NOAA awards $77.8M contract for mid-life refit and repairs to Bollinger Mississippi Repair, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $77,849,430 ($77.8M)

Contractor: Bollinger Mississippi Repair, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2022-05-09

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,452 days

Daily Burn Rate: $53.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: RONALD H. BROWN MID_LIFE REFIT AND REPAIRS

Place of Performance

Location: PASCAGOULA, JACKSON County, MISSISSIPPI, 39581

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $77.8 million to BOLLINGER MISSISSIPPI REPAIR, LLC for work described as: RONALD H. BROWN MID_LIFE REFIT AND REPAIRS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential mid-life refit and repairs, ensuring operational readiness of NOAA assets. 2. The contract value represents a significant investment in maintaining critical maritime infrastructure. 3. Competition dynamics for ship repair services can influence pricing and service quality. 4. Performance context is crucial for assessing the long-term value of this extensive refit. 5. Sector positioning highlights the importance of specialized shipbuilding and repair capabilities. 6. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs and provide budget certainty.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $77.8 million for a mid-life refit and repairs appears reasonable given the scope of work typically involved in such extensive maintenance for large vessels. Benchmarking against similar refit contracts for NOAA or other maritime agencies would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests an effort to establish clear cost expectations, which is a positive indicator for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and encourage high-quality service delivery. The number of bidders and the specific evaluation criteria would further illuminate the strength of the competition and its impact on the final award.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more cost-effective solutions and prevent inflated pricing.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its operational divisions, which will have enhanced vessel capabilities. Services delivered include comprehensive mid-life refit and repairs, crucial for extending the operational lifespan and improving the performance of NOAA vessels. The geographic impact is centered in Mississippi, where Bollinger Mississippi Repair, LLC is located, potentially creating or sustaining local jobs in the maritime sector. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for skilled tradespeople in shipbuilding and repair within the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise during the extensive refit process.
Ensuring timely completion is critical to avoid disrupting NOAA's scientific and operational missions.
Quality control throughout the multi-year refit is essential to guarantee the longevity and safety of the vessels.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarding to a company with demonstrated experience in ship repair is a positive signal.
The duration of the contract allows for thorough execution of the refit tasks.

Sector Analysis

The shipbuilding and repairing sector is a critical component of the U.S. industrial base, supporting both commercial and government maritime needs. This contract falls within the specialized segment of vessel maintenance and modernization. Comparable spending benchmarks in this sector are highly variable, depending on the size and complexity of the vessels and the extent of the refit required. NOAA's investment reflects the ongoing need to maintain its fleet's operational effectiveness.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions. However, the prime contractor, Bollinger Mississippi Repair, LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services or materials, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem within the maritime industry.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, performance standards, and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract award announcements and reporting requirements. The potential for Inspector General involvement exists if any irregularities or fraud are suspected.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Fleet Modernization Programs
U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) Vessel Repair Contracts
U.S. Navy Ship Maintenance and Repair Contracts
Coast Guard Vessel Maintenance Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays
Risk of cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise
Ensuring consistent quality over a long duration
Fluctuations in material and labor costs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $77.8 million to BOLLINGER MISSISSIPPI REPAIR, LLC. RONALD H. BROWN MID_LIFE REFIT AND REPAIRS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOLLINGER MISSISSIPPI REPAIR, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $77.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-05-09. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for mid-life refits and repairs for NOAA vessels?

Historical spending on mid-life refits and repairs for NOAA vessels can vary significantly year to year, influenced by the age of the fleet, budget allocations, and the specific needs of individual vessels. NOAA operates a diverse fleet, including research vessels, survey ships, and specialized craft, each requiring unique maintenance schedules. Major refits, like the one awarded to Bollinger Mississippi Repair, LLC, are substantial investments that occur periodically for each vessel to extend its service life and upgrade systems. Analyzing past contract awards for similar refits, including their values, durations, and the contractors involved, would provide a clearer picture of NOAA's investment trends in fleet sustainment. This specific $77.8 million contract for a mid-life refit suggests a significant commitment to maintaining a key asset within the NOAA fleet, aligning with the agency's need for reliable operational platforms for its scientific and environmental monitoring missions.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or budget for this refit?

The provided data indicates the awarded amount is $77,849,429.69. Without access to the government's initial cost estimates or the specific budget allocated for this mid-life refit and repairs, a direct comparison is not possible. However, the fact that the contract was awarded under full and open competition suggests that the bids received were evaluated against government estimates and requirements. If the awarded amount is significantly below the estimate, it could indicate strong competition or efficient contractor proposals. Conversely, if it is close to or exceeds the estimate, it might warrant further scrutiny of the estimate's accuracy or the contractor's pricing strategy. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that the government has secured a defined cost for the specified scope of work, providing a degree of budget certainty.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they be measured?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for a contract of this nature, involving extensive vessel refit and repairs, typically focus on schedule adherence, quality of work, and adherence to technical specifications. Specific KPIs would likely include: 1. On-time completion of major milestones and the overall project deadline (scheduled end date is April 30, 2026). 2. Quality of workmanship, measured through inspections, testing, and absence of defects post-refit. 3. Compliance with all technical specifications and drawings outlined in the contract. 4. Safety performance, ensuring no major incidents occur during the refit period. Measurement would involve regular progress meetings, detailed inspection reports, material testing certifications, and final acceptance trials. NOAA's contracting officer's representative (COR) would be responsible for monitoring these KPIs and ensuring the contractor meets all contractual obligations.

What is the track record of Bollinger Mississippi Repair, LLC in performing similar large-scale vessel refits for government agencies?

Bollinger Mississippi Repair, LLC is part of the Bollinger Shipyards group, a well-established entity in the maritime industry with a significant history of constructing, repairing, and converting vessels for various clients, including government agencies. While specific details on their track record for NOAA mid-life refits are not provided in this data snippet, Bollinger Shipyards has a known presence in fulfilling contracts for the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and other maritime organizations. Their experience typically encompasses a wide range of vessel types and repair complexities. A thorough assessment of their track record would involve reviewing past performance evaluations, contract completion history, and any documented issues or commendations related to similar large-scale government contracts. This information is often available through federal procurement databases or agency performance records.

What are the potential risks associated with the duration of this contract (over 4 years)?

The duration of this contract, spanning from May 9, 2022, to April 30, 2026 (approximately four years), presents several potential risks. Firstly, there's the risk of scope creep, where additional requirements or modifications might be requested during the refit, potentially leading to cost increases or schedule delays if not managed carefully through contract modifications. Secondly, material costs and labor rates can fluctuate significantly over a four-year period, which could impact the contractor's profitability or necessitate price adjustments if the contract terms allow. Thirdly, technological advancements in vessel systems or repair techniques might emerge during the contract period, potentially making the completed refit less cutting-edge by its conclusion. Finally, maintaining consistent oversight and quality control over such an extended period requires sustained effort from the government's project management team to ensure standards are upheld throughout the entire duration.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Ship and Boat Building › Ship Building and Repairing

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 1305M221RNMAN01155

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 601 BAYOU CASOTTE PKWY, PASCAGOULA, MS, 39581

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $77,849,430

Exercised Options: $77,849,430

Current Obligation: $77,849,430

Actual Outlays: $47,782,760

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline