Army awards $9.4M contract for Palm Beach County beach renourishment, highlighting civil engineering construction needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,412,000 ($9.4M)

Contractor: Weeks Marine, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2026-01-12

End Date: 2026-04-12

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $104.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: BEACH RENOURISHMENT OCEAN RIDGE PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA

Place of Performance

Location: OCEAN RIDGE, PALM BEACH County, FLORIDA, 33435

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $9.4 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC. for work described as: BEACH RENOURISHMENT OCEAN RIDGE PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA Key points: 1. Contract value of $9.4 million for a 90-day project indicates significant investment in coastal resilience. 2. The project falls under 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction,' a sector vital for infrastructure development. 3. A single award for this project suggests a focused approach to a specific, localized need. 4. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide budget certainty. 5. The short duration of the project implies a targeted intervention rather than long-term maintenance. 6. The geographic focus on Florida's coast points to the vulnerability of these areas to environmental factors.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $9.4 million for a 90-day beach renourishment project appears reasonable given the scope of civil engineering work involved. Benchmarking against similar large-scale coastal restoration projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests an effort to manage costs effectively, but without detailed cost breakdowns, a definitive value assessment is challenging. The award amount is within the expected range for significant environmental restoration efforts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of two bids suggests a competitive environment, though the exact number of interested parties and the rigor of the evaluation process are not detailed. Full and open competition generally promotes price discovery and encourages contractors to offer their best terms.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing the project at a fair market price, preventing potential overspending.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in Palm Beach County, Florida, will benefit from improved coastal protection and recreational areas. The project will deliver essential beach renourishment services, crucial for mitigating erosion and storm surge impacts. The geographic impact is concentrated in Palm Beach County, Florida, addressing specific local environmental concerns. While not explicitly stated, such projects can indirectly support local economies through tourism and property value stabilization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen environmental conditions arise during the short project window.
Dependence on specific weather conditions for effective execution within the 90-day timeframe.
Limited duration may not address long-term erosion trends, requiring future interventions.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process leading to potentially better pricing.
Award to a known entity (Weeks Marine, Inc.) may imply prior experience and capability in similar projects.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector, which encompasses a wide range of infrastructure projects. The market for coastal engineering and renourishment is specialized, often involving significant environmental considerations and regulatory compliance. The Army Corps of Engineers is a major player in this sector, undertaking numerous projects aimed at coastal protection and navigation. The $9.4 million award is substantial for a single project of this nature, reflecting the complexity and scale of beach renourishment efforts.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. While Weeks Marine, Inc. is a large company, there is no information provided on subcontracting plans. Without specific set-aside goals or reporting requirements, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular contract is likely minimal, though larger prime contractors may engage small businesses for specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a definitive contract awarded by the Department of the Army, implying oversight from relevant Army Corps of Engineers districts and potentially the Department of Defense's Inspector General. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight by establishing a clear ceiling. Transparency regarding project progress and outcomes would depend on public reporting mechanisms and agency communication.

Related Government Programs

Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
Coastal and Shoreline Protection Projects
Environmental Restoration Contracts
Infrastructure Development Projects

Risk Flags

Environmental Risk
Weather Dependency
Schedule Adherence
Sand Source Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $9.4 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC.. BEACH RENOURISHMENT OCEAN RIDGE PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WEEKS MARINE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $9.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-12. End: 2026-04-12.

What is the track record of Weeks Marine, Inc. in similar beach renourishment projects?

Weeks Marine, Inc. has a significant history of undertaking large-scale marine construction and dredging projects, including numerous beach renourishment initiatives along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Their portfolio often includes projects similar in scope and complexity to the Palm Beach County contract. Publicly available information and past performance reviews from federal agencies would detail their success rates, adherence to schedules, and quality of work on prior engagements. Assessing their experience with firm fixed-price contracts and their ability to manage environmental challenges during such projects is crucial for understanding their capability in executing this specific award effectively.

How does the $9.4 million cost compare to similar beach renourishment projects in Florida?

The $9.4 million cost for this 90-day beach renourishment project in Palm Beach County needs to be benchmarked against comparable projects in Florida to assess value. Factors influencing cost include the volume of sand required, the distance it needs to be transported, the complexity of the shoreline, and the specific environmental conditions. Larger-scale projects, or those requiring extensive engineering and environmental mitigation, can easily run into tens of millions of dollars. A direct comparison with projects of similar scale (e.g., cubic yards of sand placed, linear feet of shoreline renourished) and duration would reveal if this award represents a competitive market rate or if it deviates significantly, potentially indicating overpricing or exceptional value.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific beach renourishment contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract include environmental factors, such as adverse weather conditions (hurricanes, storms) that could disrupt the 90-day work schedule and potentially damage newly placed sand, leading to delays and increased costs. Another risk is the availability and quality of suitable sand sources, which can impact project timelines and effectiveness. Given the short duration, the risk of scope creep due to unforeseen site conditions or regulatory changes is also present, although the firm fixed-price contract aims to mitigate financial exposure. Contractor performance and adherence to environmental regulations are also key risk areas that require diligent oversight.

How effective are beach renourishment projects like this in providing long-term coastal protection?

Beach renourishment projects are a common, albeit temporary, solution for coastal protection and erosion control. Their effectiveness in providing long-term protection is contingent on several factors, including the rate of natural erosion, the volume and quality of sand used, and the frequency of renourishment cycles. While these projects can significantly enhance storm surge protection and restore recreational beaches in the short to medium term, they are not a permanent fix. They often require periodic replenishment, making them a recurring cost for coastal communities and governments. The long-term sustainability and ecological impact of repeated renourishment also warrant consideration.

What has been the historical spending trend for beach renourishment by the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense, primarily through the Army Corps of Engineers, has a consistent history of funding beach renourishment and coastal protection projects, particularly in areas critical for military installations or where environmental stewardship is mandated. Historical spending trends in this category can fluctuate based on federal appropriations, the severity of storm seasons, and national priorities for infrastructure and environmental resilience. Analyzing past budgets and contract awards for similar projects would reveal patterns in investment levels, identifying periods of increased or decreased spending and the types of projects prioritized. This context helps in understanding the significance of the current $9.4 million award within the broader historical spending landscape.

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: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W912EP26BA002

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Kiewit-Turner a Joint Venture

Address: 304 GAILLE DR, COVINGTON, LA, 70433

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,412,000

Exercised Options: $9,412,000

Current Obligation: $9,412,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline