DHS Coast Guard awards $1.25M FFP task order for international ground transportation services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $125,367 ($125.4K)

Contractor: Citi Concepts Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-06-03

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 515 days

Daily Burn Rate: $243/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS IS A FIRM FIXED-PRICE (FFP) TASK ORDER FOR GROUND TRANSPORTATION FOR THE COUNTRIES OF MALAYSIA AND ECUADOR PURSUANT TO LETTER OF OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE (LOA) MF-P-SAZ AND EC-P-BBB.

Place of Performance

Location: TEMPLE HILLS, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20748

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $125,367.23 to CITI CONCEPTS INC for work described as: THIS IS A FIRM FIXED-PRICE (FFP) TASK ORDER FOR GROUND TRANSPORTATION FOR THE COUNTRIES OF MALAYSIA AND ECUADOR PURSUANT TO LETTER OF OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE (LOA) MF-P-SAZ AND EC-P-BBB. Key points: 1. The contract is a Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) task order, indicating a defined scope and price, which can limit cost overruns. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that should drive favorable pricing. 3. The duration of 515 days provides a substantial period for service delivery. 4. The contract is for ground transportation in Malaysia and Ecuador, highlighting international operational support. 5. The specific NAICS code (485999) points to a niche service within the transit and ground passenger transportation sector. 6. The contract value of $1.25M is moderate for federal transportation contracts, requiring benchmarking against similar international services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.25M for 515 days of ground transportation in two countries appears reasonable, especially given the international scope. Without specific per-mile or per-trip data, a direct comparison is difficult. However, FFP contracts generally offer good value when the scope is well-defined, as it shifts risk to the contractor. The competition level also suggests pricing was vetted.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This suggests a robust bidding process. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition is a positive sign for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation from multiple vendors.

Public Impact

This contract directly benefits the U.S. Coast Guard by ensuring necessary ground transportation for its operations in Malaysia and Ecuador. The services delivered are essential for logistical support, potentially for personnel movement, equipment transport, or mission-related activities abroad. The geographic impact is focused on Malaysia and Ecuador, supporting specific U.S. foreign policy or operational objectives in these regions. Workforce implications may include the utilization of local transportation providers in Malaysia and Ecuador, potentially creating indirect employment opportunities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if unforeseen logistical challenges arise in international locations.
Dependence on foreign transportation infrastructure and regulatory environments.
Ensuring contractor compliance with local laws and U.S. government standards in two distinct countries.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed-Price structure provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a vetted and competitive price.
Clear delivery locations (Malaysia and Ecuador) define the operational scope.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader transportation and logistics sector, specifically focusing on ground passenger and potentially cargo movement. The market for international government transportation services is competitive, with various providers offering specialized solutions. Federal spending in this area supports global operations and diplomatic missions. Benchmarking would involve comparing this contract's per-diem or per-mile rates against similar FFP contracts for ground transportation in comparable international regions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses are unlikely to be direct prime contractors. However, the prime contractor, CITI CONCEPTS INC, may utilize small businesses for subcontracting opportunities, depending on their own business practices and the specific needs of the transportation services required in Malaysia and Ecuador. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order would primarily fall under the U.S. Coast Guard contracting officer and program managers. The FFP nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability by fixing the price. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where this award is reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of State - Diplomatic and Consular Staff Support
Department of Defense - Overseas Contingency Operations Support
General Services Administration - Federal Fleet Management
Transportation Security Administration - International Security Cooperation

Risk Flags

International Operations Complexity
Logistical Challenges in Foreign Countries
Potential for Unforeseen Cost Increases
Dependence on Foreign Infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $125,367.23 to CITI CONCEPTS INC. THIS IS A FIRM FIXED-PRICE (FFP) TASK ORDER FOR GROUND TRANSPORTATION FOR THE COUNTRIES OF MALAYSIA AND ECUADOR PURSUANT TO LETTER OF OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE (LOA) MF-P-SAZ AND EC-P-BBB.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CITI CONCEPTS INC.

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 $125,367.23.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-03. End: 2026-10-31.

What is the track record of CITI CONCEPTS INC in providing international ground transportation services?

Information regarding CITI CONCEPTS INC's specific track record in providing international ground transportation services is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or commendations related to similar services. Federal procurement databases and past performance questionnaires are typically used to gather this information. Without this data, it's difficult to definitively assess their experience and reliability for this specific task order in Malaysia and Ecuador.

How does the awarded price compare to similar international ground transportation contracts?

The provided data does not include specific metrics (e.g., per-mile rate, per-day rate, vehicle type) necessary for a direct price comparison with similar international ground transportation contracts. The total award of $1.25M for 515 days is a starting point. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify comparable contracts awarded by agencies like the Department of State or DoD for services in regions with similar logistical complexities. Factors such as the type of vehicles, security requirements, and specific service levels would need to be accounted for in any meaningful comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with providing ground transportation in Malaysia and Ecuador?

Key risks associated with providing ground transportation in Malaysia and Ecuador include geopolitical instability (though not explicitly indicated as high risk currently), varying local traffic laws and road conditions, potential for vehicle breakdowns in remote areas, and ensuring the safety and security of passengers or cargo. Currency fluctuations could also pose a financial risk if not properly managed. Furthermore, reliance on local infrastructure and potential language barriers can add complexity. The contractor's risk mitigation strategies, outlined in their proposal, would be crucial.

How effective is the Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) contract type for managing international transportation costs?

The Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) contract type is generally effective for managing international transportation costs when the scope of work is clearly defined and stable. It shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, providing budget certainty for the government. However, if unforeseen circumstances significantly alter the required services or operating conditions (e.g., sudden fuel price spikes, unexpected security needs), the contractor may seek change orders, potentially increasing costs. The effectiveness hinges on the initial clarity of the SOW and the contractor's ability to manage operational risks.

What is the historical spending pattern for ground transportation services by the U.S. Coast Guard in international locations?

Historical spending data for U.S. Coast Guard ground transportation services specifically in international locations like Malaysia and Ecuador is not provided. Analyzing past spending would involve querying federal procurement databases (e.g., FPDS, SAM.gov) for similar contracts awarded by the Coast Guard or DHS to CITI CONCEPTS INC or other vendors for services in these or comparable regions. Understanding historical trends, average contract values, and frequency of such awards would provide context for the current $1.25M task order.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation › All Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation

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: 70Z02325Q92200021

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6815 COOLRIDGE DR, TEMPLE HILLS, MD, 20748

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $125,367

Exercised Options: $125,367

Current Obligation: $125,367

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS33F002CA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline