DoD Awards $26.25M for Pipeline Fuel Transport, Facing Foreign Awardee Uncertainty

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,250,633 ($26.3M)

Contractor: Foreign Awardees (undisclosed)

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-01-17

End Date: 2020-05-16

Contract Duration: 120 days

Daily Burn Rate: $218.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: GROUND FUEL, CORP (203RD, 205TH, 215TH) DO#12

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $26.3 million to FOREIGN AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: GROUND FUEL, CORP (203RD, 205TH, 215TH) DO#12 Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $26.25 million for essential fuel logistics. 2. Competition was full and open, but awardees are undisclosed foreign entities, raising transparency concerns. 3. Risk associated with foreign awardees and potential lack of direct oversight. 4. Sector is critical infrastructure, specifically transportation of refined petroleum products.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $26.25 million for 120 days of service appears reasonable given the critical nature of fuel transportation. However, without specific benchmarks for pipeline services, a precise value assessment is difficult. The firm fixed price contract offers cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is positive for price discovery. However, the fact that the awardees are undisclosed foreign entities limits transparency and potentially complicates oversight, even with a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential defense logistics. While competition was employed, the lack of transparency regarding foreign awardees warrants scrutiny to ensure value for money.

Public Impact

Ensures critical fuel supply chain for military operations. Potential national security implications due to reliance on foreign entities for essential infrastructure. Lack of transparency on awardees hinders public understanding of defense spending.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Undisclosed foreign awardees
  • Limited transparency in competition details
  • Potential national security risks

Positive Signals

  • Full and open competition utilized
  • Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically supporting logistics and infrastructure. Spending on fuel transportation is crucial for military readiness, and benchmarks vary widely based on the mode of transport and geopolitical factors.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses. Given the nature of pipeline transportation, it is likely that larger, specialized firms, potentially including foreign entities, were the primary participants.

Oversight & Accountability

While awarded under full and open competition, the undisclosed nature of the foreign awardees presents an oversight challenge. Further investigation into the vetting process and ongoing monitoring of these entities is crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

  • Pipeline Transportation of Refined Petroleum Products
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Undisclosed foreign awardees
  • Potential national security risks
  • Lack of transparency in awardee identification
  • Limited direct oversight capabilities

Tags

pipeline-transportation-of-refined-petro, department-of-defense, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $26.3 million to FOREIGN AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED). GROUND FUEL, CORP (203RD, 205TH, 215TH) DO#12

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FOREIGN AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED).

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-01-17. End: 2020-05-16.

What is the specific vetting process for undisclosed foreign awardees in critical defense infrastructure contracts?

The vetting process for foreign awardees in critical defense contracts typically involves national security reviews, checks against sanctions lists, and assessments of their operational capabilities and reliability. However, the extent of public disclosure regarding these processes is often limited due to security concerns, making it difficult to ascertain the specific measures applied in this case.

How does the use of undisclosed foreign entities impact the risk profile of this fuel transportation contract?

The use of undisclosed foreign entities introduces several risks, including potential geopolitical vulnerabilities, challenges in enforcing contractual obligations, and difficulties in ensuring compliance with U.S. security standards. It also raises concerns about transparency and accountability, making it harder to assess the true cost-effectiveness and reliability of the service provided.

What measures are in place to ensure the effectiveness and security of the pipeline transportation services provided by these foreign awardees?

Effectiveness and security are typically ensured through rigorous performance standards outlined in the contract, regular inspections, and reporting requirements. However, with undisclosed foreign entities, the ability to conduct direct oversight and immediate intervention may be more complex, relying heavily on the contractual framework and diplomatic channels if issues arise.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and WarehousingOther Pipeline TransportationPipeline Transportation of Refined Petroleum Products

Product/Service Code: FUELS, LUBRICANTS, OILS, WAXES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W91B4N17R0005

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1800 F ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20405

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,250,633

Exercised Options: $26,250,633

Current Obligation: $26,250,633

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W91B4N17D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2020-01-17

Current End Date: 2020-05-16

Potential End Date: 2020-05-16 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2021-08-20

More Contracts from Foreign Awardees (undisclosed)

View all Foreign Awardees (undisclosed) federal contracts →

Other Department of Defense Contracts

View all Department of Defense contracts →

Explore Related Government Spending