Reinforced concrete floodwall contract awarded to Merrick Construction LLC for over $23.5 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,593,014 ($23.6M)

Contractor: Merrick Construction LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2010-06-23

End Date: 2015-09-15

Contract Duration: 1,910 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: COST SHARING

Sector: Construction

Official Description: REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOODWALL

Place of Performance

Location: MARRERO, JEFFERSON County, LOUISIANA, 70072

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $23.6 million to MERRICK CONSTRUCTION LLC for work described as: REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOODWALL Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a large-scale civil engineering project of this nature. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for this type of construction. 3. Contract duration of 1910 days indicates a significant, long-term undertaking. 4. Project location in Louisiana highlights its relevance to flood control infrastructure. 5. Cost-sharing contract type may indicate shared risk and investment between government and contractor. 6. The definitive contract award type is typical for projects with established scopes.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $23.6 million for a reinforced concrete floodwall is within a typical range for major civil engineering projects. Without specific details on the floodwall's length, height, and complexity, a direct per-unit cost comparison is difficult. However, the scale of the award suggests a substantial infrastructure investment. Benchmarking against similar flood control projects would provide further context on value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of 11 bids suggests a competitive environment, which generally leads to better pricing and innovation. This level of competition is a positive sign for efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for this significant infrastructure project helps ensure that the government secures the best possible price and quality, maximizing the value of taxpayer investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are communities in Louisiana requiring enhanced flood protection. The project delivers critical infrastructure in the form of a reinforced concrete floodwall. Geographic impact is concentrated in the specific region of Louisiana where the floodwall is constructed. The project likely involved a significant construction workforce, contributing to local employment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in long-duration construction projects.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations during construction.
Long-term maintenance and repair costs for the floodwall.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating market availability and potential for competitive pricing.
The project addresses a critical need for flood protection in a vulnerable area.
The definitive contract award suggests a clear scope and objective.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically related to infrastructure development and flood control. The market for such projects is often characterized by large, specialized firms capable of undertaking complex, high-value construction. Spending in this sector is driven by government investment in public works, resilience, and disaster preparedness. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale flood control or levee construction projects undertaken by federal or state agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While Merrick Construction LLC is the prime contractor, there is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in subcontracting opportunities or if there were specific goals for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Army, likely through contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures would include adherence to contract terms, performance milestones, and quality control. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
FEMA Flood Mitigation Programs
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Projects

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of cost escalation or scope creep.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes objective assessment difficult.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions in civil engineering projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $23.6 million to MERRICK CONSTRUCTION LLC. REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOODWALL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MERRICK CONSTRUCTION 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 $23.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-06-23. End: 2015-09-15.

What is the specific scope and technical complexity of the reinforced concrete floodwall?

The provided data indicates the project involves a 'REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOODWALL' and falls under NAICS code 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction). However, specific details regarding the floodwall's dimensions (length, height, thickness), design specifications, soil conditions, and the exact geographic location within Louisiana are not present. The complexity would depend on factors such as the required structural integrity, environmental considerations (e.g., proximity to sensitive ecosystems), and integration with existing infrastructure. Without these specifics, a detailed technical assessment is limited.

How does the contract value of $23.6 million compare to similar floodwall projects in Louisiana or the Gulf Coast?

Comparing the $23.6 million contract value requires identifying similar projects in terms of scale, materials, and purpose. Floodwall projects can vary significantly in cost based on length, height, foundation requirements, and site-specific challenges. For instance, a short, low floodwall in stable soil would cost far less than a miles-long, high barrier in a geologically complex area. Anecdotal evidence suggests that major flood control infrastructure can cost tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. To provide a precise benchmark, one would need to analyze contracts for floodwalls of comparable length and height, considering the specific engineering challenges and construction costs prevalent in the Louisiana region during the contract period (2010-2015).

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones for this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract. Typically, for a construction project of this magnitude, KPIs would likely include adherence to schedule, budget, quality standards (e.g., concrete strength, structural integrity), safety compliance, and successful completion of specific project phases (e.g., foundation work, wall construction, finishing). Milestones would be defined points in the project timeline, such as completion of design, commencement of construction, reaching certain construction percentages, and final project acceptance. These would be detailed in the contract's statement of work and performance requirements.

What is Merrick Construction LLC's track record with similar large-scale civil engineering projects?

Merrick Construction LLC was awarded this $23.6 million contract for a reinforced concrete floodwall. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their portfolio of past projects, particularly those involving heavy civil engineering, flood control, or large concrete structures. Information on their experience with government contracts, project completion history (on time and within budget), safety records, and client satisfaction would be crucial. A review of their past performance ratings, if available through federal procurement databases, would offer further insight into their capabilities and reliability for projects of this scale and type.

What is the anticipated lifespan and maintenance plan for this floodwall?

The provided data does not include information on the anticipated lifespan or the maintenance plan for the reinforced concrete floodwall. Reinforced concrete structures are generally designed for long service lives, often several decades, assuming proper construction and regular maintenance. A comprehensive maintenance plan would typically involve periodic inspections to check for cracks, spalling, or structural degradation, as well as routine cleaning and potential repairs. The specific maintenance schedule and responsibilities (whether borne by the government or potentially shared) would be stipulated in the contract or subsequent agreements.

Were there any significant challenges or disputes during the contract performance period (2010-2015)?

The available data does not indicate whether there were significant challenges or disputes during the performance of this contract between 2010 and 2015. Contract performance issues can arise from various factors, including unforeseen site conditions, weather delays, material shortages, design changes, or contractor performance problems. Resolution of disputes can involve contract modifications, claims, or formal dispute resolution processes. To determine if any such issues occurred, one would need to consult contract modification records, performance reports, or any available litigation or claims data associated with this specific award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT NONBUILDING FACILITIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W912P810R0004

Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: COST SHARING (T)

Evaluated Preference: HZE

Contractor Details

Address: 1332 FRONT ST, COTTONPORT, LA, 71327

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,593,014

Exercised Options: $23,593,014

Current Obligation: $23,593,014

Contract Characteristics

Consolidated Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline