FEMA awards $1.2M BPA Call to Sorelle Resources for disaster housing support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $121,175 ($121.2K)

Contractor: Sorelle Resources, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-02-24

End Date: 2026-04-23

Contract Duration: 423 days

Daily Burn Rate: $286/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BPA CALL IN SUPPORT OF DR-4832 TROPICAL STORM HELENE

Place of Performance

Location: NASHVILLE PLT, AROOSTOOK County, MAINE, 04732

State: Maine Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $121,175 to SORELLE RESOURCES, LLC for work described as: BPA CALL IN SUPPORT OF DR-4832 TROPICAL STORM HELENE Key points: 1. Contract aims to provide essential housing solutions following Tropical Storm Helene. 2. The award utilizes a Best Practices Acquisition (BPA) Call, suggesting a pre-competed framework. 3. Fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the agency. 4. The duration of 423 days indicates a medium-term need for services. 5. Contractor Sorelle Resources, LLC is relatively new to federal contracting based on available data. 6. The specific service category (lessors of residential buildings) points to a focus on temporary housing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.21 million for a 423-day period for disaster housing support appears reasonable on its face. However, without specific details on the type and quantity of housing units or services provided, a direct comparison to similar contracts is challenging. The fixed-price nature of the award provides some cost control, but the ultimate value for money will depend on the effective delivery of housing solutions and the actual costs incurred by the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition than sole-source awards. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, the use of SAP suggests that multiple offers were solicited and considered. This level of competition, even within SAP, generally contributes to price discovery and ensures that the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of a competed process under SAP for this award is beneficial for taxpayers, as it helps to ensure that the $1.21 million allocated for disaster housing is used efficiently and that the government is not overpaying for the required services.

Public Impact

Disaster survivors in Maine affected by Tropical Storm Helene will benefit from this contract by receiving necessary temporary housing. The contract facilitates the provision of residential leasing services, directly addressing a critical need post-disaster. The geographic impact is focused on Maine, specifically areas impacted by the storm. This contract supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) mission to provide disaster relief and recovery assistance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contractor's limited federal contracting history may present execution risks.
The specific details of the housing units and services are not fully elaborated, potentially leading to scope creep or unmet needs.
Reliance on leasing residential buildings could be subject to market availability and fluctuating rental rates.

Positive Signals

The use of a Best Practices Acquisition (BPA) Call indicates a pre-vetted and potentially streamlined procurement process.
The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the agency.
The contract directly addresses a critical need for disaster relief housing, aligning with FEMA's core mission.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader real estate and leasing sector, specifically focusing on residential property. The federal government, particularly agencies like FEMA, frequently engages in leasing activities to support various operational needs, including disaster response. The market for residential leasing is generally robust, but the specific demand and pricing can fluctuate significantly based on location and urgency, as is the case in disaster recovery scenarios.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor is there information suggesting significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The award to Sorelle Resources, LLC, without specific size designation, implies it may not be a small business, or if it is, the set-aside was not a primary driver for this specific award. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As a BPA Call, it likely operates under established terms and conditions from a master BPA, which would have its own oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, but detailed performance monitoring and accountability measures would be managed internally by FEMA contracting officers and program managers. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

FEMA Disaster Housing Assistance
Temporary Housing Programs
Post-Disaster Recovery Contracts
Residential Leasing Services

Risk Flags

Contractor performance risk due to limited federal experience.
Potential for delays in housing unit acquisition.
Ensuring quality and suitability of leased residential properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $121,175 to SORELLE RESOURCES, LLC. BPA CALL IN SUPPORT OF DR-4832 TROPICAL STORM HELENE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SORELLE RESOURCES, 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 $121,175.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-02-24. End: 2026-04-23.

What is the track record of Sorelle Resources, LLC in performing federal contracts, particularly those related to disaster relief?

Based on the provided data, Sorelle Resources, LLC appears to have a limited track record in federal contracting. The data does not indicate extensive prior awards or a long history of performance with federal agencies. This lack of a substantial federal performance history could present a risk factor for the agency, as it limits the available data for assessing the contractor's reliability, efficiency, and ability to meet federal standards and timelines, especially in the high-pressure environment of disaster response. Further investigation into their commercial experience and any state or local government contracts would be necessary for a more comprehensive assessment.

How does the awarded price of $1.21 million for 423 days of housing support compare to market rates for similar services in Maine?

A precise comparison of the $1.21 million award to market rates for similar housing services in Maine is challenging without more granular data. The contract value covers a 423-day period and is for 'Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings,' implying rental of properties. Market rates for residential leasing vary significantly by location, property type, size, and amenities. Given that this contract is in response to Tropical Storm Helene, the urgency and specific geographic needs within Maine will heavily influence pricing. FEMA likely conducted market research to ensure the pricing was fair and reasonable within the context of disaster relief, but without knowing the exact number and type of units leased, a direct benchmark against typical rental market data is difficult. The fixed-price nature suggests a negotiated rate that aims to balance cost and service delivery.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, considering the contractor's background and the nature of disaster response?

The primary risks associated with this contract stem from the contractor's limited federal contracting history and the inherent complexities of disaster response. Sorelle Resources, LLC's lack of extensive federal experience may translate to challenges in navigating federal procurement regulations, reporting requirements, and performance expectations. In the context of disaster relief, there's a risk of delays in securing suitable housing units due to market availability or competing demands, potential cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise (though mitigated by fixed-price), and ensuring the quality and suitability of the leased properties meet the needs of displaced individuals. Furthermore, the rapid deployment required for disaster housing can strain even experienced contractors, increasing the potential for operational inefficiencies or unmet service levels.

What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in providing timely and adequate housing solutions for disaster victims?

The effectiveness of this contract in providing timely and adequate housing solutions hinges on several factors. The use of a BPA Call suggests a pre-established framework, which can expedite the procurement and deployment process compared to a new, full solicitation. The 423-day duration indicates a commitment to providing medium-term housing, which is crucial for recovery. However, the effectiveness will ultimately depend on Sorelle Resources, LLC's ability to quickly identify, secure, and prepare suitable residential properties that meet the needs of affected individuals and families. FEMA's oversight and management of the contract, including regular performance assessments and prompt issue resolution, will be critical in ensuring that the housing provided is adequate and that the program achieves its intended outcomes for disaster survivors.

How does FEMA's spending on disaster housing support, as exemplified by this contract, align with historical patterns or agency priorities?

This contract aligns with FEMA's core mission and historical spending patterns, which consistently include significant allocations for disaster housing support. Following major natural disasters, particularly in regions prone to severe weather events like Tropical Storm Helene, FEMA's budget for temporary and transitional housing solutions escalates. This $1.21 million award represents a specific instance of that broader, recurring expenditure. Historical data shows that FEMA utilizes various mechanisms, including leasing, direct provision of temporary units, and financial assistance, to house displaced populations. The agency's priority is to provide safe and habitable shelter as quickly as possible, and contracts like this are a key component of that strategy, reflecting a consistent agency focus on mitigating the immediate impact of disasters on individuals and communities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Real Estate and Rental and Leasing › Lessors of Real Estate › Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings

Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT FACILITIES › LEASE/RENTAL OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 17250 ANDREWS RD, HILLIARD, FL, 32046

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $153,325

Exercised Options: $127,975

Current Obligation: $121,175

Actual Outlays: $33,075

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FBR425A00000038

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline