Homeland Security awards $3.2M for mess attendant services at USCG Base Alameda

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,199,281 ($3.2M)

Contractor: Calidad Industries, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-03-01

End Date: 2029-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TO PROVIDE MESS ATTENDANT SERVICES AT USCG BASE ALAMEDA

Place of Performance

Location: ALAMEDA, ALAMEDA County, CALIFORNIA, 94501

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $3.2 million to CALIDAD INDUSTRIES, INC. for work described as: TO PROVIDE MESS ATTENDANT SERVICES AT USCG BASE ALAMEDA Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential food service support at a key Coast Guard facility. 2. The contract duration of five years suggests a need for stable, long-term service provision. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability. 4. Sole-source award raises questions about potential lack of competition and price optimization. 5. Geographic concentration in California may indicate regional operational needs. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 722310 points to specialized food service operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $3.2 million over five years for mess attendant services appears reasonable for a dedicated facility. However, without comparable contract data for similar services at other Coast Guard bases or federal installations, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, but it limits flexibility if service requirements change significantly. Benchmarking against industry standards for food service staffing and management would be beneficial.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when only one vendor is capable of meeting the requirement, or in specific circumstances where full and open competition is not feasible or advantageous. The lack of competition means the government did not benefit from a bidding process that could have driven down prices or spurred innovation from multiple offerors. This raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price and service.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award means there is a higher risk of paying a premium compared to a competitively bid contract. Without competitive pressure, the contractor may not have the same incentive to offer the lowest possible price.

Public Impact

Service members and personnel at USCG Base Alameda will benefit from consistent and reliable mess attendant services. The contract ensures the provision of food preparation and serving support, contributing to the morale and operational readiness of the base. The geographic impact is localized to Alameda, California, supporting a specific federal installation. Workforce implications include the potential employment of individuals in food service roles, managed by Calidad Industries, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential for better value.
Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source procurement.
Potential for cost overruns if fixed-price contract terms are not carefully managed against evolving needs.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Long-term contract (5 years) ensures continuity of essential services.
Award to an established entity (Calidad Industries, Inc.) may indicate prior satisfactory performance.

Sector Analysis

The food service contracting sector is a significant component of the broader facilities management and support services industry. Federal agencies, particularly those with large installations like military bases and government facilities, rely heavily on contractors for essential services such as food preparation and catering. This contract falls within the Food Service Contractors (NAICS 722310) category. Spending in this sector is driven by operational needs, personnel support, and the desire to outsource non-core functions to specialized providers. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing per-meal costs or per-person service costs across similar government facilities.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to Calidad Industries, Inc., a single entity, does not directly benefit the small business ecosystem through set-asides or mandated subcontracting. Further investigation into Calidad Industries' own small business utilization practices would be needed to assess any indirect impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard contracting officers and program managers. As a definitive contract, it is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and oversight. Transparency regarding the sole-source justification and performance metrics would be key to assessing accountability. The Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Mess Operations Support Services
Food Service Contracts
Base Support Services
Coast Guard Facilities Management

Risk Flags

Sole-source justification requires scrutiny.
Potential for non-competitive pricing.
Need for strong performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $3.2 million to CALIDAD INDUSTRIES, INC.. TO PROVIDE MESS ATTENDANT SERVICES AT USCG BASE ALAMEDA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CALIDAD INDUSTRIES, 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 $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-01. End: 2029-02-28.

What is the track record of Calidad Industries, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Coast Guard?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Calidad Industries, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts. While specific details on past performance with DHS or USCG require deeper analysis of contract databases, their presence as a contractor suggests some level of established capability. To fully assess their track record, one would need to examine past contract awards, performance evaluations (if publicly available), and any history of disputes or corrective actions. Understanding their experience with similar food service contracts, especially in government settings, is crucial for evaluating their suitability and reliability for this current award.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar mess attendant services?

Benchmarking the awarded price of approximately $3.2 million over five years requires detailed market analysis. Factors such as the number of personnel served daily, the scope of services (e.g., preparation, serving, cleanup, menu planning), and geographic location significantly influence pricing. Without specific data on these variables for USCG Base Alameda and comparable facilities, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the sole-source nature of the award raises a flag that the price may not have been optimized through competitive bidding. A thorough analysis would involve obtaining quotes from other food service providers for similar scopes of work in the region or examining historical data for comparable federal contracts.

What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source award for essential base services?

The primary risk of a sole-source award for essential services like mess attendant support is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. The government may end up paying more than it would in a fully competed scenario. Another risk is reduced incentive for the contractor to innovate or improve service quality beyond the minimum contractual requirements, as there is no direct competition to outperform. Furthermore, it can limit the government's ability to leverage new technologies or more efficient service models that might be offered by other potential vendors. Ensuring robust oversight and performance management becomes even more critical in sole-source situations.

What is the expected impact of these services on the operational effectiveness and morale of USCG Base Alameda?

Reliable and quality mess attendant services are critical for maintaining the morale and operational effectiveness of personnel stationed at USCG Base Alameda. Consistent access to well-prepared meals reduces distractions for service members, allowing them to focus on their primary duties. Good food service contributes to overall well-being and job satisfaction, which can positively impact retention and performance. Conversely, poor or inconsistent food service can lead to decreased morale, health concerns, and reduced productivity. This contract aims to ensure that these essential support functions are adequately met, thereby contributing to the base's readiness and the welfare of its crew.

What is the historical spending trend for mess attendant services at USCG Base Alameda or similar Coast Guard installations?

Analyzing historical spending for mess attendant services at USCG Base Alameda or comparable Coast Guard installations would provide valuable context for the current $3.2 million award. Without access to specific historical data for this base, it's difficult to determine if this contract represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending. Trends in previous contracts, including their duration, value, and whether they were competed or sole-sourced, would reveal patterns in how the Coast Guard procures these services. Understanding these historical patterns can help identify potential efficiencies gained or lost over time and inform future procurement strategies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Accommodation and Food Services › Special Food Services › Food Service Contractors

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 70Z08424QALAM0002

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1700 PARK STREET UNIT 220, ALAMEDA, CA, 94501

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: $7,542,727

Exercised Options: $4,464,091

Current Obligation: $3,199,281

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline