Wharf contract aims for safe munitions handling in Guam

The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific awarded IBC/TOA Corp. Joint Venture, Barrigada, Guam a $40 million, firm-fixed price contract Friday for construction of a new ammunition wharf for Commander, Naval Forces Marianas.

An additional $43.8 million will be funded upon the passage of the fiscal year 2009 military construction appropriations bill. The contract also contains one option for $171,000, which may be exercised within twelve months of the contract award, bringing the total cumulative value of the contract to a little more than $84 million.

The project will provide for a new 400-foot extension to the existing Kilo wharf, and the company will perform all necessary dredging within the harbor to enable the construction. The project will also provide for reinforced concrete crane girders and supports at the existing wharf and the new wharf extension.

“This project will provide over 50,000 additional square feet of wharf area, and it improves the Navy’s ability to safely and efficiently unload and re-supply modern ordnance ships by increasing the area for receipt and handling of munitions, said Lt. Cmdr. Eric Hawn, Assistant Regional Engineer, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas. “This results in an economized handling process, and a reduced on-station time.”

Construction work will strengthen the existing wharf, and will upgrade roads, electrical, water, and sewer services that support wharf operations. A reinforced concrete deck for the existing Kilo wharf and wharf extension is also included in the project’s scope.

The contract was competitively procured with 60 solicitation packages distributed and five proposals received. Work is expected to be completed by March 2010.

“Ultimately, the project will deliver a significant strategic enhancement to Department of Defense units assigned to Guam, while also optimizing the safety of ordnance handling at Guam’s only designated munitions wharf,” said Hawn.

The Naval Facilities Engineering Command manages the planning, design, construction, contingency engineering, real estate, environmental, and public works support for U.S. Navy shore facilities around the world. NAVFAC is a global organization with an annual volume of business of $10 billion. Visit NAVFAC on the web at www.navfac.navy.mil. [B][I](USN)[/I][/B]