NOAA Spends $1.79M on Alaskan Vessel Charters for Oceanographic Surveys
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,789,341 ($1.8M)
Contractor: B & N Fisheries Company
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2018-06-18
End Date: 2023-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,022 days
Daily Burn Rate: $885/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: VESSEL CHARTER FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS INCLUDING TRAWL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC SURVEYS IN ALASKAN MARINE WATERS.
Place of Performance
Location: JUNEAU, JUNEAU County, ALASKA, 99801
State: Alaska Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $1.8 million to B & N FISHERIES COMPANY for work described as: VESSEL CHARTER FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS INCLUDING TRAWL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC SURVEYS IN ALASKAN MARINE WATERS. Key points: 1. The contract awarded to B & N Fisheries Company for vessel charter services highlights a significant investment in marine research infrastructure. 2. Competition under SAP suggests a streamlined procurement process, but the impact on price discovery needs further examination. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but the extended duration could introduce risks. 4. Spending in the 'Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation' sector for specialized survey vessels is crucial for environmental monitoring.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $1.79M contract for vessel charter appears reasonable given the specialized nature of oceanographic surveys in Alaskan waters. Benchmarking against similar specialized vessel charters would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a limited competition approach. While efficient for smaller procurements, it may not always yield the best price discovery compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The firm fixed-price structure helps manage taxpayer costs, but the effectiveness of competition under SAP in achieving optimal pricing is a key consideration for taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Supports critical oceanographic research and environmental monitoring in Alaskan waters. Ensures the availability of specialized vessels for data collection vital to understanding marine ecosystems. Facilitates NOAA's mission in managing and protecting marine resources. The extended contract period ensures continuity of essential survey operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 88 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost escalation over the extended contract duration.
- Limited competition may not have secured the lowest possible price.
- Dependence on a single vessel charter for critical survey operations.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
- Supports vital scientific research and environmental monitoring.
- Procurement utilized simplified acquisition procedures for efficiency.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader transportation and logistics sector, specifically for specialized marine services. Benchmarks for similar vessel charters in remote or challenging environments like Alaska would be relevant for cost comparison.
Small Business Impact
Analysis of small business participation is not directly available from the provided data. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the subcontracting or prime contracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) suggests a streamlined oversight process. However, the extended duration and total value warrant continued monitoring to ensure adherence to contract terms and effective use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Extended contract duration increases risk of cost escalation.
- Limited competition may not have yielded the best price.
- Dependence on a single provider for critical services.
- Potential for unforeseen operational challenges in remote Alaskan waters.
Tags
coastal-and-great-lakes-passenger-transp, department-of-commerce, ak, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $1.8 million to B & N FISHERIES COMPANY. VESSEL CHARTER FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS INCLUDING TRAWL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC SURVEYS IN ALASKAN MARINE WATERS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is B & N FISHERIES COMPANY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $1.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-06-18. End: 2023-12-31.
What specific oceanographic surveys were conducted, and how critical were they to NOAA's mission?
The vessel charter supported various projects, including trawl and oceanographic surveys in Alaskan marine waters. These surveys are critical for NOAA's mission of understanding and managing marine ecosystems, fisheries, and environmental conditions in a vital region. The data collected likely informs resource management, climate change impact assessments, and navigational safety.
What are the risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for a multi-year vessel charter in a remote location?
Risks include potential cost overruns if unforeseen operational challenges arise in the remote Alaskan environment, such as extreme weather or equipment failures, which are not fully captured by the fixed price. Additionally, the contractor might face increased operational costs over the extended period due to inflation or supply chain issues, potentially impacting service quality if not managed proactively.
How effective was the competition under SAP in ensuring value for taxpayer money on this contract?
Competition under SAP is designed for efficiency and speed, often resulting in good value for smaller procurements. However, for a contract of this duration and value, the limited competition might have precluded exploring a wider range of potential providers or negotiating more aggressive pricing. A post-award analysis comparing the final price to market rates would better assess the value achieved.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation › Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation
Product/Service Code: SHIPS, SMALL CRAFT, PONTOON, DOCKS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: AB133F18RQ0244
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 303 NE NORTHLAKE WAY, SEATTLE, WA, 98105
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $5,113,084
Exercised Options: $2,995,584
Current Obligation: $1,789,341
Actual Outlays: $327,934
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-06-18
Current End Date: 2023-12-31
Potential End Date: 2023-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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