NOAA awards $972,840 for Gray's Reef Sanctuary dockage, with 3 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $97,284 ($97.3K)

Contractor: ST. Johns Boat Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-03-24

End Date: 2026-08-01

Contract Duration: 130 days

Daily Burn Rate: $748/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GRAY'S REEF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY REQUIRES DEEP WATER DOCKAGE SERVICES FOR THE NOAA RESEARCH VESSELS, R/V GANNET

Place of Performance

Location: JACKSONVILLE, DUVAL County, FLORIDA, 32226

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $97,284 to ST. JOHNS BOAT COMPANY for work described as: GRAY'S REEF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY REQUIRES DEEP WATER DOCKAGE SERVICES FOR THE NOAA RESEARCH VESSELS, R/V GANNET Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable given the specialized nature of deep-water dockage for research vessels. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a healthy level of interest, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm-fixed-price contract and a defined performance period. 4. Performance context involves essential support for NOAA research operations in a sensitive marine environment. 5. Sector positioning is within the maritime services and research support industry, crucial for scientific endeavors.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $972,840 for dockage services for NOAA research vessels at Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary seems appropriate for specialized maritime support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for research vessel support or specialized port services would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the government has a clear understanding of costs, and the relatively short duration (130 days) limits potential cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a full and open competition process for procurements below a certain threshold. With three bids received, there was a reasonable level of competition. This suggests that multiple vendors were aware of and interested in the requirement, which generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The presence of multiple bidders helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down prices through competition. A competitive process reduces the likelihood of overpaying for necessary services.

Public Impact

Benefits NOAA's scientific research capabilities by ensuring operational readiness of its research vessels. Supports critical marine research activities at Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Ensures the safety and accessibility of NOAA vessels within the sanctuary's waters. Indirectly benefits the scientific community and the public through the advancement of marine science and conservation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scheduling conflicts if vessel availability is not precisely managed.
Dependence on the contractor's specialized equipment and personnel for safe dockage operations.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Clear performance period limits exposure.
Competition among three bidders suggests a viable market for these services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the maritime services sector, specifically supporting research and operational needs for government agencies. The market for specialized dockage and vessel support services is often niche, requiring specific infrastructure and expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found in contracts awarded to other maritime service providers or port authorities supporting similar government research or operational vessels.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. Given the specialized nature of deep-water dockage services for research vessels, it is possible that larger, more specialized firms are typically involved. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses could have participated or if subcontracting opportunities exist.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. The purchase order mechanism, while less formal than a contract, still requires adherence to federal acquisition regulations. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, and any specific oversight or inspector general involvement would depend on the nature of any issues that arise during performance.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Vessel Operations
Marine Sanctuary Support Services
Maritime Logistics
Federal Research Vessel Maintenance

Risk Flags

Potential for weather-related disruptions impacting service delivery.
Reliance on specialized contractor equipment and personnel.
Need for strict adherence to environmental and safety protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $97,284 to ST. JOHNS BOAT COMPANY. GRAY'S REEF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY REQUIRES DEEP WATER DOCKAGE SERVICES FOR THE NOAA RESEARCH VESSELS, R/V GANNET

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ST. JOHNS BOAT COMPANY.

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 $97,284.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-24. End: 2026-08-01.

What is the track record of St. Johns Boat Company with NOAA or similar federal agencies?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess St. Johns Boat Company's track record with NOAA and other federal agencies. This would involve examining past contract awards, performance evaluations (if available), and any history of disputes or issues. Understanding their experience with similar vessel types and service requirements would provide insight into their capability to perform this specific dockage service effectively. Without specific past performance data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their reliability for this critical support function.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar dockage services?

Direct comparison of the $972,840 award to market rates for similar dockage services is challenging without more specific data on the scope of services, duration, and location. Dockage costs can vary significantly based on facility type (e.g., deep-water vs. standard), duration of use, included utilities, and geographic location. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify comparable facilities offering dockage for research vessels of similar size and operational needs, and then compare pricing structures. The fact that three bids were received suggests that the contractor's price is likely competitive within the relevant market.

What are the primary risks associated with providing deep-water dockage for NOAA research vessels?

The primary risks associated with providing deep-water dockage for NOAA research vessels include potential damage to the vessels or the dockage facility due to weather events or operational mishaps, environmental risks such as spills, and scheduling conflicts if vessel movements are not coordinated effectively. There's also a risk related to the specialized nature of the equipment and personnel required, meaning a failure in either could disrupt operations. Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and safety protocols is paramount. The firm-fixed-price nature of this contract helps mitigate financial risks for the government, shifting them to the contractor.

How effective is the Simplified Acquisition Procedure (SAP) in ensuring value for this type of specialized service?

The Simplified Acquisition Procedure (SAP) is designed for procurements below a certain dollar threshold (currently $250,000, though thresholds can vary for certain types of procurements and agencies) and aims to streamline the acquisition process while still encouraging competition. For a service valued at $972,840, it's possible this falls under a higher SAP threshold or a specific agency exception. SAP can be effective in ensuring value for specialized services by allowing for quicker award times and reduced administrative burden, provided sufficient competition is achieved. The receipt of three bids suggests that SAP facilitated adequate market engagement for this requirement.

What is the historical spending pattern for dockage services at Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary?

Historical spending data for dockage services specifically at Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary would require access to NOAA's procurement records or federal spending databases. It's possible that this is a recurring need, or it could be a new requirement. If it's recurring, analyzing past awards for similar services would reveal spending trends, average costs, and contractor performance over time. If this is a new requirement, the current award sets the initial benchmark. Understanding historical context is crucial for assessing whether the current price is consistent with past investments in similar support.

What are the implications of a firm-fixed-price contract for this type of service?

A firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract means the contractor agrees to a set price for the specified services, regardless of the actual costs incurred. For dockage services, this shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. This is generally favorable for the government as it provides cost certainty. However, it can also mean the contractor may build in a larger contingency into their price to account for unforeseen issues. For specialized services like this, where the scope is well-defined, an FFP contract is often the preferred type, assuming the contractor has accurately estimated their costs and risks.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1305M226Q0030

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9852 HECKSCHER DR, JACKSONVILLE, FL, 32226

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $97,284

Exercised Options: $97,284

Current Obligation: $97,284

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline