRESTRICTED. INVITATION FOR BID IFB. Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical infrastructure maintenance for Baltimore Harbor. 2. Full and open competition indicates a healthy market for dredging services. 3. Potential for cost savings through competitive bidding process. 4. Contract duration of 150 days suggests focused scope of work.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $25.6M for 150 days of dredging appears reasonable given the scope and specialized nature of harbor maintenance. Benchmarking against similar large-scale dredging projects would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition via an Invitation for Bid (IFB), suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple qualified contractors to compete, driving down costs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized efficiently through a competitive bidding process, aiming to secure the best value for essential infrastructure maintenance.
Public Impact
Ensures continued navigability of Baltimore Harbor, vital for regional commerce and trade. Supports economic activity by maintaining access for commercial shipping vessels. Contributes to the long-term viability and operational capacity of a key U.S. port.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen subsurface conditions are encountered.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a critical infrastructure project.
Positive Signals
- Competitive award process likely secured favorable pricing.
- Clear contract duration and scope reduce ambiguity.
- Project addresses a critical need for port infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically focusing on dredging for port maintenance. Spending in this sector is often driven by infrastructure needs and federal investment priorities.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this was an unrestricted competition, and there is no specific mention of small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to participate or subcontract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army, within the Department of Defense, is responsible for this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal contracts, including performance monitoring and financial accountability, should be in place.
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 impacting cost and schedule.
- Environmental risks associated with dredged material disposal.
- Contractor performance risk if specialized equipment or expertise is limited.
- Dependence on a single awardee for a critical infrastructure task.
Tags
other-heavy-and-civil-engineering-constr, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.6 million to GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CO, LLC. FY25 BALTIMORE HARBOR AND CHANNELS MAINTENANCE DREDGING - CAPE HENRY CHANNEL. FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION - UNRESTRICTED. INVITATION FOR BID IFB.
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 $25.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-11-17. End: 2026-04-16.
What are the specific performance metrics and quality control measures included in the contract to ensure the dredging meets required specifications?
The contract likely includes detailed specifications for dredging depth, width, and material disposal. Quality control measures would typically involve regular surveys, material testing, and adherence to environmental regulations. Performance monitoring by the contracting officer's representative ensures compliance with the contract terms and successful project completion.
What is the historical cost trend for similar dredging projects in the region or nationally?
Analyzing historical data for comparable dredging projects is crucial for validating the current contract's cost-effectiveness. Factors such as inflation, material costs, equipment availability, and environmental compliance requirements can significantly influence pricing. A trend analysis would reveal if this $25.6M award is in line with, above, or below historical benchmarks for similar scope and duration.
Are there any identified environmental risks associated with the dredged material disposal, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Dredging operations can involve the removal of potentially contaminated sediments. The contract should outline specific protocols for testing dredged material and approved disposal methods, such as confined aquatic disposal facilities or upland placement. Mitigation strategies aim to prevent environmental harm and comply with EPA regulations.
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 BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation
Address: 9811 KATY FWY STE 1200, HOUSTON, TX, 77024
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,605,250
Exercised Options: $25,605,250
Current Obligation: $25,605,250
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-11-17
Current End Date: 2026-04-16
Potential End Date: 2026-04-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-26
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