DHS awards $4.2M contract to Kens Marine Service for oil spill remediation in New Jersey

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,239 ($4.2K)

Contractor: Kens Marine Service Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-01-28

End Date: 2025-04-28

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $47/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: UCGPB25004 PROVIDE LABOR, MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT TO MITIGATE THE HARMFUL AFFECT OF OIL SPILL OR HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL INCIDENT, AS DIRECTED BY THE FOSCR

Place of Performance

Location: HIGHLANDS, MONMOUTH County, NEW JERSEY, 07732

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $4,239.32 to KENS MARINE SERVICE INC for work described as: UCGPB25004 PROVIDE LABOR, MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT TO MITIGATE THE HARMFUL AFFECT OF OIL SPILL OR HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL INCIDENT, AS DIRECTED BY THE FOSCR Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical oil spill and hazardous chemical incident response. 2. Kens Marine Service Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The remediation services sector is vital for environmental protection and emergency response. 4. Potential risks include response time and effectiveness in large-scale incidents.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.24 million for a 90-day period appears reasonable for emergency response services. However, without specific benchmarks for similar oil spill remediation contracts, a definitive pricing assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competitive bidding. This method may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective solution available.

Public Impact

Ensures rapid response capabilities for environmental emergencies. Protects sensitive coastal and marine ecosystems from pollution. Supports local and federal efforts in disaster preparedness and mitigation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and potential cost savings.
Limited contract duration may not cover long-term remediation needs.
Effectiveness of remediation services in diverse spill scenarios is unproven.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for environmental protection.
Utilizes a specialized service provider for hazardous incidents.
Supports the U.S. Coast Guard's operational readiness.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the environmental remediation services sector, which is crucial for responding to industrial accidents and natural disasters. Spending in this area is often reactive and driven by emergency needs, making pre-negotiated, competitive contracts challenging.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source award, suggesting a missed opportunity for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be critical to ensure Kens Marine Service Inc. meets all contractual obligations for effective and timely remediation, especially given the sole-source nature of the award.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns
Effectiveness in diverse spill scenarios
Limited contract duration
No small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $4,239.32 to KENS MARINE SERVICE INC. UCGPB25004 PROVIDE LABOR, MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT TO MITIGATE THE HARMFUL AFFECT OF OIL SPILL OR HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL INCIDENT, AS DIRECTED BY THE FOSCR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KENS MARINE SERVICE 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 $4,239.32.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-28. End: 2025-04-28.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were any attempts made to explore competitive options?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent and compelling needs, or a lack of qualified sources. Without further details, it's unclear if the U.S. Coast Guard explored other vendors or if Kens Marine Service possesses exclusive expertise or equipment essential for this specific type of remediation.

How will the effectiveness of the remediation services be measured and verified?

Effectiveness will likely be measured against pre-defined response objectives and environmental cleanup standards outlined in the contract. Verification may involve post-remediation environmental testing, reporting by the contractor, and independent oversight by the U.S. Coast Guard or other environmental agencies to ensure the harmful effects are adequately mitigated.

What is the potential long-term cost implication of relying on sole-source contracts for emergency response services?

Sole-source contracts can lead to higher costs over time due to the absence of competitive pressure. If emergency response needs are frequent, establishing pre-negotiated, competitively awarded contracts or indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicles could yield better long-term value and cost savings for the government.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 116 E 22ND ST, BAYONNE, NJ, 07002

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,239

Exercised Options: $4,239

Current Obligation: $4,239

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z08423GB0004100

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline