Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for eligible contractors interested in providing Construction Management At-Risk (CMAR) services for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project.
The Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion will be the first controlled sediment diversion to reconnect the Mississippi River with its delta. A cornerstone project of Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan, this sediment diversion will provide sediment, water, and nutrients to Barataria basin in order to build, maintain, and sustain the wetlands.
During the Fall of 2016, CPRA completed an analysis of potential collaborative delivery approaches for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion and the CMAR delivery model was identified as the best-suited method for this project.
The CMAR model integrates the construction contractor during the early design phase of the project to obtain input on cost, scheduling, and constructability. In 2014 the Louisiana Legislature added CMAR to Louisiana’s Public Bid Law.
“ The decision to select the CMAR model reaffirms CPRA’s commitment to utilize the most innovative solutions to deliver projects ,” said Johnny Bradberry, CPRA Board Chairman . “ This is an historic coastal restoration effort and will be one of the largest CMAR projects ever delivered in the United States.”
The winning contractor will work with CPRA, and with contractors currently working to provide engineering, geotechnical, surveying, and other technical services for this project. At the completion of the project design, CPRA will negotiate a guaranteed maximum construction cost with the CMAR contractor.
“ Using the CMAR method of project delivery affords CPRA with a unique opportunity to bring the construction contractor to the table early – in the design phase of the project – in order to reduce time, cost, and risk ,” said CPRA Executive Director, Michael Ellis . “ Early collaboration and communication on such a large and complex project will ensure optimal design and construction.”
The solicitation window closes on March 1, 2018 and the selection announcement is expected to occur in May.