Foundation repair for NOAA's Woods Hole facility awarded to Riomar Group Ventures for $4.5M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,530,398 ($4.5M)

Contractor: Riomar Group Ventures, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2025-08-28

End Date: 2026-09-05

Contract Duration: 373 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: PROVIDE DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES AS REQUIRED TO REPAIR THE FOUNDATION OF THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA) NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS) NORTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER (NEFSC) WOODS HOLE AQUARIUM BUILDING IN WOODS

Place of Performance

Location: WOODS HOLE, BARNSTABLE County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02543

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $4.5 million to RIOMAR GROUP VENTURES, INC. for work described as: PROVIDE DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES AS REQUIRED TO REPAIR THE FOUNDATION OF THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA) NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS) NORTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER (NEFSC) WOODS HOLE AQUARIUM BUILDING IN WOODS Key points: 1. The contract focuses on essential infrastructure repair, addressing a critical need for the NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center. 2. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but the absence of competition raises concerns about optimal pricing. 3. The project duration of over a year suggests a complex scope of work requiring specialized construction expertise. 4. Geographic concentration in Massachusetts may limit opportunities for broader contractor participation. 5. The award to a single vendor without competition warrants scrutiny regarding potential price inflation. 6. This project supports the operational continuity of a key scientific research facility.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.5 million for foundation repair appears within a reasonable range for a project of this nature, especially considering the specialized requirements of a marine science facility. However, without competitive bidding, it is difficult to benchmark the pricing against market rates or similar contracts. The fixed-price nature provides cost certainty, but the lack of competition prevents verification of whether the government secured the best possible value. Further analysis would require comparing the scope of work and final cost to publicly available data on similar infrastructure repairs at federal research institutions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not openly competed. This approach is typically used when only one vendor possesses the necessary specialized skills, qualifications, or has a unique capability to perform the work. The lack of competition means that potential cost savings that could arise from a bidding process were not realized. It also limits the government's ability to explore a wider range of solutions or innovative approaches that might have been offered by multiple bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition for this $4.5 million contract means taxpayers may have paid a premium compared to what could have been achieved through a competitive bidding process. Without multiple bids, there is less assurance that the price reflects the lowest reasonable cost for the required services.

Public Impact

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, will benefit from the improved infrastructure. The project will ensure the continued operational integrity of the Woods Hole Aquarium Building, supporting critical marine research and public engagement. The geographic impact is localized to Woods Hole, Massachusetts, where the facility is located. The contract is expected to create short-term employment opportunities for construction workers and related trades in the local area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Sole-source award raises questions about the thoroughness of market research to identify potential bidders.
The fixed-price contract, while offering cost certainty, does not guarantee the best value without competitive pressure.

Positive Signals

The contract addresses a critical infrastructure need, ensuring the operational continuity of a vital scientific facility.
The fixed-price contract type provides a clear budget ceiling for the project.
The award is to a single entity, potentially streamlining project management and execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a broad category encompassing the repair and maintenance of non-residential structures. The market for such services is typically fragmented, with numerous firms capable of performing general construction. However, specialized foundation repair, especially for facilities with unique environmental or operational requirements like a marine science center, can narrow the field. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar federal building repairs can vary significantly based on location, complexity, and specific structural issues.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned. This suggests that the primary contractor, Riomar Group Ventures, Inc., will likely manage the project with its own resources or subcontractors of its choosing. The absence of a small business set-aside means that opportunities for small businesses to directly participate in this specific contract are limited unless they are selected as subcontractors by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily fall under the Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As a definitive contract, it is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver the specified services within the agreed-upon cost. Transparency regarding the contract's progress and any potential issues would typically be managed through contract reporting and potentially through NOAA's internal oversight processes. The Inspector General for the Department of Commerce may also have jurisdiction for audits and investigations.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Facility Maintenance and Repair
Federal Building Construction and Renovation
Northeast Fisheries Science Center Operations
Marine Research Infrastructure Support

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for cost overruns without competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $4.5 million to RIOMAR GROUP VENTURES, INC.. PROVIDE DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES AS REQUIRED TO REPAIR THE FOUNDATION OF THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA) NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS) NORTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER (NEFSC) WOODS HOLE AQUARIUM BUILDING IN WOODS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RIOMAR GROUP VENTURES, INC..

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 $4.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-28. End: 2026-09-05.

What is the track record of Riomar Group Ventures, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for construction and repair services?

Information on Riomar Group Ventures, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts is limited in the provided data. As a sole-source award, a deeper dive into their past performance, especially on similar-sized or complex construction projects for federal agencies, would be crucial for assessing their capability and reliability. Federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would typically contain records of past awards, performance evaluations, and any disputes or issues. Without this historical data, it's difficult to definitively assess their experience and suitability beyond what is implied by this single award. A review of their past projects would help determine if they have successfully managed projects of comparable scope, complexity, and value, and if they have a history of meeting deadlines and quality standards.

How does the $4.5 million cost compare to similar foundation repair projects at federal research facilities?

Benchmarking the $4.5 million cost for foundation repair against similar projects at federal research facilities is challenging without more specific comparative data. The cost is influenced by numerous factors including the specific structural issues, the size and complexity of the building, the materials used, labor costs in the Woods Hole, MA area, and the duration of the repair work. Foundation repairs can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars depending on the severity of the problem. For a significant facility like the NMFS NEFSC, which likely has unique environmental considerations (e.g., proximity to water), the cost could be higher than a standard commercial building. A comprehensive comparison would require access to detailed cost breakdowns of similar federal projects, factoring in scope, location, and any specialized requirements.

What are the primary risks associated with awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The primary risks associated with awarding this contract on a sole-source basis are related to cost and competition. Without competitive bidding, there is a significant risk that the government may not achieve the best possible price, potentially leading to overspending. The lack of competition also limits the government's ability to explore alternative solutions or innovative approaches that multiple bidders might have proposed. Furthermore, it raises concerns about whether adequate market research was conducted to ensure that no other qualified contractors could have performed the work. This can also set a precedent for future sole-source awards if not properly justified, potentially reducing overall efficiency in federal contracting.

What is the expected impact of this foundation repair on the operational effectiveness of the NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center?

The foundation repair is critical for maintaining the operational effectiveness of the NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) and its Woods Hole Aquarium Building. A compromised foundation can lead to structural instability, water intrusion, and damage to sensitive scientific equipment and research facilities. By addressing these issues, the repair project will ensure the safety and integrity of the building, preventing further deterioration and potential operational disruptions. This will allow the NEFSC to continue its vital research activities, maintain its aquarium exhibits for public engagement, and safeguard its valuable scientific assets, thereby supporting its overall mission in marine science and conservation.

What has been the historical spending trend for facility maintenance and repair at the NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center?

The provided data does not include historical spending trends for facility maintenance and repair at the NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center. To assess this, one would need to analyze past federal spending records, looking at contracts awarded to the NEFSC or NOAA for similar maintenance and repair activities over several fiscal years. This analysis would help determine if this $4.5 million contract represents a significant increase or decrease in spending for such services, whether it aligns with previous investment levels, and if there has been a pattern of sole-source awards for these types of projects. Understanding historical spending can provide context for the current contract's value and necessity.

Are there any specific performance metrics or deliverables outlined in the contract to measure the success of the foundation repair?

The provided data does not detail the specific performance metrics or deliverables for this contract. However, for a construction project of this nature, typical deliverables would include completed foundation repairs according to specified engineering plans and building codes, adherence to safety standards, and final inspection reports. Performance metrics often relate to project completion within the scheduled timeframe (by September 5, 2026) and within the fixed price of $4.5 million. The contract likely includes clauses for quality assurance, warranties on the work performed, and potentially penalties for delays or substandard work. A thorough review of the contract document itself would be necessary to identify all specific performance requirements and measurement criteria.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 1305M425R0018

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 50 OCEAN PKWY APT 2E, BROOKLYN, NY, 11218

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,530,398

Exercised Options: $4,530,398

Current Obligation: $4,530,398

Actual Outlays: $2,524,306

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline