Army Awards $11.8M Dredging Contract to Cottrell Contracting Corp. for Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,778,000 ($11.8M)

Contractor: Cottrell Contracting Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-11-16

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 135 days

Daily Burn Rate: $87.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: ROLLINSON AND SILVER LAKE MAINTENANCE DREDGING

Place of Performance

Location: WILMINGTON, NEW HANOVER County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28401

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.8 million to COTTRELL CONTRACTING CORPORATION for work described as: ROLLINSON AND SILVER LAKE MAINTENANCE DREDGING Key points: 1. Contract value of $11.8 million for maintenance dredging. 2. Awarded to Cottrell Contracting Corporation, a known entity in heavy construction. 3. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources indicates a specific, potentially limited, bidding process. 4. The contract falls under 'Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction', a sector with significant infrastructure investment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.8 million appears reasonable for heavy civil engineering construction, specifically maintenance dredging. Benchmarking against similar Army Corps of Engineers dredging contracts would provide a more precise assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method suggests that while competition was sought, certain sources were pre-identified or excluded, potentially impacting the breadth of price discovery. The definitive contract type implies a single award.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential infrastructure maintenance. The competitive process, even if limited, aims to secure a fair price for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Ensures navigability of waterways critical for commerce and defense. Supports the operational readiness of military installations by maintaining access. Contributes to the local economy through construction jobs and material sourcing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 87 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition method could lead to higher prices.
Contract duration of 135 days might be tight for extensive dredging work.
Lack of small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Awarded by Department of the Army, indicating a critical infrastructure need.
Clear end date for project completion.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically focusing on dredging. This sector is vital for maintaining U.S. waterways, supporting both commercial shipping and military logistics. Spending in this area is often driven by infrastructure needs and environmental regulations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not a primary focus or direct awardee for this specific contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this large-scale construction project.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms should be in place to ensure performance and proper use of funds. The 'definitive contract' type suggests a single, defined scope of work.

Related Government Programs

Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition method.
No explicit mention of small business participation.
Potential for cost overruns if project scope expands.
Contract duration may be insufficient for unforeseen complexities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.8 million to COTTRELL CONTRACTING CORPORATION. ROLLINSON AND SILVER LAKE MAINTENANCE DREDGING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COTTRELL CONTRACTING CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-16. End: 2026-03-31.

What specific criteria led to the exclusion of certain sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process, and how did this impact the final price?

The exclusion of sources typically occurs when specific technical capabilities, past performance, or unique requirements are necessary, limiting the pool of eligible bidders. While aiming for qualified contractors, this method can sometimes reduce competitive pressure, potentially leading to a higher price than a truly open competition. A detailed review of the solicitation documents and award justification would clarify the rationale and its pricing implications.

How does the $11.8 million contract value benchmark against similar maintenance dredging projects undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers in comparable geographic regions?

Benchmarking the $11.8 million against similar projects is crucial for assessing value. Factors like project scope, volume of material dredged, complexity of the site, and prevailing market rates in North Carolina would need to be considered. If this contract's per-unit cost (e.g., per cubic yard dredged) is significantly higher than comparable contracts, it may indicate potential overpricing or unique project challenges.

What is the expected impact of this maintenance dredging on regional navigation and the local economy, considering the contract's duration and scope?

This maintenance dredging is expected to ensure or improve navigational depths in the designated waterways, facilitating commercial shipping, reducing transit times, and enhancing port efficiency. Economically, it supports jobs in the construction sector and related industries, and by improving logistics, it can indirectly benefit businesses reliant on waterborne transportation. The 135-day duration suggests a focused effort on a specific area or task.

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 BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: W912PM25BA005

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 328 N BATTLEFIELD BLVD, CHESAPEAKE, VA, 23320

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,583,000

Exercised Options: $11,778,000

Current Obligation: $11,778,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline