DoD awards $5.3M for USS Gerald R. Ford husbanding services, with Waypoint LLC securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,296,000 ($5.3M)

Contractor: Waypoint LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2026-01-08

End Date: 2026-01-26

Contract Duration: 18 days

Daily Burn Rate: $294.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: HUSBANDING SERVICES FOR USS GERALD R FORD PVST 55562

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT THOMAS, FRANKLIN County, PENNSYLVANIA, 17252

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.3 million to WAYPOINT LLC for work described as: HUSBANDING SERVICES FOR USS GERALD R FORD PVST 55562 Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in naval operational support. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. Short duration indicates a specific, time-bound operational need. 5. Contract awarded under the Port and Harbor Operations NAICS code. 6. The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger IDIQ.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.3 million for husbanding services for the USS Gerald R. Ford appears reasonable given the critical nature of naval vessel support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for major naval assets is challenging due to unique operational requirements and vessel class. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator of value if managed effectively. The award amount is within the expected range for specialized maritime support services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized service. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, the fact that multiple companies vied for the contract implies that the pricing is likely to be market-reflective. The agency's decision to use full and open competition is generally a positive sign for achieving fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the assurance that the contract was awarded through a process designed to solicit competitive offers, aiming for the best value and price.

Public Impact

Naval operations and readiness of the USS Gerald R. Ford are directly supported. Services provided ensure the vessel can conduct its mission effectively. The contract supports specialized maritime services, potentially involving local port infrastructure. Workforce implications may include employment for personnel involved in maritime support and logistics.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Short contract duration may limit long-term planning for the contractor.
Dependence on a single delivery order could create uncertainty for future work.
The specific nature of husbanding services requires specialized knowledge and resources.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition indicates a robust bidding process.
Fixed-price contract type aligns incentives for cost control.
Award to Waypoint LLC suggests established capability in maritime support.
Delivery order structure allows for flexibility within a broader framework.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader defense sector, specifically supporting naval operations. The market for naval husbanding services is specialized, involving companies with expertise in logistics, port services, and vessel support. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining fleet readiness and projecting power. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique requirements of each naval vessel and deployment, but significant investments are typical for major fleet assets like aircraft carriers.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to Waypoint LLC, a company not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data, suggests the primary focus was on capability and price for this specific requirement. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this particular award, though larger prime contractors often utilize small businesses for various support roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract terms, requiring Waypoint LLC to deliver specified services within budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Naval vessel maintenance and repair
Maritime logistics and supply chain management
Port operations and services
Defense readiness and sustainment

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may indicate urgent need or limited scope.
Limited number of bidders (2) could suggest niche market or high barriers to entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.3 million to WAYPOINT LLC. HUSBANDING SERVICES FOR USS GERALD R FORD PVST 55562

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WAYPOINT LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-08. End: 2026-01-26.

What is Waypoint LLC's track record with similar naval husbanding contracts?

Information regarding Waypoint LLC's specific track record with similar naval husbanding contracts is not detailed in the provided data. However, their selection for this significant contract suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience to support a major naval asset like the USS Gerald R. Ford. Further investigation into their past performance, client references, and history with the Department of Defense would be required for a comprehensive assessment. Agencies typically maintain performance records that inform future award decisions, and Waypoint's success here implies a satisfactory history or strong proposal.

How does the $5.3 million award compare to historical spending on husbanding services for aircraft carriers?

Direct comparison of the $5.3 million award to historical spending on husbanding services for aircraft carriers is complex without specific historical data for the USS Gerald R. Ford or comparable vessels. Husbanding services encompass a wide range of support, including logistical, administrative, and operational needs, which can vary significantly based on deployment location, duration, and specific mission requirements. Aircraft carriers, being the largest and most complex naval vessels, naturally incur substantial support costs. This $5.3 million figure for a specific delivery order period should be viewed within the context of the overall operational budget for the carrier, which can run into hundreds of millions annually.

What are the primary risks associated with this husbanding services contract?

The primary risks associated with this husbanding services contract include potential performance issues by the contractor, Waypoint LLC, in delivering the required services. Given the fixed-price nature, there's a risk of cost overruns for the contractor if unforeseen operational challenges arise, potentially impacting service quality or leading to disputes. Another risk is the short duration of the contract (18 days), which might indicate a critical, time-sensitive need where delays could have significant operational impacts. Ensuring seamless coordination between the contractor, the ship's command, and port authorities is also crucial to mitigate risks related to logistical disruptions or access issues.

How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring value for taxpayer money in this case?

The full and open competition process is generally effective in ensuring value for taxpayer money by fostering a competitive environment that encourages multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. In this case, with two bidders, the competition, while not extensive, likely pressured Waypoint LLC to submit a competitive offer. The fixed-price contract type further enhances value by capping the government's financial exposure. However, the true measure of value effectiveness depends on the thoroughness of the evaluation process and whether the selected offer truly represents the best combination of price and performance, which requires detailed review of the evaluation criteria and outcomes.

What are the potential implications of this contract on future spending for the USS Gerald R. Ford's lifecycle support?

This contract, being a delivery order for husbanding services, represents a specific, short-term need and may not directly dictate future lifecycle support spending. However, Waypoint LLC's performance on this contract could influence future decisions. If Waypoint performs exceptionally well, they might be favored for subsequent husbanding service contracts or other related support needs for the USS Gerald R. Ford or other vessels. Conversely, poor performance could lead to their exclusion from future opportunities. The Department of the Navy will likely continue to use competitive bidding processes for ongoing support, ensuring that future spending is evaluated against market conditions and performance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Water Transportation › Port and Harbor Operations

Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATION OF SHIPS, SMALL CRAFTS, PONTOONS AND FLOATING DOCKS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 621 6TH ST, BROOKINGS, SD, 57006

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,296,000

Exercised Options: $5,296,000

Current Obligation: $5,296,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6817121D0035

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline