Army awards $13.3M contract for shoreline erosion prevention in Texas
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,291,465 ($13.3M)
Contractor: Pontchartrain Partners, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-09-13
End Date: 2025-09-09
Contract Duration: 2,188 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: DMPA NO. 10, SHORELINE EROSION PREVENTIO
Place of Performance
Location: CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECES County, TEXAS, 78401
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.3 million to PONTCHARTRAIN PARTNERS, LLC for work described as: DMPA NO. 10, SHORELINE EROSION PREVENTIO Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Pontchartrain Partners, LLC for shoreline erosion prevention. 2. The contract has a firm-fixed-price structure. 3. This is a definitive contract with a duration of approximately 6 years. 4. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 5. The project is located in Texas. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 237990, indicating Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $13.3 million for shoreline erosion prevention over nearly six years appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of this nature, especially considering the potential costs associated with coastal defense. However, without specific details on the scope of work, the exact length of shoreline protected, or the materials and methods to be used, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar Army Corps of Engineers projects for erosion control in the Gulf Coast region would provide a clearer picture of whether this pricing is competitive.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This specific procurement method suggests that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources were excluded for reasons not fully detailed in the provided data. The number of bidders is not specified, making it difficult to fully assess the level of competition. This approach can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing compared to unrestricted full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of certain sources, even with an intent for broad competition, may limit the number of potential bidders, potentially impacting the final price achieved for taxpayers.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Defense and potentially local communities in Texas that are vulnerable to shoreline erosion. The services delivered involve heavy and civil engineering construction focused on preventing coastal erosion. The geographic impact is concentrated in Texas, specifically along shorelines managed or protected by the Army. The contract supports the construction and engineering workforce involved in civil works projects.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The procurement method 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' raises questions about the breadth of competition and potential impact on pricing.
- Lack of specific details on the scope of work and performance metrics makes it difficult to fully assess value for money.
- The contract duration of nearly six years requires ongoing monitoring to ensure performance and cost control.
Positive Signals
- The contract addresses a critical infrastructure need for shoreline erosion prevention.
- The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.
- The project is awarded to a single contractor, potentially allowing for focused expertise and efficient project execution.
Sector Analysis
Shoreline erosion prevention falls under the broader heavy and civil engineering construction sector. This sector is crucial for national infrastructure, including coastal defense, flood control, and port development. The market size for such projects can be substantial, driven by environmental concerns, climate change impacts, and the need to protect valuable coastal assets. This contract represents a specific investment within the Army's broader civil works program, aimed at maintaining and improving military installations and surrounding environments.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from set-aside provisions within this particular award. The prime contractor, Pontchartrain Partners, LLC, would determine any subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of the Army, likely through contracting officers and project managers responsible for ensuring performance and compliance with contract terms. Transparency is facilitated by contract databases like SAM.gov, which publish award details. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
- Coastal and Shoreline Protection Projects
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (if applicable)
- Environmental Remediation Contracts
Risk Flags
- Competition Method Raises Questions
- Scope of Work Ambiguity
- Long Contract Duration Requires Vigilance
Tags
construction, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, texas, heavy-and-civil-engineering, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, erosion-control, coastal-defense, limited-competition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.3 million to PONTCHARTRAIN PARTNERS, LLC. DMPA NO. 10, SHORELINE EROSION PREVENTIO
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PONTCHARTRAIN PARTNERS, 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 $13.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-09-13. End: 2025-09-09.
What is the track record of Pontchartrain Partners, LLC with the Department of Defense or similar agencies?
A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Pontchartrain Partners, LLC's track record. This would involve examining past contract awards, performance evaluations (if publicly available), and any history of disputes or contract modifications. Understanding their experience with similar large-scale civil engineering projects, particularly those involving coastal or environmental construction, would provide insight into their capability to execute this shoreline erosion prevention contract successfully. Without specific past performance data, it is difficult to gauge their reliability and expertise beyond the current award.
How does the $13.3 million cost compare to similar shoreline erosion prevention projects?
Benchmarking this $13.3 million contract against similar shoreline erosion prevention projects requires detailed comparison parameters. Factors such as the linear feet of shoreline to be protected, the type of erosion control measures employed (e.g., seawalls, breakwaters, beach nourishment), the specific environmental conditions (e.g., wave action, soil type), and the project duration are critical. Projects managed by the Army Corps of Engineers in the Gulf Coast region or other areas with similar coastal challenges would serve as the most relevant comparators. A preliminary assessment suggests the cost is plausible for a multi-year, significant infrastructure undertaking, but a definitive value judgment requires more granular project specifics and comparative data.
What are the primary risks associated with this shoreline erosion prevention contract?
Key risks for this contract include environmental factors (e.g., unforeseen weather events, changes in sea levels impacting design effectiveness), potential cost overruns if the scope of work expands or unforeseen site conditions arise, and performance risks related to the contractor's ability to meet technical specifications and timelines. Schedule delays are also a concern, especially given the nearly six-year duration. Furthermore, the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method could introduce a risk of suboptimal pricing if it limited the number of qualified bidders. Mitigation strategies would involve robust project management, contingency planning, and diligent oversight.
How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method in achieving competitive pricing for this type of construction?
The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method aims to balance broad competition with specific requirements that might necessitate excluding certain types of offerors or specific sources. While it is more competitive than a sole-source award, it is generally less competitive than unrestricted full and open competition. The effectiveness in achieving competitive pricing depends heavily on the justification for excluding sources and the remaining pool of qualified bidders. If the exclusion significantly narrows the field of capable contractors, it could lead to higher prices than if all qualified sources were allowed to compete. The specific reasons for exclusion in this case are not provided, making a definitive assessment difficult.
What is the historical spending trend for shoreline erosion prevention by the Department of the Army?
Analyzing historical spending trends for shoreline erosion prevention by the Department of the Army would require accessing and aggregating data from previous fiscal years. This would involve looking at contracts awarded by the Army Corps of Engineers and other relevant Army commands for similar projects. Trends might reveal increasing investment due to climate change impacts and rising sea levels, or cyclical spending patterns based on infrastructure priorities and budget allocations. Understanding this historical context helps in evaluating whether the current $13.3 million award is consistent with, or a deviation from, past spending levels for this type of critical infrastructure work.
What are the potential long-term benefits and implications of this shoreline erosion prevention project?
The long-term benefits of this project are primarily focused on protecting critical infrastructure, military readiness, and potentially adjacent civilian areas from the damaging effects of coastal erosion. This can include preserving valuable land, preventing damage to military facilities, and maintaining ecological habitats. The implications include enhanced resilience of coastal defenses, reduced future costs associated with repairing erosion damage, and potentially improved environmental conditions if the project incorporates ecological restoration elements. The success of the project will depend on its design, execution, and adaptability to changing environmental conditions over time.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID
Solicitation ID: W912HY19B0009
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Pontchartrain Partners LLC
Address: 739 S CLARK ST, NEW ORLEANS, LA, 70119
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,291,465
Exercised Options: $13,291,465
Current Obligation: $13,291,465
Actual Outlays: $3,744,247
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-09-13
Current End Date: 2025-09-09
Potential End Date: 2025-09-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-22
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