Army awards $14.3M contract for Mississippi River saltwater barrier sill construction
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,312,900 ($14.3M)
Contractor: Weeks Marine, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-09-24
End Date: 2025-12-12
Contract Duration: 79 days
Daily Burn Rate: $181.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: MISS RIVER BATON ROUGE TO GULF, SALTWATER BARRIER SILL, CUTTERHEAD DREDGE CONTRACT #1-25
Place of Performance
Location: NEW ORLEANS, ORLEANS County, LOUISIANA, 70118
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $14.3 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC. for work described as: MISS RIVER BATON ROUGE TO GULF, SALTWATER BARRIER SILL, CUTTERHEAD DREDGE CONTRACT #1-25 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Weeks Marine, Inc. for critical infrastructure project. 2. Project aims to improve water management and prevent saltwater intrusion. 3. Definitive contract type suggests a single, well-defined scope of work. 4. Firm Fixed Price award indicates cost certainty for the government. 5. Project duration of 79 days suggests a focused, short-term construction effort. 6. Geographic focus on Louisiana highlights regional importance of the project.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $14.3 million for a saltwater barrier sill construction appears reasonable given the scope and specialized nature of dredging and civil engineering projects. Benchmarking against similar Army Corps of Engineers projects for waterway infrastructure would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overruns, contributing to predictable spending.
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 bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is expected to yield fair market pricing and ensure the government receives the best value. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring that the most capable contractor is selected at a competitive rate.
Public Impact
Benefits residents and industries in the Baton Rouge area by protecting freshwater resources. Ensures continued availability of freshwater for municipal, industrial, and agricultural use. Supports the ecological health of the Mississippi River delta by mitigating saltwater intrusion. The project will likely involve skilled labor in construction and marine operations within Louisiana.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for schedule delays impacting the effectiveness of the barrier.
- Environmental impacts during construction need careful monitoring and mitigation.
Positive Signals
- Clear project objective to address a known environmental challenge.
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost control.
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sector, specifically related to water resource management and infrastructure. The market for such specialized construction, particularly involving dredging and barrier construction in major waterways, is often dominated by a few experienced firms. The Army Corps of Engineers is a significant procurer of these types of services, with substantial annual spending in this category.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor, Weeks Marine, Inc., is a large business, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors, depending on the specific needs and subcontracting plans outlined in the contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which has established procedures for monitoring construction progress, quality control, and adherence to contract terms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific day-to-day oversight details are internal.
Related Government Programs
- Mississippi River Channel Maintenance
- Coastal Barrier Construction Projects
- Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
- Water Resource Management Infrastructure
Risk Flags
- Potential for weather-related delays
- Unforeseen geotechnical conditions
- Environmental compliance during construction
Tags
construction, heavy-and-civil-engineering, department-of-defense, army, louisiana, full-and-open-competition, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, water-resource-management, infrastructure, marine-construction
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $14.3 million to WEEKS MARINE, INC.. MISS RIVER BATON ROUGE TO GULF, SALTWATER BARRIER SILL, CUTTERHEAD DREDGE CONTRACT #1-25
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 $14.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-24. End: 2025-12-12.
What is the historical spending by the Department of the Army on similar saltwater barrier projects?
The Department of the Army, primarily through the Army Corps of Engineers, has a long history of investing in water resource infrastructure, including projects aimed at managing salinity in coastal and riverine environments. While specific data on 'saltwater barrier sill' projects is not readily aggregated, the Corps annually awards billions of dollars for dredging, levee construction, and other civil works. For instance, in recent fiscal years, spending on dredging alone has often exceeded $1 billion annually. Projects like the New Orleans to Venice Hurricane Protection System and various Mississippi River channel maintenance efforts demonstrate a consistent commitment to managing water levels and salinity. Analyzing the Corps' Civil Works budget justifications and historical contract awards for similar coastal resilience and navigation projects would provide a broader context for the $14.3 million allocated here.
How does the awarded amount compare to the original estimated cost or budget for this project?
The provided data indicates an awarded amount of $14,312,900. Without access to the original contract solicitation or pre-award budget estimates, a direct comparison is not possible. However, the fact that it was awarded under 'full and open competition' suggests that the final price reflects market conditions and bidder proposals. If the awarded amount is significantly lower than any pre-solicitation estimates, it could indicate successful cost competition. Conversely, if it aligns closely or exceeds initial estimates, further analysis of the scope and market conditions would be warranted to assess value for money. Publicly available contract award databases often provide a comparison between estimated cost and final award price for transparency.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract and how will success be measured?
Key performance indicators for a construction contract like the Mississippi River saltwater barrier sill would typically focus on schedule adherence, quality of work, and safety compliance. Specific KPIs might include: 1. Completion within the 79-day duration specified. 2. Meeting all technical specifications for the sill's dimensions, materials, and structural integrity as defined in the contract. 3. Adherence to environmental mitigation plans during construction. 4. Maintaining a safe work environment with zero major safety incidents. 5. Successful final inspection and acceptance by the Army Corps of Engineers. Performance will likely be monitored through regular site inspections, progress reports from Weeks Marine, Inc., and potentially independent quality assurance checks.
What is the track record of Weeks Marine, Inc. with the Department of the Army or similar projects?
Weeks Marine, Inc. is a well-established marine construction company with a significant history of performing work for government agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They specialize in dredging, marine infrastructure, and heavy civil construction. Their portfolio includes numerous projects involving channel deepening, port improvements, and coastal protection structures. A review of federal procurement data would likely show a substantial number of past awards to Weeks Marine, Inc. across various districts of the Army Corps of Engineers and potentially other maritime agencies. Their experience in similar environments and with complex civil engineering tasks suggests a strong capability to execute this contract successfully, though a detailed review of past performance ratings and any past issues would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.
Are there any known risks associated with this specific project or location?
The primary risks associated with this project are likely related to the dynamic nature of the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast environment. These include: 1. **Environmental Conditions:** Unforeseen weather events (hurricanes, storms, high river flows) could delay construction or damage work in progress. 2. **Geotechnical Conditions:** Unexpected subsurface soil or sediment conditions could complicate foundation work or dredging, potentially impacting schedule and cost if not adequately addressed in the contract's risk allocation. 3. **Environmental Compliance:** Strict adherence to environmental regulations during construction is crucial to avoid penalties and project stoppages. 4. **Logistical Challenges:** Working on the Mississippi River involves significant logistical planning for material delivery, equipment operation, and personnel access. The 'definitive contract' structure may imply that some of these risks were identified and addressed during its development.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID
Solicitation ID: W912P825BA006
Offers Received: 1
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: $31,460,000
Exercised Options: $14,312,900
Current Obligation: $14,312,900
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-24
Current End Date: 2025-12-12
Potential End Date: 2026-05-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-03
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