Transportation contract for ship repairs awarded to TOTE SERVICES, LLC for $2.19M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,191,000 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Tote Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-09-21

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 374 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO FUND GOVERNMENT-OWNED SHIP GORDON FY25 REPAIRS E TSI-GDN25-1005E

Place of Performance

Location: BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE CITY County, MARYLAND, 21224

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.2 million to TOTE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO FUND GOVERNMENT-OWNED SHIP GORDON FY25 REPAIRS E TSI-GDN25-1005E Key points: 1. Contract awarded for ship repairs, indicating a need for maintenance in the maritime sector. 2. The contract duration of 374 days suggests a significant scope of work. 3. Awarded under a firm-fixed-price structure, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 483111 points to Deep Sea Freight Transportation. 5. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar framework. 6. The contract is not set aside for small businesses, suggesting it was open to larger entities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.19 million for ship repairs appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized maritime maintenance. Benchmarking against similar repair contracts for government-owned vessels would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award suggests that the government has a defined budget and expects the contractor to manage costs within that.

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 offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value. The open competition suggests a healthy market for these types of maritime repair services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors, ensuring the government receives the best possible value for its investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration, ensuring the operational readiness of government-owned ships. The services delivered include essential repairs to a government-owned ship, contributing to the nation's maritime capabilities. The geographic impact is likely focused on the location where the repairs are performed, potentially supporting regional maritime service industries. The contract supports the maritime workforce, including skilled tradespeople and technicians involved in ship repair.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the scope of repairs could lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
The duration of the contract (374 days) might indicate complex or extensive work, increasing the potential for unforeseen issues.
Reliance on a single delivery order without more context on the parent contract structure could obscure overall program spending.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs and shifts risk to the contractor.
The contract supports critical infrastructure maintenance for government-owned assets.

Sector Analysis

The maritime transportation sector involves the operation and maintenance of vessels for freight and passenger transport. This contract falls within the deep sea freight transportation sub-sector, focusing on the upkeep of essential assets. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining national security, economic stability, and the efficiency of global supply chains. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing historical repair costs for similar vessels and the overall budget allocated by the Maritime Administration for fleet maintenance.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, as indicated by the 'sb': false field. This suggests that the scope and requirements of the repair work were likely beyond the typical capacity or specialization of small businesses, or that the competition was open to all qualified offerors regardless of size. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General, which is responsible for auditing and investigating programs and operations. The firm-fixed-price contract type provides a degree of accountability by obligating the contractor to complete the work within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is enhanced by the public availability of contract awards, though detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Maritime Administration Fleet Maintenance
Government Vessel Repair Contracts
Deep Sea Freight Transportation Services
Naval Ship Maintenance

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if repair needs are not fully defined.
Contractor financial stability risk if repair costs are underestimated.
Quality control risk if contractor prioritizes speed over thoroughness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.2 million to TOTE SERVICES, LLC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO FUND GOVERNMENT-OWNED SHIP GORDON FY25 REPAIRS E TSI-GDN25-1005E

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TOTE SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Maritime Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-21. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the specific nature of the repairs required for the ship 'GORDON'?

The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the repairs for the ship 'GORDON'. The task order's purpose is to fund 'FY25 REPAIRS E TSI-GDN25-1005E', indicating it's for Fiscal Year 2025 repairs. Typically, such repairs could range from routine maintenance and hull cleaning to more extensive structural work, engine overhauls, or system upgrades. A detailed statement of work (SOW) within the full contract documentation would outline the precise requirements, scope, and expected outcomes of these repairs. Without access to the SOW, it's impossible to determine the specific technical details or complexity of the work.

How does the $2.19 million cost compare to similar ship repair contracts?

Benchmarking the $2.19 million cost requires comparing it to similar repair contracts for government-owned vessels of comparable size, age, and type, as well as the complexity of the required work. The Maritime Administration (MARAD) manages a fleet, and historical data on their repair expenditures would be the most relevant comparison. Factors such as the vessel's condition, the specific systems needing repair (e.g., propulsion, navigation, hull integrity), and the labor and material costs in the region where repairs are performed significantly influence pricing. A preliminary assessment suggests this amount is substantial, reflecting potentially significant repair needs or a comprehensive maintenance package over the contract's duration.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this specific delivery order. However, for a ship repair contract, typical KPIs would likely include adherence to schedule (completion by the end date of September 30, 2026), quality of workmanship (meeting specified standards and avoiding defects), cost control (staying within the firm-fixed-price budget), and compliance with safety regulations during the repair process. The Maritime Administration would establish these KPIs to ensure the effective and efficient execution of the repair work, ultimately ensuring the vessel's readiness and operational capability.

What is the track record of TOTE SERVICES, LLC with the Department of Transportation or similar agencies?

TOTE SERVICES, LLC is a known entity in the maritime industry, often involved in operating and managing vessels, including those for government use. Their track record with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and its agencies like the Maritime Administration (MARAD) would likely involve previous contracts for vessel operation, crewing, and potentially maintenance or repair services. A thorough assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations, any contract disputes or awards, and their history of successfully completing similar projects. Generally, companies awarded significant government contracts have demonstrated capabilities, but specific performance history is crucial for a complete risk assessment.

What is the historical spending trend for ship repairs by the Maritime Administration?

Historical spending trends for ship repairs by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) would reveal patterns in their investment in fleet maintenance. This includes the total annual budget allocated for repairs, the average cost per repair project, the frequency of major overhauls versus routine maintenance, and the types of vessels most frequently serviced. Analyzing these trends provides context for the current $2.19 million award, indicating whether it represents a typical expenditure, an increase, or a decrease in repair spending. Such analysis helps in understanding MARAD's long-term fleet management strategy and resource allocation priorities.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for ship repairs?

While firm-fixed-price (FFP) contracts are designed to provide cost certainty, they carry specific risks, especially for complex projects like ship repairs. The primary risk for the contractor is underestimating the scope or complexity of the work, leading to potential losses if unforeseen issues arise (e.g., hidden structural damage, unexpected material costs). For the government, the risk is that the contractor might cut corners on quality or safety to maintain profitability, although robust oversight and quality assurance measures mitigate this. If the government later requires changes or additions beyond the original scope, change order negotiations can become contentious and costly.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation › Deep Sea Freight Transportation

Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10401 DEERWOOD PARK BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL, 32256

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,191,000

Exercised Options: $2,191,000

Current Obligation: $2,191,000

Actual Outlays: $245,302

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JF725D000020

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline