FEMA awards $5.1M for lodging in North Carolina disaster relief, with a fixed price contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $51,014 ($51.0K)

Contractor: Corporate Lodging Consultants, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-09-28

End Date: 2025-11-15

Contract Duration: 48 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FEMA CORPS LODGING IN SUPPORT OF DR-4827-NC.

Place of Performance

Location: ASHEVILLE, BUNCOMBE County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28801

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $51,014.04 to CORPORATE LODGING CONSULTANTS, INC. for work described as: FEMA CORPS LODGING IN SUPPORT OF DR-4827-NC. Key points: 1. Contract value of $5.1M for lodging services in North Carolina. 2. Services are for disaster relief efforts related to DR-4827-NC. 3. Contract awarded to Corporate Lodging Consultants, Inc. 4. Duration of the contract is 48 days. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating predictable costs. 6. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 7. No small business set-aside was utilized for this contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.1 million for 48 days of lodging services appears reasonable given the context of disaster relief operations. While specific per-diem rates or unit costs are not provided, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract helps control overall expenditure. Benchmarking against similar disaster response lodging contracts would provide further insight into value for money, but the scale suggests a significant operational need.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition suggests a healthy market for lodging services in support of emergency management. This process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces, ensuring that federal funds are used efficiently for essential services like disaster relief lodging.

Public Impact

Provides essential lodging for individuals and personnel involved in disaster response and recovery efforts in North Carolina. Supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) mission to aid communities affected by natural disasters. Facilitates the operational capacity of response teams by ensuring adequate accommodation. Indirectly benefits affected populations by enabling a more robust and timely disaster relief operation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if initial estimates do not accurately reflect actual lodging needs over the 48-day period, despite fixed-price structure.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical disaster relief support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract structure provides cost certainty for FEMA.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market and potentially favorable pricing.
Contract is for a defined, relatively short period, limiting long-term financial exposure.

Sector Analysis

The travel arrangement and reservation services sector (NAICS 561599) encompasses businesses that arrange and sell travel, tour, and transportation services. This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. Federal spending in this area often spikes during emergency response events. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more granular data on the specific services and scale of operations.

Small Business Impact

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 award went to a larger entity, and the impact on the small business ecosystem will depend on whether Corporate Lodging Consultants, Inc. utilizes small businesses for any subcontracted services, which is not detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a component of the Department of Homeland Security. Oversight would typically involve contract officers, contracting specialists, and potentially program managers who monitor performance and ensure compliance with the contract terms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific performance metrics and detailed spending breakdowns may not always be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

FEMA Disaster Relief Funding
Emergency Lodging Services
Travel and Transportation Services Contracts
Federal Emergency Management Agency Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract duration may be insufficient for prolonged disaster recovery.
Lack of specified small business subcontracting could limit economic impact for smaller firms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $51,014.04 to CORPORATE LODGING CONSULTANTS, INC.. FEMA CORPS LODGING IN SUPPORT OF DR-4827-NC.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CORPORATE LODGING CONSULTANTS, INC..

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 $51,014.04.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-28. End: 2025-11-15.

What is the typical cost per room or per person for disaster relief lodging provided by FEMA?

The provided data does not include specific per-unit costs for lodging. However, FEMA often negotiates rates based on per diem allowances, local market conditions, and the volume of rooms required. During disaster operations, rates can fluctuate based on availability and demand. Without detailed breakdowns of room nights and associated costs, it's challenging to benchmark this $5.1 million contract against typical per-unit expenses. Factors such as the type of accommodation (e.g., hotels, temporary housing), duration of stay, and included amenities would significantly influence per-unit costs. Historical data from similar disaster responses could offer comparative insights, but such information is not present here.

How does the duration of this contract (48 days) compare to typical disaster relief lodging contracts?

The 48-day duration for this lodging contract is relatively short, suggesting it is intended for the immediate response and initial recovery phases of a disaster. Disaster relief operations can often extend for months, or even years, depending on the scale of the event and the complexity of the recovery process. Contracts for longer-term support might be structured differently, potentially with options for extension or phased approaches. This specific contract's duration implies it may be part of a larger, multi-phase relief effort, or it addresses a specific, time-bound need within the broader disaster response framework for DR-4827-NC.

What are the potential risks associated with a single contractor providing lodging for a disaster response?

A primary risk of relying on a single contractor for critical disaster response lodging is the potential for service disruption if the contractor faces operational issues, such as staffing shortages, logistical problems, or financial difficulties. This could directly impact the ability of response personnel to operate effectively. Furthermore, a lack of competition for subsequent needs or extensions could lead to less favorable pricing. To mitigate these risks, FEMA typically includes performance standards, reporting requirements, and contingency plans within its contracts. The agency also maintains oversight to ensure the contractor meets its obligations throughout the contract period.

What is the track record of Corporate Lodging Consultants, Inc. with FEMA or other government agencies?

Information regarding the specific track record of Corporate Lodging Consultants, Inc. with FEMA or other government agencies is not provided in the data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous government contracts. Federal procurement databases often contain such information, allowing for an analysis of their reliability, past performance quality, and experience in similar service provision, particularly in emergency or disaster-related contexts.

How does the total contract value of $5.1 million compare to overall FEMA spending on disaster lodging?

The $5.1 million awarded for lodging in North Carolina represents a specific allocation for disaster DR-4827-NC. FEMA's overall spending on disaster lodging can vary significantly year-to-year, heavily influenced by the frequency and severity of natural disasters. This amount should be viewed in the context of the specific disaster's impact and the duration of the required support. To compare it meaningfully, one would need to analyze FEMA's total disaster response expenditures over several years and identify the proportion allocated to temporary housing and lodging across various events. This single contract's value is a component of a larger, dynamic spending picture.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services › All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70FBR425Q00000188

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Corpay, Inc

Address: 8111 E 32ND ST N, WICHITA, KS, 67226

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $51,014

Exercised Options: $51,014

Current Obligation: $51,014

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QMCB24A0003

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline