Over $41.5M Awarded for Hurricane Helene Debris Removal in Union County, NC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,554,104 ($41.6M)

Contractor: Tmsab LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-03-10

End Date: 2025-07-20

Contract Duration: 132 days

Daily Burn Rate: $314.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HURRICANE HELENE UNION COUNTY WATERWAY DEBRIS REMOVAL

Place of Performance

Location: MONROE, UNION County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28110

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $41.6 million to TMSAB LLC for work described as: HURRICANE HELENE UNION COUNTY WATERWAY DEBRIS REMOVAL Key points: 1. Contract awarded to TMSAB LLC for waterway debris removal. 2. Significant funding allocated for post-hurricane recovery efforts. 3. Contract duration spans approximately four months. 4. North Carolina is the primary geographic focus for this operation. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating defined costs. 6. This award is categorized under Other Waste Collection services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $41.5 million for debris removal is substantial. Benchmarking this against similar disaster recovery contracts is challenging without more specific details on the scope of work, such as the volume of debris and the complexity of removal operations. The provided data does not include a baseline cost or comparison to other bids, making a precise value-for-money assessment difficult. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests an attempt to control costs, though the absence of competition raises questions about potential overpayment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' basis, indicating a sole-source procurement. This typically occurs in emergency situations where only one contractor can meet the urgent needs. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity to solicit multiple bids or negotiate pricing based on market alternatives, potentially leading to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may face higher costs due to the absence of competitive bidding, as the government did not have the benefit of price discovery through multiple offers.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in Union County, North Carolina, will benefit from the restoration of waterways. Services include the removal of debris caused by Hurricane Helene. The geographic impact is concentrated in Union County, NC. Improved waterway navigation and reduced flood risk are anticipated outcomes. Local environmental conditions are expected to improve with debris removal.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
Sole-source award raises concerns about the urgency and necessity of this specific contractor.
The large dollar amount warrants close scrutiny of performance and deliverables.

Positive Signals

Award addresses critical post-disaster recovery needs.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Specific focus on waterway debris removal targets a key infrastructure vulnerability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader waste collection and disposal services sector, specifically focusing on disaster recovery and environmental remediation. The market for emergency debris removal is often characterized by rapid mobilization and specialized equipment. While specific market size data for waterway debris removal in North Carolina is not readily available, the federal government frequently contracts for such services following major natural disasters, with spending varying significantly year-to-year based on weather events.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. Given the sole-source nature of the award, it is unlikely that small business participation was a primary consideration in the procurement process. Further investigation would be needed to determine if any subcontracting plans exist or are required.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army, with potential involvement from the agency's Inspector General's office. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance work statement, delivery schedules, and quality control standards. Transparency may be limited due to the sole-source nature, but contract award details are generally publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Hurricane Recovery Efforts
Emergency Debris Management
Waterway Maintenance
Environmental Remediation Services
Disaster Relief Funding

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
Potential for cost overruns without competitive bidding.
Limited public information on contractor's past performance in similar roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $41.6 million to TMSAB LLC. HURRICANE HELENE UNION COUNTY WATERWAY DEBRIS REMOVAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TMSAB LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $41.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-10. End: 2025-07-20.

What is the specific scope of work for the waterway debris removal, and how was the $41.5 million cost estimate derived?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of work for the waterway debris removal beyond the general description. The derivation of the $41.5 million cost estimate for TMSAB LLC is also not specified. Typically, such estimates are based on factors like the estimated volume and type of debris, the complexity of access and removal, labor costs, equipment rental, disposal fees, and administrative overhead. For a sole-source award, the government likely negotiated this price directly with TMSAB LLC, potentially based on historical pricing for similar services, industry cost guides, or proposals submitted by the contractor. Without the detailed statement of work and cost breakdown, it is difficult to fully assess the reasonableness of the price.

What are TMSAB LLC's past performance records, particularly in large-scale disaster recovery operations?

Information regarding TMSAB LLC's past performance, especially in large-scale disaster recovery operations, is not included in the provided data. To assess this contractor's suitability and reliability for a contract of this magnitude and urgency, a review of their contract history, client references, and any performance evaluations would be necessary. Agencies often maintain performance records (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) that detail a contractor's track record on previous government contracts, including on-time delivery, quality of work, and adherence to cost constraints. The absence of this information in the summary data prevents a thorough evaluation of TMSAB LLC's capabilities for this critical recovery mission.

How does the $41.5 million award compare to typical federal spending on waterway debris removal contracts of similar scope?

Comparing the $41.5 million award for waterway debris removal to typical federal spending is challenging without more specific context on the scope, duration, and geographic area covered. Federal spending on disaster recovery fluctuates significantly based on the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Contracts for debris removal can range from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars. For instance, following major hurricanes, large-scale contracts are common. However, the 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status suggests this might be an emergency response, potentially impacting pricing compared to competitively bid contracts. A benchmark would require identifying similar-sized events and contracts with comparable debris volumes and complexity.

What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source award for disaster recovery services?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for disaster recovery services is the potential for inflated costs due to the lack of competition. Without multiple bids, the government loses the opportunity to leverage market forces to achieve the best possible price. There's also a risk that the chosen contractor may not be the most capable or efficient, as alternatives were not explored. Furthermore, sole-source awards can sometimes lead to perceptions of impropriety or favoritism, even if justified by emergency circumstances. Ensuring robust oversight and performance monitoring becomes even more critical to mitigate these risks and ensure taxpayer funds are used effectively.

What oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure the effective and efficient execution of this debris removal contract?

Oversight mechanisms for this contract would typically involve the contracting officer's representative (COR) from the Department of the Army, who is responsible for monitoring the contractor's performance against the contract requirements. This includes ensuring work is completed according to specifications, within the timeline, and to the required quality standards. Regular progress reports, site inspections, and potentially independent verification of debris removal quantities would be part of the oversight process. The agency's Inspector General may also conduct audits or investigations to ensure accountability and prevent fraud, waste, or abuse, especially given the significant dollar amount and sole-source nature of the award.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 101 E 9TH AVE STE 9B, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99501

Business Categories: Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $41,554,104

Exercised Options: $41,554,104

Current Obligation: $41,554,104

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912PM25D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline