DHS Coast Guard Awards $4.2M Task Order to Pole Star for Navigational Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,221,420 ($4.2M)

Contractor: Pole Star Space Applications USA Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-03-01

End Date: 2026-07-29

Contract Duration: 150 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: TASK ORDER SUPPORTING IDIQ TASKS 1, 2, 3, 4AA, 5, AND 6 UNDER THE POLE STAR IDIQ.

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, PINELLAS County, FLORIDA, 33701

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $4.2 million to POLE STAR SPACE APPLICATIONS USA INC for work described as: TASK ORDER SUPPORTING IDIQ TASKS 1, 2, 3, 4AA, 5, AND 6 UNDER THE POLE STAR IDIQ. Key points: 1. The task order supports multiple IDIQ tasks, indicating a broad scope of work. 2. Awarded to Pole Star Space Applications USA Inc., a single vendor. 3. The contract is for navigational services, crucial for maritime safety and efficiency. 4. The fixed price contract aims to control costs for the 150-day duration.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $4.2M for a 150-day period appears reasonable for specialized navigational services. Benchmarking against similar task orders under the POLE STAR IDIQ would provide a clearer assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This task order was not competed, suggesting a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces competitive pressure, which could impact overall cost-effectiveness.

Taxpayer Impact: Without competition, taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these essential navigational services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued navigational support for U.S. Coast Guard operations. Supports maritime safety and efficiency for shipping in U.S. waters. Potential for increased costs due to lack of competitive bidding.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Sole-source award

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract
Clear end date

Sector Analysis

The IT and professional services sector, particularly for specialized applications like navigational systems, often involves complex requirements. Benchmarks for similar task orders under large IDIQs are essential for evaluating value.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this specific award, as the 'ss' and 'sb' fields are false. Further analysis would be needed to understand the overall small business utilization under the parent IDIQ.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a delivery order under an existing IDIQ, suggesting some level of pre-award oversight. However, the lack of competition for this specific task order warrants scrutiny regarding the justification for a sole-source award.

Related Government Programs

Navigational Services to Shipping
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Sole-source award
Potential for overpayment
Limited vendor options

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $4.2 million to POLE STAR SPACE APPLICATIONS USA INC. TASK ORDER SUPPORTING IDIQ TASKS 1, 2, 3, 4AA, 5, AND 6 UNDER THE POLE STAR IDIQ.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is POLE STAR SPACE APPLICATIONS USA 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 $4.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-01. End: 2026-07-29.

What was the justification for not competing this task order, given the potential for cost savings through competition?

The justification for not competing this task order is not provided in the data. Typically, sole-source awards are made when only one vendor possesses the necessary specialized capabilities, or in urgent situations. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if the government received fair value or if competitive alternatives were adequately explored.

What is the risk associated with a sole-source award for critical navigational services?

The primary risk of a sole-source award for critical navigational services is the potential for inflated costs due to the absence of competitive pressure. Additionally, it limits the government's ability to leverage innovation and potentially better solutions from other qualified vendors. This could also lead to vendor lock-in and reduced flexibility in future procurements.

How effective is the firm fixed price contract in managing costs for this navigational services task order?

A firm fixed price contract is generally effective in controlling costs as it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. For this task order, it provides cost certainty for the government. However, the overall effectiveness in achieving the best value is diminished by the lack of competition, which could have led to a lower initial price.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Water Transportation › Navigational Services to Shipping

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Prime PS Topco Limited

Address: 450 8TH AVE SE, SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, 33701

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,221,420

Exercised Options: $4,221,420

Current Obligation: $4,221,420

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z02325D76100001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline