DOT's Maritime Admin Spends $422K on Phase M Regulatory Inspections for Deep Sea Freight Transportation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $422,450 ($422.4K)
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: $1.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: Transportation
Official Description: GILLILAND FY26 REGULATORY TSI-GLD26-1003A THE PURPOSE OF THIS LINE ITEM IS TO PROVIDE FOR ALL NECESSARY, MANDATORY AND ESSENTIAL PHASE M REGULATORY INSPECTIONS.
Place of Performance
Location: BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE CITY County, MARYLAND, 21224
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $422,450 to TOTE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: GILLILAND FY26 REGULATORY TSI-GLD26-1003A THE PURPOSE OF THIS LINE ITEM IS TO PROVIDE FOR ALL NECESSARY, MANDATORY AND ESSENTIAL PHASE M REGULATORY INSPECTIONS. Key points: 1. Spending is for mandatory regulatory inspections, a necessary function for safety and compliance. 2. The contract is with TOTE SERVICES, LLC, a known entity in the maritime sector. 3. The primary risk is potential delays or non-compliance if inspections are inadequate. 4. This falls under the Transportation sector, specifically deep sea freight.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is Cost No Fee with a fixed price for the delivery order. The awarded amount of $422,450 for 333 days of service seems reasonable for specialized regulatory inspections.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential regulatory oversight, ensuring safety and compliance in a critical transportation sector.
Public Impact
Ensures the safety and compliance of deep sea freight operations. Supports the regulatory framework governing maritime transportation. Contributes to the operational readiness and integrity of the U.S. maritime industry.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Reliance on a single delivery order for a critical function.
- Potential for scope creep or unforeseen inspection needs.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Clear definition of inspection requirements.
- Mandatory and essential nature of the service.
Sector Analysis
This spending is within the Transportation sector, specifically related to maritime operations. Benchmarks for regulatory inspection services can vary widely based on scope and duration, but this appears to be a standard allocation for such mandatory activities.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a delivery order under a larger agreement, implying some level of pre-award oversight. Ongoing oversight would focus on the quality and timeliness of the inspections performed.
Related Government Programs
- Deep Sea Freight Transportation
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Maritime Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Mandatory nature of service
- Full and open competition
- Defined delivery order period
- Cost-plus contract type (Cost No Fee)
Tags
deep-sea-freight-transportation, department-of-transportation, md, delivery-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $422,450 to TOTE SERVICES, LLC. GILLILAND FY26 REGULATORY TSI-GLD26-1003A THE PURPOSE OF THIS LINE ITEM IS TO PROVIDE FOR ALL NECESSARY, MANDATORY AND ESSENTIAL PHASE M REGULATORY INSPECTIONS.
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 $422,450.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-11-30.
What is the historical cost trend for these Phase M regulatory inspections?
Analyzing historical cost data for similar Phase M regulatory inspections would provide valuable context. Understanding if the current $422,450 cost is an increase, decrease, or stable compared to previous years or similar contracts can highlight potential cost efficiencies or emerging cost pressures. This trend analysis is crucial for long-term budget planning and identifying potential areas for cost savings.
What are the specific criteria and metrics used to evaluate the success of these regulatory inspections?
Defining clear success criteria and measurable metrics for the regulatory inspections is vital for ensuring effectiveness. This includes specifying the number of inspections, types of findings, resolution rates of deficiencies, and overall impact on maritime safety and compliance. Without these metrics, it's difficult to objectively assess whether the $422,450 investment is achieving its intended regulatory goals.
How does the scope of these inspections compare to similar regulatory requirements in other transportation sub-sectors?
Benchmarking the scope and cost of these Phase M inspections against similar regulatory requirements in other transportation sub-sectors, such as aviation or rail, can offer valuable insights. This comparison helps determine if the current regulatory burden and associated costs are aligned with industry standards and best practices, potentially identifying areas for harmonization or efficiency gains.
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: $422,450
Exercised Options: $422,450
Current Obligation: $422,450
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
Start Date: 2026-01-01
Current End Date: 2026-11-30
Potential End Date: 2026-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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