Design-Build
Delivery Method
What Is USACE SWCLA?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New Orleans District is procuring a Design-Build Indefinite-Quantity Multiple Award Task Order Contract (IDIQ MATOC) for the Southwest Coastal Louisiana Non-Structural Coastal Storm Risk Management Project (SWCLA). The contract provides localized, non-structural flood risk solutions — including structure elevations for residential properties and dry floodproofing for commercial buildings — to reduce flood damage in eligible properties across Southwest Coastal Louisiana. Initial funding covers approximately 320 properties, with additional ordering tied to future program funding.
"SWCLA represents a significant federal investment in coastal resilience. Design-build firms with experience in FEMA hazard mitigation and residential/commercial construction have a real competitive advantage."
Work Covered Under SWCLA
- Structure elevations (residential): Raising eligible homes above base flood elevation
- Dry floodproofing (commercial): Waterproofing and flood-sealing commercial building envelopes
- Site assessments and engineering design
- Construction and inspection services
Non-Structural Flood Protection Overview
Non-structural flood protection reduces flood risk without building new levees or floodwalls. It includes elevating homes above the base flood elevation (structure elevation), waterproofing commercial buildings (dry floodproofing), acquisition of flood-prone properties, and flood warning systems. USACE funds these under FEMA-aligned hazard mitigation programs.
Structure Elevation
Structure elevation involves raising eligible homes above the base flood elevation (BFE) — typically 1-2 feet or more depending on local flood risk assessments. This is most common for residential properties in flood-prone areas and is a FEMA-eligible activity under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
Dry Floodproofing
Dry floodproofing involves making a building watertight to prevent flood water from entering. Techniques include installing flood shields over openings, waterproofing walls, deploying barrier systems, and sealing utility penetrations. SWCLA targets commercial buildings with this approach where structure elevation is not practical.
Why FedBiz Solutions for SWCLA?
SWCLA is a specialized construction vehicle requiring experience in residential/commercial flood mitigation, coastal engineering, and federal design-build delivery. FedBiz Solutions helps construction and engineering firms develop competitive technical proposals, document relevant past performance, and structure their team to meet USACE's specific design-build requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a non-structural flood protection measure?
Non-structural flood protection reduces flood risk without building new levees or floodwalls. It includes elevating homes above the base flood elevation (structure elevation), waterproofing commercial buildings (dry floodproofing), acquisition of flood-prone properties, and flood warning systems. USACE funds these under FEMA-aligned hazard mitigation programs.
What is dry floodproofing?
Dry floodproofing involves making a building watertight to prevent flood water from entering. Techniques include installing flood shields over openings, waterproofing walls, and deploying barrier systems. SWCLA targets commercial buildings with this approach where structure elevation is not practical.
How does a Design-Build MATOC work?
A MATOC (Multiple Award Task Order Contract) awards positions to multiple contractors who then compete for individual task orders. For SWCLA, USACE awards positions to several design-build firms, then issues task orders for specific properties or geographic areas. Each task order is a mini-competition among MATOC holders.
Does my company need to be a licensed contractor in Louisiana?
Yes. Design-build construction work in Louisiana requires a valid Louisiana contractor's license. Joint ventures or prime/sub teams must include appropriately licensed entities for the specific construction types involved (residential, commercial, specialty work).
What kind of past performance is most relevant for SWCLA?
Federal design-build construction for residential or commercial properties; flood mitigation or FEMA-funded hazard mitigation projects; USACE construction contracts; coastal or waterway infrastructure; and ADA-compliant residential construction. Experience with Corps of Engineers' design-build delivery methods is highly relevant.
How does USACE evaluate design-build proposals for SWCLA?
USACE typically evaluates design-build construction MATOCs on technical approach, past performance, key personnel qualifications, relevant experience, and price (or proposed unit rates). The evaluation criteria and weighting are defined in the solicitation. Technical factors generally outweigh price on first-award selections.
What is the geographic scope of SWCLA?
SWCLA covers Southwest Coastal Louisiana — the coastal parishes and communities in the southwestern portion of the state most exposed to Gulf of Mexico storm surge. The New Orleans District manages the contract, but work sites are distributed across the southwest coastal region.
Can FedBiz Solutions support our SWCLA proposal?
Yes. We work with construction and engineering firms on USACE design-build proposals, including SWCLA. We provide technical approach development, past performance documentation, key personnel narrative writing, and compliance review. Contact us to discuss your firm's qualifications for this opportunity.
Ready to Compete on USACE SWCLA?
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