Transportation contract for dock trials awarded to Crowley Government Services for $1.4M, spanning 175 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,401,026 ($1.4M)

Contractor: Crowley Government Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 175 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: MENDONCA FY26 DOCK TRIAL CGS-MDC26-1001A THIS TASK ORDER ADDS FUNDING AND PROVIDES A PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR MENDONCA FY26 DOCK TRIAL.

Place of Performance

Location: NEWPORT NEWS, NEWPORT NEWS CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23607

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $1.4 million to CROWLEY GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC. for work described as: MENDONCA FY26 DOCK TRIAL CGS-MDC26-1001A THIS TASK ORDER ADDS FUNDING AND PROVIDES A PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR MENDONCA FY26 DOCK TRIAL. Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the fixed-price nature of the contract. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a defined period of performance and fixed pricing. 4. Performance context is specific to dock trials, a niche but essential maritime service. 5. Sector positioning is within transportation, specifically maritime logistics and support services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.4 million for a 175-day period of performance for dock trials appears reasonable. Without specific benchmarks for similar dock trial services, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator for value. The award amount is within the expected range for specialized maritime support services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders likely had the opportunity to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The agency's choice of full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for competitive bids, driving down costs and ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration, who will receive services essential for evaluating and testing dock operations. The services delivered include the operational trials and testing of dock facilities, crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency in maritime operations. The geographic impact is likely concentrated in Virginia, where the contract is being performed. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for maritime professionals, technicians, and support staff involved in conducting the dock trials.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if trial objectives are not clearly defined and managed.
Dependence on contractor expertise could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Weather or unforeseen operational challenges could impact the trial schedule and costs.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract structure shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Defined period of performance provides clear expectations and timelines.
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive selection process.

Sector Analysis

The maritime transportation sector is a critical component of global and national logistics. This contract falls within the specialized services supporting port operations and infrastructure. The market for such services includes a range of companies offering technical expertise in maritime engineering, testing, and operational support. Spending in this area is often project-specific and tied to infrastructure upgrades, new vessel deployments, or regulatory compliance.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless small businesses are involved as subcontractors to Crowley Government Services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Maritime Administration within the Department of Transportation. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon budget and timeline. Transparency is facilitated through the federal procurement data system, where contract awards are publicly reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Maritime Administration Operations
Port Infrastructure Development
Naval Support Services
Federal Maritime Commission Oversight

Risk Flags

Lack of specific bidder count under full and open competition.
Absence of detailed performance metrics in the provided data.
Limited information on historical spending for similar services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $1.4 million to CROWLEY GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC.. MENDONCA FY26 DOCK TRIAL CGS-MDC26-1001A THIS TASK ORDER ADDS FUNDING AND PROVIDES A PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR MENDONCA FY26 DOCK TRIAL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CROWLEY GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Maritime Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Crowley Government Services in performing similar dock trial contracts for the federal government?

Crowley Government Services, Inc. has a significant presence in government contracting, particularly within the maritime sector. While specific details on their past performance for 'dock trials' are not immediately available in this data snippet, the company is known for providing a wide range of maritime services, including logistics, transportation, and vessel operations. Their experience with complex government projects suggests a capacity to handle specialized tasks. Further investigation into their contract history with agencies like MARAD or the Navy would be necessary to fully assess their specific track record for dock trial execution. This would involve reviewing past performance evaluations and any documented issues or successes on similar projects.

How does the $1.4 million contract value compare to similar dock trial services or maritime testing contracts?

Benchmarking the $1.4 million value for this 175-day dock trial contract against similar services is challenging without access to a broader dataset of comparable contracts. Dock trials can vary significantly in scope, complexity, and duration, influencing costs. Factors such as the specific type of dock, the testing protocols required, environmental conditions, and the level of technical expertise needed all contribute to the overall price. Given that this is a firm fixed-price award under full and open competition, the price reflects the market's assessment of the required effort. However, a detailed comparison would require identifying contracts with identical or highly similar service descriptions, performance periods, and geographic locations.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific dock trial contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays due to unforeseen operational issues, weather, or environmental factors, and the possibility of scope creep if the trial objectives are not precisely defined and managed. Another risk could be the contractor's ability to meet specific performance standards. Mitigation strategies are primarily embedded in the contract structure. The firm fixed-price nature shifts financial risk to Crowley Government Services. The defined period of performance (175 days) sets clear expectations for completion. The Maritime Administration will likely employ project management oversight, regular progress reviews, and clear communication channels to monitor performance and address any emerging issues promptly. Ensuring detailed specifications and acceptance criteria are established upfront also helps manage scope and performance risks.

What is the expected effectiveness or outcome of these dock trials for the Maritime Administration?

The expected effectiveness of these dock trials is to provide the Maritime Administration (MARAD) with critical data and operational insights necessary for the evaluation, testing, and potential certification of dock facilities. These trials are likely designed to assess the structural integrity, operational efficiency, safety compliance, and overall readiness of the dock for specific maritime activities. The outcomes will inform MARAD's decisions regarding infrastructure investment, operational procedures, and regulatory compliance within its domain. Successful trials would validate the dock's capability, while any identified deficiencies would guide necessary improvements, ultimately contributing to the safe and efficient functioning of maritime operations supported by the agency.

What has been the historical spending pattern for dock trial services by the Maritime Administration or similar agencies?

Historical spending patterns for dock trial services by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and similar agencies are not detailed in the provided data. However, such services are typically procured on an as-needed basis, often tied to specific infrastructure projects, upgrades, or regulatory requirements. Spending can fluctuate significantly year-to-year depending on the agency's capital investment plans and the lifecycle of port facilities. Agencies like MARAD, which oversee significant maritime infrastructure, would likely engage in periodic procurements for testing and evaluation services. A comprehensive analysis would require examining MARAD's historical contract databases and budget allocations for related services over several fiscal years.

Are there any specific performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) defined for this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list specific performance metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, for a firm fixed-price contract of this nature, performance is typically measured against the successful completion of the defined scope of work within the specified period of performance and adherence to any technical specifications or quality standards outlined in the contract's statement of work. The Maritime Administration would likely have internal processes for monitoring progress, reviewing deliverables (such as trial reports), and ensuring that the trials meet their intended objectives. Formal KPIs, if defined, would be detailed within the contract's performance work statement.

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: 9487 REGENCY SQUARE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL, 32225

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,401,026

Exercised Options: $1,401,026

Current Obligation: $1,401,026

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JF725D000019

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline