Despite Pandemic Challenges, USACE Demonstrates Resilience, Awarding Over $400 Million in Dredging Contracts Across the Nation in First Half of 2023
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is rebounding from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to William P. Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of the Dredging Contractors of America, the impact of COVID-19 on the federal government, including the USACE, has been comparable to that on state and local governments and the private sector. Despite this, USACE has been actively awarding contracts since February, demonstrating resilience in both awarding and bid-let procurement processes.
The following details the work solicited by USACE in the first half of 2023, based on firsthand accounts and statements from the federal government and private sector dredging companies.
- On February 3, 2023, Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Co. received an $18,470,195 modification to a contract for maintenance dredging in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The completion date is estimated to be November 5, 2023.
- On March 23, 2023, The Dutra Group, a San Rafael, Calif. based dredging and marine construction contractor, was awarded a $67,478,100 dredging contract by USACE for operations in Norfolk, Va.
- On April 13, 2023, Manson Construction Co., Seattle, Washington, secured a $20,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for dredging projects. The completion date is estimated to be June 11, 2024.
- On May 3, 2023, Cashman Dredging & Marine Contracting Co. LLC, Quincy, Massachusetts, received a $23.9 million contract for Baltimore Harbor and channels maintenance dredging for Fiscal Year 2023.
- On May 9, 2023, Callan Marine of Galveston, Texas, was awarded a $9,430,000 firm-fixed-price contract for dredging services in Galveston, with an estimated completion date of March 8, 2024.
- On May 26, 2023, Cottrell Contracting Corp., Chesapeake, Virginia, secured an $8,941,350 firm-fixed-price contract for Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay maintenance and dredging.
- At the end of May 2023, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company (GLDD) was awarded a $157.4 million dredging project for the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project and the $29.2 million Galveston Entrance Channel and Houston Ship Channel Dredging Project maintenance dredging project.
- On May 31, 2023, Norfolk Dredging Company received a $14 million contract from USACE Philadelphia District for the periodic nourishment of the Brigantine dune and berm Coastal Storm Risk Management project.
- On June 1, 2023, Weeks Marine Inc., Covington, Louisiana, was awarded a $10,330,500 firm-fixed-price contract for Brazos Island Harbor entrance and jetty channel maintenance and dredging.
- On June 9, 2023, USACE awarded three contracts totaling over $100 million for dredging projects in Puerto Rico, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
- On June 29, 2023, Marinex Construction Inc., Charleston, South Carolina, received a $26,061,200 firm-fixed-price contract for Savannah inner harbor maintenance dredging.
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, USACE continues to forge partnerships with various dredging companies, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of contracts and the fulfillment of its navigation mission. Michael Gerhardt, Senior Director of Government Affairs at Mike Hooks, LLC, highlighted their continued collaboration with the Army Corps, expressing pride in their work and commitment to supporting USACE’s navigation goals.