Coast Guard Spends $902K on VTS Training Classes via Sole-Source Delivery Order
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $90,215 ($90.2K)
Contractor: Masters, Mates and Pilots Maritime Advancement, Training, Education and Safety Program
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2024-07-01
End Date: 2024-09-30
Contract Duration: 91 days
Daily Burn Rate: $991/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: DELIVERY ORDER FOR VTS TRAINING CLASSES
Place of Performance
Location: LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21090
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $90,215 to MASTERS, MATES AND PILOTS MARITIME ADVANCEMENT, TRAINING, EDUCATION AND SAFETY PROGRAM for work described as: DELIVERY ORDER FOR VTS TRAINING CLASSES Key points: 1. Significant spending on specialized maritime training. 2. Lack of competition raises concerns about price discovery. 3. Short contract duration suggests immediate need or limited scope. 4. Focus on professional services within the maritime sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $902,150 for a 91-day period is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is reasonable compared to market rates for similar specialized training services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers as there was no market pressure to offer the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in the government paying more than necessary for these training services, impacting taxpayer funds.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational readiness for Coast Guard personnel. Supports specialized skills development in maritime safety and operations. Potential for increased costs due to non-competitive award.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Limited competition
- Short performance period
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical training needs
- Supports maritime safety
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically related to maritime training. Spending in this sub-sector can vary widely based on specialization and demand, but a $902K sole-source award warrants scrutiny.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses could have provided these services.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award suggests potential gaps in pre-award planning or market research to identify competitive sources. Oversight should focus on the justification for not competing.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Coast Guard Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks transparency.
- Potential for overpayment due to no competition.
- Limited opportunity for small business participation.
- Short duration may indicate rushed procurement or insufficient planning.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-homeland-security, md, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $90,215 to MASTERS, MATES AND PILOTS MARITIME ADVANCEMENT, TRAINING, EDUCATION AND SAFETY PROGRAM. DELIVERY ORDER FOR VTS TRAINING CLASSES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MASTERS, MATES AND PILOTS MARITIME ADVANCEMENT, TRAINING, EDUCATION AND SAFETY PROGRAM.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $90,215.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-07-01. End: 2024-09-30.
What is the specific justification for the sole-source award of this training contract?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves circumstances where only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. This could be due to unique capabilities, urgent needs, or specific program requirements that cannot be met by other vendors. A thorough review of the contracting officer's justification is necessary to validate this claim.
What are the risks associated with a sole-source procurement for specialized training?
The primary risks include inflated pricing due to lack of competition, potential for lower quality if the vendor faces no market pressure, and missed opportunities to foster innovation or support small businesses. It also raises concerns about transparency and fairness in government spending, potentially leading to public distrust.
How effective is the VTS training in meeting the Coast Guard's operational needs?
The effectiveness of the VTS training is not directly measurable from the contract data alone. However, the Coast Guard's continued reliance on this program suggests it meets essential operational requirements. Post-award performance metrics and feedback from trainees would provide a clearer picture of its efficacy.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 692 MARITIME BLVD, LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD, 21090
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $90,215
Exercised Options: $90,215
Current Obligation: $90,215
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 70Z02322D74110001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-07-01
Current End Date: 2024-09-30
Potential End Date: 2024-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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