USMMA Campus Modernization Program – Crowninshield/Cressy Pier

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) / SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District is issuing this Sources Sought Announcement for Construction Services of Crowninshield/Cressy Pier and Waterfront Building at Kings Point, NY. This announcement is to determine interest, availability, and capability of Small Business and Large Business concerns for this project and to gauge industry preferences regarding various acquisition strategies. The NAICS codes for this procurement are 236220 and 237990. The project is planned to be issued in the Spring of 2027 with construction to begin early in 2028. The estimated construction cost is $100,000,000.

The project will be constructed within the access-controlled installation of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY. The building will be new construction in the Waterfront Section of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.  Adjacent facilities will remain occupied during construction with minimal disruption to operations requiring precise construction planning. Work for this project is described below:

1. Project Purpose and Program Context
USACE and USMMA have undertaken an agreement to modernize the campus in its entirety providing upgraded Barracks, Academic Buildings, Training Buildings, Athletic Facilities and Waterfront Spaces. The Crowninshield/Cressy Pier will serve as the premier facility showcasing the Academy as the Nation’s top Maritime training institution.

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2. Existing Conditions and Demolition Scope
The existing site has the remains of the previous Cressy Pier which consisted of a stone jetty, timber pier and timber framed building. The Hague Basin was recently dredged in 2026 to between 15’-17’ deep. There are floating wave attenuators currently installed to attempt to provide some level of protection to the basin, the removal of which will be required prior to the construction of the new pier and building.
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3. Reconstruction Scope and Facility Capabilities
This project will create a new pier in the footprint of the former Cressy Pier to protect the basin, reduce seawall degradation and provide academic space to the Academy. The building must be constructed to support the department’s operational requirements. This includes restoring lost dock space and ensuring existing docks can support daily operations and visiting vessels. Infrastructure improvements must also account for large-scale events, such as Fleet Week and alumni gatherings, which demand expanded facilities and robust support systems. The addition of fire training classes, a Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Lab, and a seamen ship facility are also needed to ensure comprehensive training capabilities. Additionally, it will enable USMMA to launch and recover lifeboats. The new pier will also offer midshipmen new recreational opportunities, such as sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
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4. Design Standards and Performance Requirements
The facility will be fully designed for accessibility and usability by individuals with disabilities.  All work will meet the USMMA Campus Design Guide and Engineering Design Standards which contain DOT standards including the International Building Code (IBC), GSA standards, and DoD Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC).
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5. Acquisition Strategy and Contracting Approach
The acquisition approach incorporates early contractor involvement utilizing the federal government’s Integrated Design and Construction (IDaC) framework to support design completion and ensure constructability. The solicitation will be issued at approximately 15% design.

The base contract will include construction management services, providing design reviews at various stages. The contract will have a Building Construction Option to be negotiated within an agreed-upon ceiling price after completion of the 100% design.

Another proposed procurement method is Design-Build to Budget.  This approach utilizes early contractor involvement between a designer and constructor to ensure design completion and constructability within a fixed budget.  Firms are invited to comment on the use of Design-Build to Budget as the proposed procurement method.  

The last proposed procurement method is Progressive Design Build.  This method is an Other Transactional Authority (OTA) which does not follow the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).  With the Progressive Design Build Approach, a construction contractor is selected upfront, pre-design, based on who is best qualified without considering price.  Price is later negotiated as the design progresses.  

Areas of particular interest to the government are responses to the following questions:  

1. How would utilizing the following procurement method affect your decision to propose on this effort: a) Design Build to Budget? b) Integrated Design and Construction? c) Progressive Design Build?
2. What qualifications would you expect for a designer on a project of this magnitude?
3. What qualifications would you expect for a construction contractor on a project of this magnitude?
4. How would the 3 procurement methods above affect the procurement and construction schedules? Which would provide the fastest 100% design? Which would provide the fastest start and completion of construction?
5. Considering Design Build to Budget, what methods do you use during the design process to maximize innovation, meet stakeholder goals, manage risk, and ensure compliance with the prescribed budget?

1. What is a typical or expected stipend amount for a project of this type and complexity?
2. What opportunities would there be for the stakeholder to review designs, provide comments, and incorporate feedback to influence changes? How do you manage user requested changes?

1. Considering the use of IDAC, what level of design (% complete) generally best supports a competitive bid for the base contract design services which will confidently support the development of a maximum ceiling price and a target price? What information is critical to ensure biddability?
2. Considering the use of Progressive Design Build, does the scope of this project allow for the opportunity to fast track construction? Can construction begin on features of work in advance of 100% design?
3. How would your firm work to integrate with the AE/Contractor (partner party) in the early design phase? What strategies have you found effective in aligning design development, risk identification, cost controls and schedule management?
4. What method of the 3 listed above is being suited for managing customer requirements, input, and changes?
5. What is your bonding capacity: Single project? Aggregate?
6. Do you utilize a DCAA approved accounting system? Do you utilize a Certified Accounting System? What system do you utilize?

Please feel free to include relevant project examples that showcase qualifications and experience in performing the work components and utilizing the acquisition strategies stated above.