Dredging and waterfront infrastructure design contract awarded to AECOM - HDR JV for $5.58M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,577,800 ($5.6M)

Contractor: AECOM - HDR Joint Venture Design Team JV

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-12-03

End Date: 2027-05-15

Contract Duration: 528 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: A-E DESIGN SERVICES FOR DREDGING OF THE CURTIS CREEK CHANNELS AND TURNING BASIN AND PREPARATION OF A DESIGN-BUILD REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (DB-RFP) TO IMPROVE THE WATERFRONT INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE U.S. COAST GUARD (USCG) YARD LOCATED IN CURTIS BAY, MD

Place of Performance

Location: CURTIS BAY, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21226

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.6 million to AECOM - HDR JOINT VENTURE DESIGN TEAM JV for work described as: A-E DESIGN SERVICES FOR DREDGING OF THE CURTIS CREEK CHANNELS AND TURNING BASIN AND PREPARATION OF A DESIGN-BUILD REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (DB-RFP) TO IMPROVE THE WATERFRONT INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE U.S. COAST GUARD (USCG) YARD LOCATED IN CURTIS BAY, MD Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical USCG Yard improvements in Curtis Bay, MD. 2. AECOM - HDR Joint Venture selected for design services. 3. Project includes dredging and preparation of a Design-Build RFP. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests defined scope and cost control. 5. Delivery Order awarded under a larger contract vehicle. 6. Project duration spans over 1.5 years, indicating significant scope.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.58 million for design services appears reasonable given the scope of dredging and waterfront infrastructure improvements for a U.S. Coast Guard Yard. Benchmarking against similar large-scale civil engineering and design projects, especially those involving port and harbor infrastructure, would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the costs involved, which can be advantageous.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified firms had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the selection of a capable contractor. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation is a positive indicator of market engagement.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and higher quality services, ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay, Maryland, will benefit from improved waterfront infrastructure. Services include design for dredging channels and a turning basin, enhancing operational capacity. The project supports critical maritime operations and readiness for the USCG. Geographic impact is localized to Curtis Bay, Maryland. Potential workforce implications for engineering and construction sectors during the design and subsequent build phases.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if design-build RFP requirements are not meticulously defined.
Dependence on the selected joint venture's expertise for successful design and accurate RFP.
Risk of delays if environmental or permitting challenges arise during the design phase.

Positive Signals

Award to a joint venture (AECOM - HDR) suggests a strong combination of expertise for complex projects.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition indicates a robust bidding process.
Clear project objectives focused on essential infrastructure upgrades.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting civil and marine infrastructure. The market for such services is driven by government investments in ports, waterways, and military facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale dredging, port modernization, and waterfront development projects undertaken by federal agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers or the Navy.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this particular delivery order. However, the prime contractor, AECOM - HDR Joint Venture, may engage small businesses for specialized support services during the design phase or in the subsequent design-build construction, depending on the terms of the original contract vehicle and the prime contractor's subcontracting plan.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, given their role in managing federal waterways and infrastructure projects, and their involvement in the contracting process. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver the specified design services within the agreed-upon cost. Transparency is facilitated through the contract award process under full and open competition.

Related Government Programs

USCG Yard Modernization Projects
Army Corps of Engineers Dredging Contracts
Port and Waterway Infrastructure Development
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen subsurface conditions impacting design.
Environmental and permitting complexities in marine environments.
Accuracy and completeness of the Design-Build RFP.
Coordination challenges between design and future construction phases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.6 million to AECOM - HDR JOINT VENTURE DESIGN TEAM JV. A-E DESIGN SERVICES FOR DREDGING OF THE CURTIS CREEK CHANNELS AND TURNING BASIN AND PREPARATION OF A DESIGN-BUILD REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (DB-RFP) TO IMPROVE THE WATERFRONT INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE U.S. COAST GUARD (USCG) YARD LOCATED IN CURTIS BAY, MD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AECOM - HDR JOINT VENTURE DESIGN TEAM JV.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-03. End: 2027-05-15.

What is the track record of AECOM and HDR in similar large-scale marine infrastructure design projects?

AECOM and HDR are both major engineering firms with extensive experience in large-scale civil and marine infrastructure projects. AECOM has a significant portfolio including port development, dredging, and waterfront facilities globally. HDR also has a strong background in maritime engineering, coastal resilience, and port infrastructure design. Their joint venture likely leverages specific expertise from both entities to tackle complex projects like the Curtis Creek channels and turning basin improvements. A review of their past performance on projects of similar scale and complexity, particularly those involving military installations or critical federal infrastructure, would be necessary to fully assess their suitability and past success rates.

How does the $5.58 million contract value compare to similar dredging and waterfront design projects?

The $5.58 million contract value for design services for dredging and waterfront infrastructure at the USCG Yard in Curtis Bay, MD, needs to be benchmarked against similar projects. Factors influencing cost include the complexity of the site, the required depth of dredging, the extent of waterfront improvements, and the specific deliverables (e.g., Design-Build RFP preparation). Generally, design contracts for major civil works can range from 5% to 15% of the estimated construction cost. Without knowing the estimated construction cost for the subsequent design-build phase, a direct comparison is difficult. However, for significant port or military facility upgrades, design contracts in the millions of dollars are not uncommon, suggesting this value is within a plausible range, pending detailed market analysis.

What are the primary risks associated with this design contract?

The primary risks associated with this design contract include potential scope creep if the requirements for the Design-Build RFP are not clearly defined and managed. There's also a risk related to the accuracy of the design and the completeness of the RFP, which could impact the subsequent construction phase's cost and schedule. Environmental factors and permitting challenges, common in dredging and waterfront projects, could introduce delays or require design modifications. Furthermore, the reliance on the specific expertise of the AECOM - HDR Joint Venture means that any performance issues from either partner could impact project delivery. Finally, unforeseen subsurface conditions during the design investigation phase could necessitate significant design changes.

What is the expected effectiveness of the design services in achieving the USCG's goals?

The effectiveness of these design services will be measured by their ability to produce a comprehensive and accurate Design-Build Request for Proposal (DB-RFP) that enables the U.S. Coast Guard to procure construction services efficiently and cost-effectively. A well-executed design will clearly define the scope of work for dredging the Curtis Creek channels and turning basin, as well as the necessary waterfront infrastructure improvements. This clarity is crucial for attracting qualified design-build contractors and ensuring the final construction meets the USCG's operational needs, enhances safety, and improves the overall functionality of the Curtis Bay Yard. The success hinges on the joint venture's technical expertise and their understanding of the USCG's specific requirements.

How does this contract fit into the broader historical spending patterns for USCG infrastructure?

This contract represents a specific investment in modernizing critical infrastructure at a key U.S. Coast Guard facility. Historical spending patterns for the USCG often reflect priorities related to operational readiness, asset modernization, and compliance with environmental regulations. Investments in dredging and waterfront facilities are essential for maintaining the operational capability of maritime assets. This $5.58 million design contract, while significant for a single project phase, should be viewed within the context of the USCG's overall capital investment budget, which fluctuates based on congressional appropriations and strategic needs. It aligns with a general trend of federal agencies investing in aging infrastructure and enhancing the capabilities of their operational bases.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: AECOM

Address: 1255 BROAD STREET, CLIFTON, NJ, 07013

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,577,800

Exercised Options: $5,577,800

Current Obligation: $5,577,800

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912DS23D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline