DOT Awards $1.96M for Ship Management Services to TOTE Services, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,956,199 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Tote Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-08-18

End Date: 2026-02-27

Contract Duration: 193 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: DENEBOLA-TOTE SERVICES INCOPORATED-DENEBOLA25-1002A-FY25 SHIP MANAGER FIXED FEES A-08/18/25-10/31/25(75 DAYS @$10,950.54 =$821,290.50)

Place of Performance

Location: ORANGE, ORANGE County, TEXAS, 77630

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.0 million to TOTE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: DENEBOLA-TOTE SERVICES INCOPORATED-DENEBOLA25-1002A-FY25 SHIP MANAGER FIXED FEES A-08/18/25-10/31/25(75 DAYS @$10,950.54 =$821,290.50) Key points: 1. The contract is for ship management services, a critical component of the Maritime Administration's operations. 2. TOTE Services, LLC, a known entity in the sector, secured this delivery order. 3. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The fixed fee structure for management services provides cost predictability for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The fixed fee of $10,950.54 per day for 75 days totals $821,290.50, which appears reasonable for specialized ship management. Benchmarking against similar contracts would provide a more definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: $10,950.54 per day

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to compete. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is expected to yield a fair price, minimizing unnecessary taxpayer expenditure for essential maritime services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of critical maritime assets. Supports the U.S. maritime industry and associated supply chains. Provides essential services for national defense and economic stability. Maintains U.S. flagged vessels and their operational readiness.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen operational issues arise.
Dependence on a single contractor for a specific delivery order.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Fixed fee structure provides cost certainty.
Contract supports critical national maritime functions.

Sector Analysis

The Maritime Administration, part of the Department of Transportation, oversees U.S. merchant marine activities. Spending in this sector often involves vessel operations, maintenance, and related logistical support, with costs influenced by vessel type, operational tempo, and regulatory requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this award. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting existing oversight mechanisms. The Maritime Administration's procurement processes should ensure accountability for performance and financial management.

Related Government Programs

Deep Sea Freight Transportation
Department of Transportation Contracting
Maritime Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of base contract details
No specified performance metrics
Potential for scope creep in future orders
Limited visibility into subcontractor performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.0 million to TOTE SERVICES, LLC. DENEBOLA-TOTE SERVICES INCOPORATED-DENEBOLA25-1002A-FY25 SHIP MANAGER FIXED FEES A-08/18/25-10/31/25(75 DAYS @$10,950.54 =$821,290.50)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TOTE SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Maritime Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-18. End: 2026-02-27.

What is the total value of the base contract from which this delivery order was issued, and what is the remaining duration and value?

The provided data only details a specific delivery order valued at $821,290.50 for a 75-day period. Information regarding the base contract's total value, duration, and remaining scope is not included. Understanding the broader contract context is crucial for a comprehensive assessment of the overall government commitment and potential future spending.

How does the daily fixed fee compare to industry benchmarks for similar ship management services on comparable vessels?

The daily fixed fee of $10,950.54 is a key metric for comparison. While seemingly reasonable, a thorough analysis would involve benchmarking this rate against similar contracts awarded by government agencies or private entities for vessels of comparable size, type, and operational complexity. This comparison would validate the fairness of the price.

What performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) are associated with this delivery order to ensure effective service delivery?

The data does not specify performance metrics or KPIs for this delivery order. Effective oversight requires clearly defined standards for operational efficiency, safety, maintenance, and crew management. Establishing and monitoring these KPIs would be essential to ensure TOTE Services, LLC meets contractual obligations and taxpayer expectations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation › Deep Sea Freight Transportation

Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10401 DEERWOOD PARK BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL, 32256

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,956,199

Exercised Options: $1,956,199

Current Obligation: $1,956,199

Actual Outlays: $1,262,543

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JF725D000039

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline