| Hurricane & Flood Risk Reduction |
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Contracting Information
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers uses full and open competition to award standing contracts for emergency disaster response to provide services we know we will need, such as debris removal, roofing, ice and water supply. Federal agencies can award non-competitive contracts for specific work not covered by the existing contracts when an emergency demands the fastest possible response - such as plugging the breaches in New Orleans’ levee and other recovery operations.
New Orleans District issued most of the Corps’ non-competitive contracts immediately after Hurricane Katrina to firms that could quickly bring in equipment to address critical recovery operations. The Corps used limited competitions to speed the award process for time-critical follow-on tasks in cases where the service provider needs to have a proven track record for completing difficult tasks.
The repair of New Orleans’ unique system of levees, pumps and canals is an example of work awarded in limited competition. Emergency contracts have been critical to the ongoing success in drawing down Hurricane Katrina flood waters.
- Debris Removal Contract for Hurricane Katrina
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in concert with FEMA has awarded (Sep 15) a total of four competitive contracts for the debris removal mission in support of Hurricane Katrina.
The contracts have been awarded to the following companies:
• Ashbritt, Inc. of Pompano Beach, FL
• Environmental Chemical Corporation of Burlingame, CA
• Ceres Environmental Inc. of Brooklyn Park, MN
• Philips and Jordan, Inc. of Zephyrhills, FL
Ashbritt, Inc. will handle contracts for the state of Mississippi. The remaining three contractors will cover work in the state of Louisiana.
- Contract Amounts
The amount awarded for each fixed-price contract is up to $500 million a piece, with the option of an additional $500 million.
- Contract Requirements
The terms for all four contracts require the contractors to give a preference to those organizations, firms or individuals residing or doing business primarily in the area affected by Hurricane Katrina.
All contractors are required to submit a sub-contracting plan with the goal of including the following participation: 73.5 percent for Small business, 3 percent for Service-Disabled Veterans, 3.2 percent for Small HUB-Zone concerns, 10.6 percent for Small Disadvantaged business, and 11 percent for Small Women-Owned business.
- Scope
The contracts cover a wide range of debris removal activities, including collection, sorting, demolition and disposal. The Corps is working closely with the EPA and local officials to ensure debris is disposed of in a safe and environmentally sound manner.
- Award Criteria
Contracting awards were given based on the following criteria: past performance, technical capability, ability to provide sub-contracting goals for small and disadvantaged businesses, ability to respond, and price.
- Award Vehicle
A Request-for-Proposal - Best Market Value
- Announcement Period
The Corps issued an open announcement for these contracts through the Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District web site. The Corps shortened the time available to respond to the announcement in light of the urgent need for debris removal services; however, despite the shortened time period, the Corps received 22 proposals.
- Solicitation Process
The solicitation process for the debris removal contracts was both open and competitive, although limited due to the urgency of the emergency situation. The term “limited” is simply defined as a solicitation period that is less than the 45-day bidding period. Open bidding includes both large and small businesses.
- Contract Terms
Terms of the contract will expire 30 Sep 06, provided capacity is still available.
The Corps has an option to extend the contracts to include an additional $500 million to each contract if there are more debris requirements at the end of the original contract work and the contractor has performed its work in satisfactory way.
Links to contracting opportunities:
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