Over $59.8M Awarded for Southeast Louisiana Drainage Project, Highlighting Critical Infrastructure Needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $59,877,598 ($59.9M)

Contractor: BOH Bros. Construction CO., L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-09-14

End Date: 2015-10-19

Contract Duration: 1,496 days

Daily Burn Rate: $40.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA DRAINAGE PROJECT, NAPOLEON AVE COVERED CANAL NO. 2, ORLEANS PARISH, LOUISIANA

Place of Performance

Location: NEW ORLEANS, ORLEANS County, LOUISIANA, 70115

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $59.9 million to BOH BROS. CONSTRUCTION CO., L.L.C. for work described as: SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA DRAINAGE PROJECT, NAPOLEON AVE COVERED CANAL NO. 2, ORLEANS PARISH, LOUISIANA Key points: 1. Contract value of $59.8M for a significant civil engineering project. 2. Project addresses essential drainage infrastructure in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. 3. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 4. The contract duration of approximately 4 years indicates a substantial undertaking. 5. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability. 6. The project falls under Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction, a vital sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $59.8M for the Napoleon Ave Covered Canal No. 2 project appears reasonable for a large-scale civil engineering undertaking involving drainage and canal construction. Benchmarking against similar large-scale infrastructure projects in the region or nationally would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests an effort to manage costs effectively, although the final cost could still be influenced by unforeseen site conditions or scope adjustments. Without specific cost breakdowns or comparisons to estimated costs, a definitive assessment of pricing efficiency is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. With 15 bids received, the competition level was substantial, which typically fosters competitive pricing and encourages contractors to offer their best value. A high number of bidders generally suggests a healthy market for this type of construction service and provides the agency with a wide range of options to choose from, potentially leading to a more favorable outcome in terms of cost and quality.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this project is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down prices and ensured that the government received competitive bids, maximizing the value of taxpayer dollars spent on essential infrastructure.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, will benefit from improved drainage and reduced flood risk. The project delivers critical civil engineering services, enhancing the resilience of local infrastructure. Geographic impact is concentrated in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, addressing specific local needs. The construction activities will likely create temporary employment opportunities for skilled labor in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen geological or environmental issues arise during construction.
Delays in project completion could impact the intended benefits of improved drainage.
Contractor performance risks associated with managing a large-scale, multi-year construction project.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract helps mitigate cost uncertainty for the government.
Full and open competition with 15 bidders suggests a competitive environment that can drive efficiency.
The project addresses a critical public need for improved drainage infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

The 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction' sector encompasses a wide range of projects critical to public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, dams, and drainage systems. This contract for the Napoleon Avenue Covered Canal No. 2 fits squarely within this sector, addressing essential urban infrastructure needs. The market for such services is often characterized by large, specialized construction firms capable of undertaking complex, multi-year projects. Spending in this sector is heavily influenced by government funding initiatives for infrastructure development and repair.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Given the substantial value and complexity of the project, it is likely that the prime contractor, BOH BROS. CONSTRUCTION CO., L.L.C., is a large business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award, but large infrastructure projects often involve significant subcontracting opportunities. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent to which small businesses participated in the subcontracting chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this definitive contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and their representatives within the Department of the Army. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise during the contract's performance or closeout.

Related Government Programs

US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Projects
National Flood Insurance Program
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Hurricane Protection Projects
Urban Drainage and Stormwater Management

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions in heavy civil construction.
Risk of schedule delays impacting project benefits.
Contractor performance management for large-scale projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $59.9 million to BOH BROS. CONSTRUCTION CO., L.L.C.. SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA DRAINAGE PROJECT, NAPOLEON AVE COVERED CANAL NO. 2, ORLEANS PARISH, LOUISIANA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOH BROS. CONSTRUCTION CO., L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $59.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-09-14. End: 2015-10-19.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar drainage and canal construction projects by the Department of the Army in Louisiana?

Analyzing historical spending for similar projects by the Department of the Army in Louisiana requires access to detailed contract databases. However, large-scale civil works, including drainage and flood control, are a core mission for the Army Corps of Engineers. Spending in this area can fluctuate significantly based on federal appropriations, disaster recovery needs, and long-term infrastructure investment plans. Projects like the Southeast Louisiana Drainage Project are often part of larger, multi-year programs aimed at enhancing resilience against natural disasters, particularly in coastal regions prone to flooding. Historical data would likely show a pattern of significant investment in critical infrastructure, with specific project awards varying year-to-year based on planning, funding availability, and project readiness. Comparing the $59.8M award to the average size and frequency of similar projects would provide context on its relative scale and importance within the Army Corps' portfolio for the region.

How does the contractor, BOH BROS. CONSTRUCTION CO., L.L.C., perform on other government contracts, particularly those of similar size and scope?

Assessing the performance of BOH BROS. CONSTRUCTION CO., L.L.C. on other government contracts requires reviewing their past performance records, which are often available through government databases like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). Generally, for a contract of this magnitude ($59.8M) awarded by the Department of the Army, the contractor would have undergone a pre-award responsibility determination. A history of successful completion of similar heavy civil engineering and construction projects, adherence to schedules and budgets, and positive past performance reviews would indicate a lower risk profile. Conversely, a record of significant cost overruns, schedule delays, or quality issues on previous contracts could raise concerns about their capacity to deliver this project successfully. Without specific CPARS data or a detailed review of their contract history, it's difficult to definitively assess their track record.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this drainage project, and what are the expected outcomes?

The key performance indicators (KPIs) for a project like the Napoleon Avenue Covered Canal No. 2 would likely focus on the successful completion of construction milestones, adherence to the project schedule, and staying within the firm fixed price budget. Expected outcomes include the effective functioning of the covered canal system to improve drainage and reduce flood risk in the designated area of Orleans Parish. Specific technical KPIs might involve flow rates, structural integrity of the canal, and compliance with environmental regulations during construction. Ultimately, the project's success will be measured by its contribution to public safety and the mitigation of flood-related damages for the residents and businesses it serves. Performance assessments would likely track progress against these defined objectives throughout the contract duration.

What is the potential for cost growth or change orders given the firm fixed-price contract type and the nature of heavy civil construction?

While a firm fixed-price (FFP) contract is designed to provide cost certainty, heavy civil construction projects, especially those involving underground or complex infrastructure like canals, inherently carry risks that can lead to cost growth through change orders. Potential triggers for change orders include unforeseen subsurface conditions (e.g., unexpected soil types, groundwater issues, buried utilities), design modifications required during construction, or differing site conditions not anticipated during the bidding phase. The contract likely includes clauses addressing how such changes are evaluated, priced, and approved. The extent of cost growth will depend on the contractor's ability to anticipate and mitigate risks during the initial planning and bidding, the clarity of the original design, and the agency's management of the change order process. Robust oversight and a clear change order management protocol are crucial to controlling potential cost increases.

How does this $59.8M contract compare in size and scope to other major infrastructure projects funded by the Department of Defense or Army Corps of Engineers?

A $59.8M contract for a specific drainage project is a significant investment, but its size relative to other Department of Defense (DoD) or Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects varies widely. USACE undertakes massive civil works projects, including large dams, navigation channels, and comprehensive flood control systems, which can run into hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. For instance, major coastal restoration or river management projects often dwarf this contract value. However, for a specific component like a covered canal in an urban setting, $59.8M represents a substantial and critical undertaking. When compared to typical construction contracts for military bases or smaller infrastructure repairs, this project is on the larger end. Its significance lies not just in its dollar value but in its direct impact on local resilience and public safety in a vulnerable area.

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: W912P811R0015

Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 730 S TONTI ST, NEW ORLEANS, LA, 70119

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: $59,877,598

Exercised Options: $59,877,598

Current Obligation: $59,877,598

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline