PLA Survey- FY23 Baltimore Harbor and Channels Maintenance Dredging, Maryland Channels, Chesapeake Bay, MD

PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT (PLA) SURVEYProject Name: FY23 Baltimore Harbor & Channels Maintenance Dredging, Chesapeake Bay, MDThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, is soliciting comments from the construction community addressing the potential use of Project Labor Agreements (PLA) for a large-scale construction project ($25.0M - $100.0M) within the National Capital Region. The project is for the FY23 Maintenance Dredging of the Baltimore Harbor and Channels located in Chesapeake Bay, MD.The project consists of maintenance dredging approximately 2,000,000 cubic yards (cy) from the deep-draft federal navigation channels serving the Port of Baltimore. The dredging depth varies by channel segment and ranges from 35 feet mean lower low water (ft MLLW) to 50 ft MLLW with an additional 1 to 2 feet of allowable overdepth. Approximately 1,500,000 cy will be dredged from the Maryland approach channels (Tolchester Channel, Brewerton Channel Eastern Extension, and Craighill Angle)

and placed at the Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystems Restoration Project at Poplar Island. Approximately 500,000 cy will be dredged from Harbor channels (Brewerton Angle and Curtis Bay Channel) and placed at the Cox Creek Dredged Material Containment Facility. The estimated magnitude of construction is between $25,000,000.00 and $100,000,000.00. The work areas are within heavy commercial waterways supporting the Port of Baltimore. The equipment required for this work commonly consists of two 30 plus cubic yard clamshell dredges, one 24 – 30-inch hydraulic unloader, six to eight large tugs, six to eight 2,500 – 6,000 cubic yard material scows, a drag bar and barge, and appropriate attendant plant and pipeline. The material will be dredged by clamshell/bucket and scow and placed within a period of performance of approximately 120 calendar days from receipt of Notice-to-Proceed.A PLA is defined as a prehire 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 Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Policy: (a) 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. (b) 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 agreement with one or more labor organizations if the agency decides that the use of project labor agreements will (1) Advance the Federal Governments 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: Provision: 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 PLAs. Of particular interest to the Government are responses to the following questions:Should PLAs be executed on selected large dollar contracts, specifically, to complete the maintenance dredging of the Baltimore Harbor and Channels?Are there concerns by prime contractors on the availability of skilled construction labor?Would a PLA benefit a project which contains a unique and compelling mission-critical schedule?What type of project should not be considered for PLA clauses?What is the time impact to the completion of the contract due to a PLA?What is the cost impact to the bid due to a PLA?What other factors should the Corps consider before deciding to include PLA provisions in a Baltimore Engineer District contract?Responses shall be submitted via email to Ms. Amber Duty at amber.L.duty@usace.army.mil and Mr. Gary Faykes at gary.faykes@usace.army.mil no later than 11:00am Eastern Standard Time (EST) 22 December 2022. This is NOT a Request for Proposal and does not constitute any commitment by the Government. Responses 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.