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Algiers Barge Replacement-Contract Award (IFB 2026-007)
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DESCRIPTION: Requesting board authorization to award a construction contract for the manufacture and installation of two (2) Algiers Ferry barges to CDW Services LLC |
AGENDA NO: Click or tap here to enter text. |
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ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
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Authorize the Interim Chief Executive Officer to execute a contract with CDW Services LLC in the amount of $11,780,000 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Algiers Barge Replacement project (IFB 2026-007).
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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The Algiers Barge Replacement project is a critical component of RTA’s ongoing efforts to improve passenger ferry infrastructure for both the Algiers Point and Chalmette ferries. The Canal Street Ferry Terminal and Canal Street Barge were both completed in 2023, and the Algiers Ferry Terminal is currently under renovation with an anticipated substantial completion date at the end of 2026. These projects, including the new Algiers barges, are improving operational efficiency, the safety and comfort of ferry staff, and the quality, comfort, and convenience of the rider experience.
The two barges that will be replaced-one at Algiers Point and the other in Lower Algiers-have exceeded their useful life. The FTA prescribed “useful life benchmark” for steel-built ferry infrastructure is 25 years. The approximate age of the current barges is 50 years. As capital assets exceed their useful life, the cost to maintain them increases substantially; their reliability decreases; and they typically fail to comply with modern codes and best practices. In the case of these two barges, the hull at Algiers Point is in poor condition; the mooring system at Lower Algiers would require a major overhaul to continue operations; both barges have numerous leaks and have to be pumped out often; and electrical components at Algiers Point are beyond the point of economical repair. Furthermore, RTA executed a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Plaquemines Parish allowing RTA to use one of Plaquemines’ ferries to ensure continuous ferry service in the event that RTA’s Lower Algiers ferry is out of service. However, the Plaquemines ferries are not compatible with the ramping system of the existing Lower Algiers barge. The new Lower Algiers barge will be designed with a ramping system that will be compatible with RTA’s ferry as well as with the Plaquemines ferries as backup.
Surveys of the conditions of both ferries were completed in 2013 documenting these and other conditions and have been included here as attachments.
Key improvements that these new barges will provide include:
• Improved accessibility for mobility impaired passengers
• Improved lighting and new security cameras for passenger and operator safety
• Reduced likelihood of slips and falls due to greater rain protection and slip resistant surfaces
• New ballast pumps to maintain proper barge elevation
• New basic infrastructure including electrical systems and sewerage conveyance
• Improved, enclosed, on-barge staff work spaces, ensuring protection from the elements
• Improved storage for equipment and materials
The contract includes fabrication of the barges, installation of the new barges, relocation of the old barges (which will be used for ferry maintenance purposes), and connection of the new barges to land-side infrastructure.
The scope of work for this project is aligned with the Agency’s Strategic Mobility Plan, Action Item #UP4 - Complete renovation of Algiers Point Ferry Terminal and replacement of Algiers barges.
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DISCUSSION:
The project was publicly advertised through an Invitation for Bids (IFB 2026-007) in accordance with RTA procurement policies and federal requirements. The design process, led by Infinity Engineering Consultants, was completed in early 2026. The bid documents were issued on February 26, 2026, and the bids were opened on April 23, 2026.
Two bids were received and evaluated for responsiveness and responsibility. CDW Services LLC submitted the lowest bid at $11,780,000 and was determined to be both responsive and responsible by Procurement. This cost compares favorably with the Independent Cost Estimate prepared by RTA Capital Projects, which was $13,050,000.
The IFB method was utilized as the appropriate procurement method, allowing for award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder without negotiations.
The project is ready to proceed to contract award upon Board approval. The expected duration of the construction of the Algiers Point barge is nine months. The Lower Algiers barge is expected to be completed three months afterward. The total duration of the entire scope-both barges plus the installation of the new barges is 390 days from notice to proceed. The construction contract has been structured in such a way to minimize impacts to riders. The contract stipulates a maximum period of only four days for installation of each of the two barges. If the contractor exceeds this installation period, the contractor will be subject to liquidated damages of $10,000 per day. Thus, there is a strong incentive for the contractor to complete the installation within the prescribed four-day period.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The total cost for the project is $11,780,000. The project will be funded by two grants and their associated local match portions. Grant LA2022-006 will cover $5,655,916 of the project cost ($4,524,733 in grant funds and 1,131,183 in local match). Grant LA2022-030 will cover the remaining $6,124,084 of the project cost ($4,899,267 in grant funds and $1,224,817 in local match). These funds are in account 01-6100-00-1501-000-00-00-00000-00000.
RTA anticipates minimal to no cost overruns during fabrication. Because the barges will be built in a controlled environment with no existing conditions or site conditions to contend with, unforeseen conditions--which are frequently the source of construction change orders--should be minimal to nonexistent. To further mitigate the possibility of cost overruns, RTA contracted with a third-party naval architecture firm to review the design documents and highlight any potential ambiguities or gaps in the documents. The third-party firm’s recommendations were incorporated into the final bid set of construction drawings. Finally, RTA is employing a variety of standard practices to mitigate budget risk. These include maintaining a healthy construction contingency and subjecting proposed change orders to rigorous reviews by the engineer of record and RTA capital projects staff prior to approval.
NEXT STEPS:
Upon Board approval, staff will execute the contract with CDW Services LLC, issue the Notice to Proceed (NTP), and commence construction activities.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Procurement Summary IFB 2026-007
3. Independent Cost Estimate
4. Administrative Review Form IFB 2026-007
5. Invitation to Bid (IFB) 2026-007
6. 2013 Algiers Point Barge Survey
7. 2013 Lower Algiers Barge Survey
Prepared By: Rafe Rabalais, rrabalais@rtaforward.org
Title: Director of Capital Projects
Reviewed By: Dwight Norton. dnorton@rtaforward.org
Title: Chief Planning and Capital Projects Officer
Reviewed By: Gizelle Johnson Banks, gbanks@rtaforward.org
Title: Chief Financial Officer
6/9/2026
Ronald G. Baptiste Date
Interim Chief Executive Officer