Corps using innovative construction contracting in New Orleans East

Published July 6, 2009

NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $3.1 million pre-construction services contract last week, reaching another pivotal milestone in reducing risk for residences and businesses in New Orleans East. The Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract was awarded to Archer Western/Alberici, a Joint Venture, based on the team’s prior experience and technical approach to design, planning and construction.

“This project presents a multitude of challenges, so we felt that a preconstruction services contract would provide an opportunity to make more informed design decisions,” said Col. Robert Sinkler, commander of the Hurricane Protection Office. “This collaboration will be a fundamental part of finalizing designs and improving the efficiency of future construction activities to support the needs in New Orleans East.”

The ECI contract includes three options for construction of “Levee Sections,” “Concrete T-wall at Pump Station 15” and “T-wall from end of Earthen Levee to Inner Harbor Navigation Canal tie-in.” These options, when exercised, will account for the majority of the estimated $295 million in project construction costs.

Preconstruction services will run concurrent to the design effort, allowing for valuable collaboration between the design team and Archer Western/Alberici. When complete, this project will reduce impacts from a storm surge event that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year.

In April, the Corps awarded the base portion of a three-part, ECI contract for preconstruction services and pile load tests for the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway West Closure Project. Additionally, four upcoming contracts in St. Bernard and Orleans parishes will make use of ECI preconstruction services.


Release no. 09-084