Transportation contract for emergent repairs awarded to TOTE SERVICES, LLC for $366,000

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $366,000 ($366.0K)

Contractor: Tote Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-12-12

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 292 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: CAPE TAYLOR-TOTE SERVICES INCORPORATED-TAYLOR26-1005B-FISCAL YEAR 26 MAINTENANCE & REPAIR-EMERGENT REPAIRS B IS ISSUED TO FUND REPAIRS AS SHOWN ON THE SCOPE OF WORK.

Place of Performance

Location: BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON County, TEXAS, 77701

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $366,000 to TOTE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: CAPE TAYLOR-TOTE SERVICES INCORPORATED-TAYLOR26-1005B-FISCAL YEAR 26 MAINTENANCE & REPAIR-EMERGENT REPAIRS B IS ISSUED TO FUND REPAIRS AS SHOWN ON THE SCOPE OF WORK. Key points: 1. Contract addresses urgent repair needs, indicating potential for unexpected costs and operational disruptions. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost No Fee, which may require close monitoring of expenditures. 4. The duration of the delivery order is approximately 9 months, aligning with the repair scope. 5. The contract is for maintenance and repair services, a common but critical function within the agency. 6. The awardee, TOTE SERVICES, LLC, is a known entity in the maritime sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $366,000 for emergent repairs appears reasonable given the nature of unexpected maintenance needs. Benchmarking against similar emergent repair contracts is difficult due to their unpredictable nature. However, 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 higher overall costs if not managed diligently. Without specific details on the scope of work and the contractor's fee structure, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging.

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 a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters competitive pricing. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide qualified contractors for these emergent repair services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it is expected to drive down costs through market forces and encourage a wider pool of potential service providers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the vessels requiring urgent repairs, ensuring their operational readiness and safety. Services delivered include emergent repairs as detailed in the scope of work, crucial for maintaining maritime assets. The geographic impact is centered in Texas, where the contractor is located and likely where the repairs will be performed or managed. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for skilled tradespeople involved in ship repair and maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost No Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage expenditures and ensure fair pricing.
Emergent nature of repairs can lead to cost overruns if not precisely scoped and managed.
Lack of specific details on the scope of work makes it difficult to fully assess value for money.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Contract addresses critical maintenance needs, ensuring operational readiness of maritime assets.
The contract duration is defined, providing a clear timeframe for the repair work.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader transportation sector, specifically focusing on maritime maintenance and repair. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 483111, Deep Sea Freight Transportation, indicates the context of the services. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining the operational capacity of the nation's fleet. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing historical repair costs for similar vessels or fleets, as well as the general market rates for specialized maritime repair services.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from this particular award. The focus was on full and open competition, which may include small businesses if they are among the responsible sources that bid.

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 and auditing of the contractor's incurred costs will be essential to ensure compliance with the contract terms and prevent overspending. Transparency would be enhanced by public reporting of expenditures and performance metrics, though specific details on these mechanisms are not provided. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Maritime Administration Vessel Maintenance
Department of Transportation Fleet Readiness
Deep Sea Freight Transportation Services
Federal Vessel Repair Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost No Fee contract type requires close monitoring.
Emergent repairs can be unpredictable in scope and cost.
Need for detailed scope of work to fully assess value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $366,000 to TOTE SERVICES, LLC. CAPE TAYLOR-TOTE SERVICES INCORPORATED-TAYLOR26-1005B-FISCAL YEAR 26 MAINTENANCE & REPAIR-EMERGENT REPAIRS B IS ISSUED TO FUND REPAIRS AS SHOWN ON THE SCOPE OF WORK.

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 $366,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-12. End: 2026-09-30.

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

TOTE SERVICES, LLC has a history of contracts with various government agencies, including the Department of Transportation. Their experience often involves vessel operations, management, and related services. Analyzing their past performance on similar maintenance and repair contracts, particularly those with a Cost No Fee structure, would be crucial. This includes reviewing past performance evaluations, any disputes or claims, and their ability to complete work within budget and schedule. A detailed review of their contract history would reveal their reliability and expertise in handling emergent repair needs for government-owned or operated vessels, providing insight into their suitability for this specific award.

How does the $366,000 award compare to typical emergent repair costs for similar vessels?

Assessing the $366,000 award against typical emergent repair costs is challenging without specific details on the scope of work and the vessel type. Emergent repairs, by definition, are unplanned and can range significantly in cost depending on the complexity and urgency. For large maritime assets, $366,000 could represent a moderate repair bill for issues like engine malfunctions, hull damage, or critical system failures. However, without comparative data on the specific types of repairs undertaken, the vessel's size and age, and prevailing market rates for specialized maritime labor and parts in Texas, it's difficult to definitively benchmark this value. A more thorough analysis would require access to historical data on similar repair contracts or industry cost guides.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost No Fee (CNF) contract for emergent repairs?

The primary risks associated with a Cost No Fee (CNF) contract for emergent repairs revolve around cost control and contractor incentive. In a CNF contract, the government reimburses the contractor for all allowable costs incurred, plus a fixed fee. For emergent repairs, where the scope can be uncertain and costs can escalate rapidly, this structure can lead to higher overall expenditures if not meticulously managed. The contractor has less financial incentive to control costs compared to a fixed-price contract, as their profit is fixed. This necessitates robust government oversight to scrutinize all claimed costs, ensure they are reasonable and allocable, and prevent scope creep. The risk for the government is potentially paying more than necessary for the repairs.

What is the historical spending pattern for maintenance and repair services by the Maritime Administration?

Historical spending patterns for maintenance and repair services by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) would typically show a consistent allocation of funds to ensure the operational readiness and longevity of its fleet. This spending can fluctuate based on the age and condition of the vessels, as well as the agency's strategic priorities. Analyzing MARAD's budget over several fiscal years would reveal trends in repair expenditures, identifying periods of higher or lower spending. Factors influencing these patterns could include major fleet modernization programs, unexpected large-scale repairs, or changes in operational tempo. Understanding these historical trends provides context for the current $366,000 award, helping to determine if it aligns with typical spending levels or represents an anomaly.

How does the geographic location (Texas) influence the cost and availability of repair services?

The geographic location in Texas can influence both the cost and availability of maritime repair services. Texas has a significant maritime industry presence, including major ports and shipyards, which generally leads to a competitive market for repair services. This competition can help keep prices in check. However, the specific location within Texas and the availability of specialized facilities or labor for the particular type of emergent repair needed can impact costs. If the required expertise or dry-dock facilities are concentrated in a few locations, prices might be higher. Proximity to the vessel's location can also reduce mobilization costs for repair crews and equipment, potentially lowering the overall expense. The presence of a robust maritime infrastructure in Texas suggests a good likelihood of finding qualified providers.

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: $366,000

Exercised Options: $366,000

Current Obligation: $366,000

Actual Outlays: $70,931

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JF725D000037

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline