DHS FEMA awarded $91.4M for Hurricane Maria relief feeding mission in Puerto Rico

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $91,431,408 ($91.4M)

Contractor: Disaster Solutions Alliance, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2017-10-04

End Date: 2017-11-24

Contract Duration: 51 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8M/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO EXECUTE A FEEDING MISSION IN THE PUERTO RICO TO SUPPORT HURRICANE MARIA SURVIVORS.

Place of Performance

Location: GERMANTOWN, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20876

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $91.4 million to DISASTER SOLUTIONS ALLIANCE, LLC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO EXECUTE A FEEDING MISSION IN THE PUERTO RICO TO SUPPORT HURRICANE MARIA SURVIVORS. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical disaster relief services, highlighting FEMA's role in emergency response. 2. The task order was not competed, raising questions about potential cost efficiencies and market engagement. 3. A short performance period (51 days) suggests a focused, immediate need for services. 4. The contract type (Time and Materials) can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed. 5. The contractor, Disaster Solutions Alliance, LLC, was awarded this significant sum for a specific, time-bound mission. 6. The service falls under Facilities Support Services, indicating a broad scope of operational assistance.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's value of $91.4 million for a 51-day period is substantial, particularly given the lack of competition. Without benchmark data for similar rapid-response feeding missions in disaster zones, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while common in urgent situations, carries inherent risks of cost escalation compared to fixed-price contracts. Further analysis would require comparing the per-diem cost of feeding provided against industry standards for emergency catering and logistics.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a 'not competed' delivery order, indicating a sole-source or limited competition procurement. In disaster situations, agencies may expedite awards to meet urgent needs, sometimes bypassing full and open competition. The lack of a competitive process means that the government did not solicit bids from multiple vendors, potentially limiting price discovery and the opportunity to secure the most cost-effective solution.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition means taxpayers may not have benefited from the lowest possible price that could have been achieved through a bidding process. This can result in higher overall spending for disaster relief efforts.

Public Impact

Hurricane Maria survivors in Puerto Rico directly benefited from the feeding mission. Essential food services were delivered to a population facing severe infrastructure damage and resource scarcity. The geographic impact was concentrated in Puerto Rico, addressing a critical humanitarian need. The contract supported the logistical and operational aspects of disaster response, indirectly impacting the workforce involved in relief efforts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may have led to a higher price than a competed contract.
Time and Materials contract type poses a risk of cost overruns if not meticulously monitored.
The urgency of the award might have precluded thorough vetting of alternative solutions or pricing.

Positive Signals

Contract addressed a critical, time-sensitive need for disaster relief.
The award facilitated essential services for vulnerable populations.
The focused scope and duration suggest a targeted response to an immediate crisis.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader Facilities Support Services sector, which encompasses a wide range of services necessary for the operation and maintenance of facilities. In the context of disaster response, these services are critical for establishing temporary infrastructure and providing essential support. The market for disaster relief services is specialized, often involving rapid deployment capabilities and experience in challenging environments. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique and often urgent nature of such contracts.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false) and does not appear to have a small business set-aside component (ss: false). Therefore, this specific award does not directly contribute to small business contracting goals. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans or opportunities for small businesses within this particular task order.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its sub-agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Given the 'not competed' nature and the significant dollar amount, robust oversight would be expected to ensure funds were used appropriately and services were delivered as intended. Transparency regarding the justification for not competing the award and detailed reporting on expenditures would be key accountability measures. Inspector General jurisdiction would likely apply for audits and investigations into potential waste, fraud, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Hurricane Relief Efforts
Disaster Response Services
Emergency Food Services
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Contracts
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Spending
Facilities Support Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Lack of Competition
Time and Materials Pricing
Urgent/Emergency Procurement Justification
Significant Contract Value for Short Duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $91.4 million to DISASTER SOLUTIONS ALLIANCE, LLC. IGF::CT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO EXECUTE A FEEDING MISSION IN THE PUERTO RICO TO SUPPORT HURRICANE MARIA SURVIVORS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DISASTER SOLUTIONS ALLIANCE, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $91.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-10-04. End: 2017-11-24.

What was the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis without competition?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED'. In disaster scenarios, agencies like FEMA often invoke emergency procurement regulations that allow for expedited awards to meet immediate, life-saving needs. The justification for a sole-source award typically centers on the urgency of the situation, the unavailability of alternative sources within the required timeframe, or the existence of a unique capability held by a specific contractor. For Hurricane Maria relief, the widespread devastation and critical need for essential services like feeding likely necessitated rapid action, potentially overriding standard competitive procedures to ensure aid reached survivors as quickly as possible. A formal justification document would typically detail these specific circumstances.

How does the per-unit cost of feeding services under this contract compare to industry benchmarks for disaster relief operations?

The total award amount is $91,431,407.56 over a period of 51 days (October 4, 2017, to November 24, 2017). To assess per-unit cost, we need to estimate the number of meals or individuals served, which is not provided in the data. Assuming this contract covered feeding operations for a significant number of survivors and relief personnel, a rough estimate could be made if assumptions about daily meal counts or beneficiaries are introduced. However, without explicit data on the volume of services delivered (e.g., meals per day, number of people supported), a direct per-unit cost comparison to industry benchmarks for disaster relief feeding is not feasible with the current information. Such benchmarks would typically consider factors like logistics, staffing, food sourcing, and safety in austere environments.

What is the track record of Disaster Solutions Alliance, LLC in providing similar large-scale disaster relief services?

The provided data identifies Disaster Solutions Alliance, LLC as the contractor for this $91.4 million task order supporting Hurricane Maria survivors. However, it does not offer details on the company's prior performance history, specific experience with large-scale feeding missions, or its track record in disaster relief operations. To assess their capabilities and reliability, further research into past contracts, client references, and any performance reviews or awards associated with Disaster Solutions Alliance, LLC would be necessary. Understanding their experience is crucial, especially given the critical nature of feeding operations in a post-disaster environment and the significant value of this contract.

What were the primary services included under the 'Facilities Support Services' category for this task order?

The National Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561210 for Facilities Support Services is broad and can encompass a wide range of activities. For this specific task order supporting Hurricane Maria survivors, 'Facilities Support Services' likely included the logistical setup and operation of feeding centers, potentially involving site preparation, provision of temporary kitchen facilities, food procurement and preparation, distribution of meals, waste management, sanitation, and potentially security for these operational sites. Given the context of a feeding mission, the emphasis would be on ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely delivery of food services to affected populations and relief workers in a challenging environment where traditional infrastructure was compromised.

How does the duration of this contract (51 days) align with typical emergency response timelines for major natural disasters?

The 51-day duration (October 4, 2017 - November 24, 2017) for this feeding mission task order suggests a focus on immediate post-disaster needs. Major natural disasters like Hurricane Maria often require sustained relief efforts that can extend for months or even years. A 51-day contract likely represents the initial, critical phase of response, aimed at stabilizing the situation and providing essential sustenance while longer-term recovery plans are developed and implemented. Subsequent contracts or extensions might have been necessary to cover the ongoing needs of the affected population beyond this initial period. The short duration is consistent with a rapid deployment for urgent, short-term support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12420 MILESTONE CENTER DRIVE STE 150, GERMANTOWN, MD, 20876

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $91,431,408

Exercised Options: $91,431,408

Current Obligation: $91,431,408

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSFE7017D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline