DHS awards $1.35M for Husbanding Services in Panama Canal, supporting U.S. Coast Guard operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $135,215 ($135.2K)

Contractor: Waypoint LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-12-28

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 123 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HUSBANDING SERVICES PANAMA CANAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH SRI LANKA CASE CE-P-SAK

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $135,215.04 to WAYPOINT LLC for work described as: HUSBANDING SERVICES PANAMA CANAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH SRI LANKA CASE CE-P-SAK Key points: 1. Contract awarded to WAYPOINT LLC for essential port and harbor operations. 2. Duration of 123 days indicates a focused, short-term operational need. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests predictable cost outcomes. 4. Competition was full and open, implying a robust bidding process. 5. This contract supports critical U.S. Coast Guard missions in a strategic international location. 6. The value is modest, suggesting it's a component of a larger operational framework.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.35 million for 123 days of husbanding services appears reasonable given the strategic location and specialized nature of port and harbor operations. Benchmarking against similar international support contracts is challenging due to unique geographic and operational factors. However, the firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for this defined period, suggesting good value if services are delivered as expected.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive environment is expected to drive fair pricing and encourage the selection of the most capable and cost-effective provider. The presence of multiple bidders suggests a healthy market for these specialized services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring that the government receives competitive pricing and the best possible value for its investment.

Public Impact

U.S. Coast Guard operations in the Panama Canal region are directly supported. Ensures the smooth functioning of U.S. maritime assets operating in or transiting the area. Facilitates international trade and security by maintaining operational readiness. Indirectly supports U.S. national security interests in a critical global waterway.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if operational needs extend beyond the initial 123-day period.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical husbanding services carries inherent operational risk.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract mitigates cost overrun risks.
Full and open competition suggests a strong pool of qualified vendors.
Clear delivery order structure for a defined period.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Port and Harbor Operations sector, a critical component of the broader logistics and transportation industry. The market for husbanding services is specialized, often requiring deep knowledge of local regulations, infrastructure, and operational nuances in specific international ports. Spending in this area is driven by the need to support government maritime operations, including naval deployments, coast guard patrols, and diplomatic maritime engagements.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the specialized nature of husbanding services in international waters, it is possible that larger, more experienced firms dominate this market segment. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle (implied), oversight would likely involve the U.S. Coast Guard contracting officer and potentially the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General if performance issues or irregularities arise. Transparency is maintained through federal contract databases.

Related Government Programs

U.S. Coast Guard Operational Support Contracts
International Maritime Logistics Services
Port and Harbor Management Contracts

Risk Flags

Geopolitical Risk in Panama Canal Region
Operational Dependence on Contractor
Regulatory Compliance in Foreign Jurisdiction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $135,215.04 to WAYPOINT LLC. HUSBANDING SERVICES PANAMA CANAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH SRI LANKA CASE CE-P-SAK

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WAYPOINT LLC.

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 $135,215.04.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-28. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for husbanding services in the Panama Canal region by the U.S. Coast Guard?

Historical spending data for husbanding services specifically in the Panama Canal region by the U.S. Coast Guard is not readily available in public databases. However, the U.S. Coast Guard, as part of the Department of Homeland Security, operates globally and frequently requires husbanding services to support its missions in various international ports. These services typically include logistical support, vessel repair coordination, provisions, and administrative assistance. The current contract's value of $1.35 million for a 123-day period suggests a moderate level of expenditure for this specific operational need. Without more granular historical data, it's difficult to establish a precise trend, but such contracts are essential for maintaining operational presence and effectiveness in strategic international waterways.

How does the contractor, WAYPOINT LLC, perform on other federal contracts?

Information regarding WAYPOINT LLC's performance on other federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) and any documented issues or commendations on federal procurement platforms. As this is a delivery order, it implies an existing contract vehicle was used, suggesting some level of pre-qualification. However, specific performance metrics for this contractor across all their federal engagements are necessary for a thorough track record analysis. Users seeking detailed performance history should consult official government performance databases.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this husbanding services contract?

The key performance indicators (KPIs) for this husbanding services contract are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, typical KPIs for such contracts would likely include timeliness of service delivery, quality of provisions and repairs, adherence to local regulations, cost control within the fixed-price budget, and overall support effectiveness for U.S. Coast Guard vessels. Successful completion of the delivery order within the 123-day timeframe and without significant incident or cost overrun would indicate satisfactory performance. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract implies that meeting all service requirements within the agreed budget is a primary KPI.

Are there any specific risks associated with operating in the Panama Canal region that this contract addresses?

Yes, operating in the Panama Canal region presents unique risks that this husbanding services contract likely addresses. These include navigating complex Panamanian maritime regulations, ensuring security for U.S. assets in a high-traffic international zone, managing potential environmental compliance issues, and coordinating with local port authorities and service providers. The contract's focus on husbanding services implies that WAYPOINT LLC is responsible for mitigating these risks by providing local expertise, facilitating necessary permits, and ensuring seamless logistical support. This allows the U.S. Coast Guard to focus on its core mission objectives without being encumbered by the intricacies of foreign port operations.

What is the typical duration and value range for similar U.S. Coast Guard husbanding service contracts in international ports?

The typical duration and value range for similar U.S. Coast Guard husbanding service contracts in international ports can vary significantly based on the specific location, mission requirements, and duration of the U.S. asset's presence. Contracts can range from short-term, single-port visits lasting a few days to longer-term support for extended deployments lasting months or even years. Values can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. This $1.35 million contract for 123 days ($11,000 per day) appears to be within a moderate range for supporting operations in a strategically important, albeit potentially complex, international hub like the Panama Canal.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Water Transportation › Port and Harbor Operations

Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATION OF SHIPS, SMALL CRAFTS, PONTOONS AND FLOATING DOCKS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 621 6TH ST, BROOKINGS, SD, 57006

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $135,215

Exercised Options: $135,215

Current Obligation: $135,215

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6817121D0035

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline