FEMA Awards $29.5M for Navigational Services to Support Hurricane Survivors in Puerto Rico

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,457,500 ($29.5M)

Contractor: Sealift Inc. of Delaware

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2017-10-01

End Date: 2018-01-26

Contract Duration: 117 days

Daily Burn Rate: $251.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) IS IN NEED OF ACCOMMODATIONS TO THE SURVIVORS AND FIRST RESPONDERS IN PUERTO RICO DUE TO HURRICANE IRMA (DR-4332) AND MARIA (DR-4339).

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20472

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $29.5 million to SEALIFT INC. OF DELAWARE for work described as: THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) IS IN NEED OF ACCOMMODATIONS TO THE SURVIVORS AND FIRST RESPONDERS IN PUERTO RICO DUE TO HURRICANE IRMA (DR-4332) AND MARIA (DR-4339). Key points: 1. Significant federal investment to address disaster relief needs. 2. Competition method indicates potential for fair pricing. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risk. 4. Focus on essential services highlights critical infrastructure support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $29.5 million for navigational services appears reasonable given the urgent need for disaster relief. Benchmarking against similar contracts for emergency response logistics is difficult without more specific service details, but the scale suggests a substantial requirement.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple vendors have the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to provide essential services for disaster recovery, directly impacting the effectiveness of relief efforts.

Public Impact

Ensures critical navigational support for shipping and aid delivery to Puerto Rico post-hurricanes. Facilitates the movement of essential supplies and personnel to affected areas. Supports the broader federal response to major natural disasters.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for scope creep in disaster response contracts.
  • Dependence on specific vendor capabilities for critical services.

Positive Signals

  • Timely award to address urgent post-hurricane needs.
  • Use of a competitive process for contract award.
  • Firm fixed-price contract type for cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under general government services, specifically related to emergency response and logistics. Spending in this area can fluctuate significantly based on the frequency and severity of natural disasters.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Homeland Security, through FEMA, is responsible for overseeing this contract. The award process and performance monitoring are key to ensuring accountability and effective use of funds.

Related Government Programs

  • Navigational Services to Shipping
  • Department of Homeland Security Contracting
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Urgency of need may have impacted thoroughness of competition.
  • Geographic concentration of services in a disaster zone.
  • Potential for follow-on requirements if recovery is prolonged.
  • Reliance on a single awardee for critical support.

Tags

navigational-services-to-shipping, department-of-homeland-security, dc, purchase-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $29.5 million to SEALIFT INC. OF DELAWARE. THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) IS IN NEED OF ACCOMMODATIONS TO THE SURVIVORS AND FIRST RESPONDERS IN PUERTO RICO DUE TO HURRICANE IRMA (DR-4332) AND MARIA (DR-4339).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SEALIFT INC. OF DELAWARE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-10-01. End: 2018-01-26.

What specific navigational services were provided, and how did they directly contribute to the relief efforts?

The navigational services likely involved ensuring safe passage for vessels carrying aid, personnel, and equipment to Puerto Rico. This could include charting, traffic management, and communication support, crucial for efficient and safe delivery of essential resources in a disaster-stricken environment.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how was Sealift Inc.'s performance measured?

Key performance indicators would typically focus on the reliability, timeliness, and safety of the navigational services provided. Performance would be measured against contract requirements, potentially including response times, accuracy of information, and adherence to safety protocols, ensuring the smooth flow of disaster relief operations.

Were there any challenges encountered during the contract period, and how were they resolved?

Challenges could have included navigating damaged ports, unpredictable weather, or coordinating with multiple agencies. Resolution would likely involve adaptive planning, close communication between FEMA, Sealift Inc., and other stakeholders, and potentially contract modifications if unforeseen circumstances significantly impacted service delivery.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and WarehousingSupport Activities for Water TransportationNavigational Services to Shipping

Product/Service Code: SHIPS, SMALL CRAFT, PONTOON, DOCKS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HSFE30-17-R0043

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Sealift Holdings Inc (UEI: 188576409)

Address: 68 W MAIN ST STE 201, OYSTER BAY, NY, 11771

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,457,500

Exercised Options: $29,457,500

Current Obligation: $29,457,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Timeline

Start Date: 2017-10-01

Current End Date: 2018-01-26

Potential End Date: 2018-02-26 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2019-04-01

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