Coast Guard awards $77.9K contract for tank and bilge cleaning services to Jet Blast, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $77,856 ($77.9K)

Contractor: JET Blast, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-03-17

End Date: 2025-07-30

Contract Duration: 135 days

Daily Burn Rate: $577/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE TANK & BILGE CLEANING SERVICES ONBOARD USCGC BEAR. PROCUREMENT FALLS WITHIN SECTION 2(D) AS A NON-COVERED CONTRACT.

Place of Performance

Location: CURTIS BAY, BALTIMORE CITY County, MARYLAND, 21226

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $77,855.79 to JET BLAST, INC. for work described as: CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE TANK & BILGE CLEANING SERVICES ONBOARD USCGC BEAR. PROCUREMENT FALLS WITHIN SECTION 2(D) AS A NON-COVERED CONTRACT. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential vessel maintenance, ensuring operational readiness. 2. Procurement method indicates a competitive process was utilized. 3. Service category aligns with broader waste management needs within the agency. 4. Contract duration is relatively short, suggesting a specific, time-bound requirement. 5. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. 6. Geographic focus on Maryland aligns with the USCGC Bear's operational area.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $77,855.79 for tank and bilge cleaning services appears reasonable for the specified duration of 135 days. While direct comparisons are difficult without more granular data on the scope of services and vessel size, the price seems aligned with typical maintenance contracts for maritime assets. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award helps manage cost risks for the government, ensuring the awarded amount is the total expenditure for the defined services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while sources were initially excluded, the final award was made through a competitive process open to all eligible offerors. This suggests that multiple bids were likely considered, leading to a more competitive pricing environment. The specific exclusion of sources prior to the final competition warrants further investigation to understand its justification and potential impact on the breadth of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, despite initial source exclusions, is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and services, potentially leading to cost savings.

Public Impact

The U.S. Coast Guard benefits from the maintenance of the USCGC Bear, ensuring its operational capability. Essential services for vessel hygiene and environmental compliance are delivered. The primary geographic impact is within the operational area of the USCGC Bear, likely along the East Coast. The contract supports specialized maritime maintenance services, potentially involving a skilled local workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The justification for excluding certain sources prior to the 'full and open' competition needs clarification to ensure maximum competition.
Lack of detailed service scope makes it difficult to benchmark value against similar contracts.
The specific nature of 'tank & bilge cleaning' could involve hazardous materials, requiring stringent safety oversight.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Awarded to a single contractor, simplifying management.
Procurement method indicates a competitive process was followed.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Waste Management Services' sector, specifically addressing specialized cleaning for maritime vessels. The market for such services is often niche, requiring specific expertise and equipment. While the overall federal spending on waste management is substantial, contracts for vessel-specific cleaning are a smaller segment. Benchmarking against similar maritime maintenance contracts would provide better context for the value received.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside provision. The prime contractor, Jet Blast, Inc., is responsible for fulfilling the contract requirements.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the U.S. Coast Guard contracting officer and relevant program managers. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle (implied by 'AW: DELIVERY ORDER'), oversight may also be governed by the terms of the base contract. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed performance metrics and inspection reports are typically internal. There is no specific mention of Inspector General jurisdiction for this particular award, but the IG can investigate any federal contract.

Related Government Programs

USCGC Bear Operations
U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Maintenance
Federal Maritime Services Contracts
Waste Management Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential environmental risks associated with waste disposal.
Safety hazards in confined spaces during cleaning operations.
Need for clear definition of 'clean' to ensure service completeness.
Potential for unexpected findings requiring additional scope or cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $77,855.79 to JET BLAST, INC.. CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE TANK & BILGE CLEANING SERVICES ONBOARD USCGC BEAR. PROCUREMENT FALLS WITHIN SECTION 2(D) AS A NON-COVERED CONTRACT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JET BLAST, 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 $77,855.79.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-17. End: 2025-07-30.

What is the track record of Jet Blast, Inc. in performing similar maritime maintenance contracts for the U.S. Coast Guard or other federal agencies?

Assessing the track record of Jet Blast, Inc. requires a review of their past performance history, including any previous contracts for tank and bilge cleaning or similar maritime services. Information on contract awards, performance evaluations, and any past disputes or issues would be crucial. Without access to a comprehensive federal procurement database that details contractor past performance, it is difficult to definitively state their track record. However, the award of this contract by the U.S. Coast Guard suggests they met the minimum qualifications and were deemed capable of performing the required services. Further due diligence would involve examining contract databases for prior awards and any associated performance feedback or ratings.

How does the awarded amount of $77,855.79 compare to the market rate for similar tank and bilge cleaning services for a vessel like the USCGC Bear?

Benchmarking the $77,855.79 contract value against market rates for tank and bilge cleaning services requires detailed information on the scope of work, the size and type of the USCGC Bear, the frequency of cleaning, and the specific environmental and safety protocols required. Maritime vessel maintenance costs can vary significantly based on these factors. Typically, such services involve specialized equipment, trained personnel, and adherence to strict environmental regulations for waste disposal. Without specific details on the service level agreement and the vessel's specifications, a precise market comparison is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests the government sought cost certainty, and the competitive award process implies the price was deemed acceptable relative to the bids received.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks for this contract include potential environmental hazards during cleaning (e.g., spills, improper waste disposal), safety risks to personnel (e.g., exposure to hazardous fumes or confined spaces), and performance risks (e.g., incomplete cleaning, damage to vessel systems). Mitigation strategies likely involve stringent adherence to safety protocols and environmental regulations specified in the contract, requiring the contractor to possess appropriate certifications and insurance. The U.S. Coast Guard would also conduct oversight and inspections to ensure compliance. The firm-fixed-price structure mitigates financial risk for the government, provided the scope of work is clearly defined and adhered to.

What is the expected effectiveness of these cleaning services in maintaining the operational readiness and safety of the USCGC Bear?

Effective tank and bilge cleaning is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness and safety of the USCGC Bear. Bilge water can accumulate contaminants that can damage machinery, lead to corrosion, and pose fire or explosion risks if flammable substances are present. Proper tank cleaning ensures the integrity of fuel, water, and ballast systems. Regular and thorough cleaning prevents the buildup of sludge and debris, which can impede system functionality and lead to costly repairs. By ensuring these essential maintenance tasks are performed, the contract directly contributes to the vessel's reliability, safety, and overall mission capability.

How does current spending on vessel maintenance services compare to historical spending patterns for the U.S. Coast Guard?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for U.S. Coast Guard vessel maintenance services would require access to multi-year budget data and contract award histories. This specific contract for $77,855.79 represents a small portion of the overall Coast Guard maintenance budget. To understand trends, one would need to examine the total expenditure on similar services over several fiscal years, identify any significant increases or decreases, and correlate these with fleet size, operational tempo, and major maintenance initiatives. Without that broader dataset, it's impossible to place this single contract within a historical spending context.

What specific clauses or performance standards are included in the contract to ensure the quality and completeness of the tank and bilge cleaning services?

The contract likely includes specific performance standards and clauses related to the quality and completeness of tank and bilge cleaning. These would typically detail the methods to be used, the types of contaminants to be removed, acceptable residual levels, and safety procedures. Clauses may also cover waste disposal requirements, environmental compliance, and reporting obligations. The U.S. Coast Guard would have quality assurance surveillance plans (QASPs) in place to monitor the contractor's performance against these standards. While the exact details are not provided, the firm-fixed-price nature implies that the contractor is responsible for meeting all specified requirements to receive full payment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › All Other Miscellaneous Waste Management Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6800 FT SMALLWOOD RD, BALTIMORE, MD, 21226

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $77,856

Exercised Options: $77,856

Current Obligation: $77,856

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z04021D60941Y00

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline