NOAA awards significant contract for detail design and construction of Class B vessels
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $306,952,023 ($307.0M)
Contractor: Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, L.L.C.
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2023-06-23
End Date: 2031-12-30
Sector: Other
Official Description: DETAIL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF CLASS B VESSELS - NOAA
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $307.0 million to THOMA-SEA MARINE CONSTRUCTORS, L.L.C. for work described as: DETAIL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF CLASS B VESSELS - NOAA Key points: 1. Contract value exceeds $306 million for vessel design and construction. 2. Competition appears limited, with Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, L.L.C. as the sole awardee. 3. Long project duration raises potential risks for cost overruns and schedule delays.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of over $306 million indicates a substantial investment in NOAA's vessel fleet. The definitive contract type suggests a clear scope, but the long performance period requires careful monitoring.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The award was made to Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, L.L.C. without full and open competition. Further details on the justification for this approach are not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are committed to a single contractor for a significant vessel construction project.
Public Impact
Enhanced NOAA research and operational capabilities through new vessels. Potential for job creation in the marine construction sector. Impact on coastal and oceanic research initiatives.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long project timeline increases exposure to economic fluctuations.
- Potential for scope creep over the multi-year construction period.
- Reliance on a single contractor may limit future flexibility.
Positive Signals
- Definitive contract provides a clear framework for the project.
- Investment in critical national oceanic infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the maritime and shipbuilding sector, involving complex engineering and construction for specialized vessels.
Small Business Impact
Information regarding small business participation or set-asides was not provided in the data. The award was made to a specific company, suggesting it may not have been a small business set-aside.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial given the contract's duration and value. The Department of Commerce and NOAA will need robust mechanisms to track progress, manage risks, and ensure adherence to specifications.
Related Government Programs
- Vessel Construction
- Marine Engineering
- NOAA Fleet Modernization
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award justification
- Long-term project risk
- Potential for cost escalation
Tags
vessel-construction, noaa, department-of-commerce, marine-contracting, shipbuilding, large-contract, sole-source, long-term-project
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $307.0 million to THOMA-SEA MARINE CONSTRUCTORS, L.L.C.. DETAIL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF CLASS B VESSELS - NOAA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THOMA-SEA MARINE CONSTRUCTORS, L.L.C..
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 $307.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-06-23. End: 2031-12-30.
Analysis insight 1
The specific capabilities and purpose of the Class B vessels are not detailed, impacting a full understanding of their necessity.
Analysis insight 2
The rationale behind selecting a sole-source award requires further investigation to ensure fair and efficient use of funds.
Analysis insight 3
The long-term maintenance and operational costs of these new vessels are not yet apparent.