Transportation contract for ship support services awarded to TOTE SERVICES, LLC for $2.6M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $262,500 ($262.5K)

Contractor: Tote Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-01-01

End Date: 2026-11-30

Contract Duration: 333 days

Daily Burn Rate: $788/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: GORDON FY26 SHIP SUPPORT TSI-GDN26-1008A THE PURPOSE OF THIS LINE ITEM IS TO PROVIDE SHIP SUPPORT SERVICES DURING THE MAINTENANCE PHASE.

Place of Performance

Location: BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE CITY County, MARYLAND, 21224

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $262,500 to TOTE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: GORDON FY26 SHIP SUPPORT TSI-GDN26-1008A THE PURPOSE OF THIS LINE ITEM IS TO PROVIDE SHIP SUPPORT SERVICES DURING THE MAINTENANCE PHASE. Key points: 1. Contract aims to provide essential ship support during the maintenance phase. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Duration of 333 days indicates a significant, but defined, period of service. 4. The contract type is Cost No Fee, which requires careful monitoring of costs. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 483111 points to deep-sea freight transportation. 6. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.6 million for 333 days of ship support services needs further benchmarking against similar contracts. Without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. The Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type means the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs, plus a fixed fee, which can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against industry standards for ship maintenance and support services would be crucial.

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 number of bidders is not specified, but this method generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the most advantageous offer. The level of competition is a positive sign for achieving a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down costs through competitive pressure, ensuring that the government receives services at a reasonable price.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the vessels requiring maintenance and the operational readiness of the fleet. Services delivered include crucial support functions during the maintenance phase of ships. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around the maintenance facilities and operational areas of the vessels. Workforce implications may include employment for maritime professionals, technicians, and support staff involved in ship maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type requires diligent oversight to manage allowable costs and prevent overruns.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it challenging to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the support services.
The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it might be part of a larger, potentially less scrutinized, IDIQ contract.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process that should yield fair pricing.
The contract duration is clearly defined, providing a specific timeframe for service delivery.
The Maritime Administration's involvement suggests a focus on critical national maritime infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader transportation sector, specifically focusing on maritime support services. The deep-sea freight transportation industry is a critical component of global trade, involving complex logistics and maintenance operations. Spending in this area is often driven by fleet readiness requirements and operational demands. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for ship maintenance, repair, and logistical support within government agencies like the Maritime Administration or the Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is unlikely. However, TOTE SERVICES, LLC, as the prime contractor, may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services, contributing indirectly to the small business ecosystem. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess the impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration. As a Cost No Fee contract, rigorous financial oversight is essential to ensure that only allowable costs are reimbursed and that the fixed fee is appropriate. Transparency would be enhanced by public reporting of performance metrics and cost expenditures. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Maritime Administration Ship Maintenance Contracts
Department of Transportation Vessel Support Services
Deep Sea Freight Transportation Services
Naval Vessel Maintenance and Repair
US Flagged Merchant Fleet Support

Risk Flags

Cost No Fee contract type requires stringent cost oversight.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes objective evaluation difficult.
Potential for cost overruns inherent in CNF contracts.
Delivery Order implies potential for task orders under a larger IDIQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $262,500 to TOTE SERVICES, LLC. GORDON FY26 SHIP SUPPORT TSI-GDN26-1008A THE PURPOSE OF THIS LINE ITEM IS TO PROVIDE SHIP SUPPORT SERVICES DURING THE MAINTENANCE PHASE.

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 $262,500.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-11-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for ship support services by the Maritime Administration?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for ship support services by the Maritime Administration is crucial for understanding trends, identifying potential cost efficiencies, and setting realistic budget expectations. While specific data for this contract's line item is limited, a broader review of the Maritime Administration's budget allocations for fleet maintenance and operational support over the past five to ten fiscal years would reveal trends. This analysis should consider the number of vessels under maintenance, the complexity of services provided, and any significant fluctuations in contract values. Comparing current spending levels to historical averages, adjusted for inflation and changes in fleet size or operational tempo, can highlight whether this $2.6 million award represents a typical investment or a deviation. Furthermore, examining the types of contracts previously awarded (e.g., fixed-price vs. cost-reimbursable) and their outcomes can provide context for the current Cost No Fee award.

How does the per-unit cost of this contract compare to similar ship support services?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost of this contract requires defining a relevant unit of measure. For ship support services, this could be cost per day, cost per vessel, or cost per specific maintenance task. Given the contract duration of 333 days and a value of approximately $2.6 million, the daily cost is roughly $7,808. Comparing this figure to similar contracts awarded by the Maritime Administration or other agencies for comparable vessel types and service scopes is essential. Factors such as vessel size, age, type of maintenance (routine vs. complex overhaul), and geographic location of service can significantly influence costs. If comparable contracts are scarce or data is not publicly available, industry benchmarks for commercial ship maintenance and support can serve as a secondary comparison point. A higher per-unit cost than benchmarks might indicate potential inefficiencies or unique service requirements, warranting further investigation.

What is TOTE SERVICES, LLC's track record with government contracts, particularly in ship support?

Evaluating TOTE SERVICES, LLC's track record is vital for assessing performance risk and reliability. A review of their contract history with federal agencies, particularly the Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration, would reveal their experience in delivering ship support services. Key aspects to examine include past performance evaluations, any history of contract disputes, timely delivery of services, and adherence to budget constraints. Specifically, looking at previous Cost No Fee contracts awarded to TOTE SERVICES, LLC can provide insight into their cost management capabilities. Information from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) can offer valuable data points. A strong track record with positive past performance assessments would increase confidence in their ability to successfully execute this contract.

What are the specific performance metrics and deliverables associated with this contract?

The provided data does not specify the performance metrics or deliverables for this contract. Understanding these is critical for assessing the contractor's accountability and the value received by the government. Key performance indicators (KPIs) should be defined to measure the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of the ship support services. Deliverables might include maintenance reports, operational readiness certifications, or completion of specific repair tasks. Without clearly defined metrics and deliverables, it is challenging to objectively evaluate whether TOTE SERVICES, LLC is meeting the government's requirements and to hold them accountable for performance. The absence of this information in the summary data suggests a need to consult the full contract documentation for a comprehensive understanding of expectations and evaluation criteria.

What is the risk associated with the Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type for this specific service?

The Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type carries inherent risks for the government, primarily related to cost control. In a CNF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred in performing the contract, plus a fixed fee. While this structure can be beneficial for services where the scope is uncertain or difficult to define precisely, it places a significant burden on the government to meticulously monitor and audit the contractor's costs to ensure they are reasonable, allocable, and allowable. If oversight is insufficient, the government risks paying inflated costs or costs for services not actually rendered. For ship support services, where unforeseen issues can arise during maintenance, the CNF structure might seem appropriate. However, it necessitates robust government oversight mechanisms, including detailed cost accounting standards and regular audits, to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure value for taxpayer money.

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: COST NO FEE (S)

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: $262,500

Exercised Options: $262,500

Current Obligation: $262,500

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