DHS Coast Guard Awards $5,590 Janitorial Services Contract to Melwood Horticultural Training Center

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,591 ($5.6K)

Contractor: Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-04-23

Contract Duration: 14 days

Daily Burn Rate: $399/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CUTTER CUSTODIAL SERVICES ONBOARD EX-MARLIN. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE IS 4/9/2026-4/23/2026.

Place of Performance

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

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $5,590.88 to MELWOOD HORTICULTURAL TRAINING CENTER, INC. for work described as: CUTTER CUSTODIAL SERVICES ONBOARD EX-MARLIN. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE IS 4/9/2026-4/23/2026. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for janitorial services to Melwood Horticultural Training Center. 2. Short 14-day performance period from April 9, 2026, to April 23, 2026. 3. Awarded as a delivery order under an unspecified contract. 4. No indication of competition or small business set-aside.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value is very low at $5,590. Given the short duration and specific nature of janitorial services, it's difficult to benchmark without more detail on the scope of work. However, the price appears reasonable for a 14-day service period.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, suggesting it was likely awarded under a pre-existing agreement or a specific set-aside program. The lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially reduces opportunities for cost savings.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal due to the low contract value of $5,590.

Public Impact

Ensures essential janitorial services for a U.S. Coast Guard facility. Supports a specific organization (Melwood Horticultural Training Center) which may have a social mission. Limited public visibility due to the small contract size and specific service.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Short performance period may indicate urgent or temporary need
Unclear contract vehicle

Positive Signals

Low contract value minimizes financial risk
Supports a specific provider

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Janitorial Services' category, which is a common support service across many government agencies. Spending benchmarks for janitorial services vary widely based on facility size, location, and service level, but this contract's value is on the lower end.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and it is unclear if the awardee is a small business. Melwood Horticultural Training Center's status as a non-profit organization focused on training individuals with disabilities might influence its business size classification.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the U.S. Coast Guard contracting office. Given the small value and short duration, extensive oversight may not be required, but ensuring service delivery meets requirements is key.

Related Government Programs

Janitorial Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Limited transparency on contract vehicle
Short performance period raises questions about need
Potential for unexercised options or follow-on work not indicated

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $5,590.88 to MELWOOD HORTICULTURAL TRAINING CENTER, INC.. CUTTER CUSTODIAL SERVICES ONBOARD EX-MARLIN. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE IS 4/9/2026-4/23/2026.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MELWOOD HORTICULTURAL TRAINING CENTER, 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 $5,590.88.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-04-23.

What is the specific scope of janitorial services required for this 14-day period to justify the award?

The specific scope of janitorial services is not detailed in the provided data. However, for a 14-day period, it likely includes routine cleaning tasks such as trash removal, restroom sanitation, floor cleaning, and general tidiness for a designated U.S. Coast Guard facility. The exact requirements would be outlined in the delivery order's statement of work.

What is the rationale for awarding this contract without competition, and does it align with federal procurement regulations?

The data states the contract was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' implying it was likely awarded under a specific exception or authority, such as a sole-source award to a qualifying organization or a delivery order against an existing contract. The rationale would need to be documented by the agency to ensure compliance with federal procurement regulations, especially regarding fair and reasonable pricing.

How does the award to Melwood Horticultural Training Center align with the U.S. Coast Guard's mission and procurement goals?

The U.S. Coast Guard, as part of DHS, has a broad mission that includes facility maintenance. Awarding contracts to organizations like Melwood, which provides training and employment for individuals with disabilities, can align with federal goals for supporting social enterprises and promoting diversity in contracting. This specific award likely fulfills a direct need for janitorial services while potentially supporting a valuable social mission.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Janitorial Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5606 DOWER HOUSE RD, UPPER MARLBORO, MD, 20772

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,591

Exercised Options: $5,591

Current Obligation: $5,591

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: PRODUCTS OR SERVICES PURSUANT TO FAR 12.102(F)

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z04022D65077Y00

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline