Project Labor Agreement Survey Mid Chesapeake Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration Phase 2 Stone Structures and Features

MID CHESAPEAKE BAY ISLAND ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PROJECT BARREN ISLAND RESTORATION, PHASE 2 STONE STRUCTURES & FEATURES W912DR24H0Z4RPLA The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, is soliciting comments from the construction community addressing the potential use of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for a large-scale construction project (exceeding $25 million) located in Dorchester County, MD.

Project Description: This contract will include the construction of multiple features at Barren Island that facilitate the restoration efforts:

(1) Construction of two bird islands adjacent to the existing island and connected to the breakwater;

(2) removal of unsuitable foundation materials adjacent to the northeast corner of the existing island;

(3) placement of suitable materials in the excavation of the unsuitable materials in the northeast corner of the existing island from a nearby borrow area;

(4) construction of stone sill structures on top of the placed suitable materials adjacent to the northeast corner of the existing island;

(5) modification of the existing sill to incorporate materials to limit material egress from the site;

(6) installation of geotextile structures filled with suitable materials from a nearby borrow area;

(7) design and installation of spillway structures; and (8) excavation of material from the Honga & Tar Bay federal navigation channel and placement within a contained area adjacent to Barren Island.

Two Bird Islands: this feature will include the installation of geotextile and stone materials to create a perimeter and then infilling with suitable materials excavated from a nearby borrow area. Additionally, it is anticipated that articulated concrete blocks will be specified in the construction to allow for adolescent birds to enter and exit the waters adjacent the bird islands.

Removal of Unsuitable Foundation Materials: this feature will include the excavation and placement of unsuitable foundation materials. Materials excavated will be placed nearby within a containment area.

Placement of Suitable Materials in the Excavation: this feature will include the excavation and placement of suitable foundation materials from a nearby borrow area to return the area to the original bay bottom elevation.

Construction of Stone Sill Structures: this feature will include the installation of geotextile and stone materials to create an offshore stone sill structure. This sill will be constructed at the northeast corner of Barren Island where the unsuitable foundation material is excavated, and suitable foundation materials are placed.

Modification of the Existing Sill: this feature will include the modification of previously constructed offshore stone sills to place additional geotextile materials to create a semi-impervious layer to allow for the placement of dredge material within the area.

Installation of Geotextile Structures: this feature includes excavation of material from a nearby borrow area that will be used to fill geotextile tube structures. Those structures will be placed adjacent to the Barren Island shoreline to create an interior line of containment to facilitate dredge material placement.

Design and Installation of Spillways: this feature include the design and installation of structures that allow for the controlled release of water from the site, in accordance with State permit requirements, when dredged material is placed within the constructed containment area. Excavation of Material from the Honga & Tar Bay Federal Navigation Channel: this feature will include the excavation of material that has shoaled in the Honga & Tar Bay Federal navigation channel and placing it at Barren Island within the constructed containment area.

PLA Background Information: A PLA is defined as a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project and is an agreement described in 29 U.S.C. 158(f). Federal Acquisitions Regulation (FAR) 22.503, Policy states: Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is a tool that agencies may use to promote economy and efficiency in Federal procurement.

Pursuant to Executive Order 13502, agencies are encouraged to consider requiring the use of project labor agreements in connection with large-scale construction projects.

An agency may, if appropriate, require that every contractor and subcontractor engaged in construction on the project agree, for that project, to negotiate or become a party to a project labor agreements will (1) advance the Federal Government’s interest in achieving economy and efficiency in Federal procurement, producing labor-management stability, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing safety and health, equal employment opportunity, labor and employment standards, and other matters; and (2) be consistent with law.

Reference: FAR 52.222-33 Notice of Requirement for Project Labor Agreement, Clause: FAR 52.222-34 Project Labor Agreement. The construction community is invited to comment on the use of PLA’s by responding to the following questions: Do you have knowledge that a PLA has been used in the local areas on projects of this kind? If so, please provide supporting documentation. Are you aware of skilled labor shortage in the areas for those crafts that will be needed to complete the referenced project?

If so, please elaborate and provide supporting documentation where possible. Are you aware of time sensitive issues/scheduling requirements that would affect the rate at which the referenced project should be completed? If so, please elaborate and provide supporting documentation where possible. Identify specific reasons why or how you believe a PLA would advance the Federal Governments interest in achieving economy and efficiency in federal procurement.

Identify specific reasons why you do not believe a PLA would advance the Federal Governments interest in achieving economy and efficiency in federal procurement. Identify any additional information you believe should be considered on the use of a PLA on the referenced project. Identify any additional information you believe should be considered on the non-use of a PLA on the referenced project.

The information gathered in this exercise should include the following information on projects completed in the last 2-5 years: Project Name and Location Detailed Project Description Initial Cost Estimate vs. Actual Final Cost Was the project completed on time? Number of craft trades present on the project Was a PLA used? Were there any challenges experienced during the project?

Responses are to be sent via email to Aisha Boykin at aisha.r.boykin@usace.army.mil no later than 11:00 AM (EST) on 31 January 2024. Responses are limited to seven (7) pages This is NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL and does not constitute any commitment by the Government. Reponses to this labor market survey will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. All interested sources must respond to future solicitation announcements separately from responses to this survey.