DOT awards $1.8M for regulatory inspections and support to Crowley Government Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $184,821 ($184.8K)

Contractor: Crowley Government Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-12-23

End Date: 2026-11-30

Contract Duration: 342 days

Daily Burn Rate: $540/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: ARUNDEL-CROWLEY GOVERNMENT SERVICES-ARUNDEL26-1003A-FISCAL YEAR 26 MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS REGULATORY FEES & SUPPORT A IS ISSUED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL NECESSARY, MANDATORY, AND ESSENTIAL PHASE M REGULATORY INSPECTIONS, ASSOCIATED REGULATORY FEES

Place of Performance

Location: PASCAGOULA, JACKSON County, MISSISSIPPI, 39567

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $184,821 to CROWLEY GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC. for work described as: ARUNDEL-CROWLEY GOVERNMENT SERVICES-ARUNDEL26-1003A-FISCAL YEAR 26 MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS REGULATORY FEES & SUPPORT A IS ISSUED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL NECESSARY, MANDATORY, AND ESSENTIAL PHASE M REGULATORY INSPECTIONS, ASSOCIATED REGULATORY FEES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential Phase M regulatory inspections, ensuring compliance. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger agreement. 4. Performance period spans over a year, from late 2025 to late 2026. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 483111 points to deep sea freight transportation services. 6. The contract is not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements mentioned.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.84 million for regulatory inspections and support appears reasonable for a one-year period. Without specific details on the scope of 'Phase M regulatory inspections' and the number of inspections required, a direct comparison to similar contracts is challenging. However, the 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests that the government will reimburse the contractor for allowable costs, with no additional fee. This structure can sometimes lead to higher overall costs if not carefully managed, but it is often used when the scope of work is not fully defined upfront or when cost control is paramount.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This method is generally preferred as it maximizes the potential for competitive pricing and innovation. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition suggests a robust process was intended to identify the best value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down prices through market forces, ensuring the government receives services at a competitive rate.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration, ensuring regulatory compliance within the maritime sector. Services delivered include mandatory Phase M regulatory inspections and associated support. The geographic impact is not specified but is likely related to maritime operations within the agency's purview. Workforce implications may involve specialized inspectors and support staff employed by Crowley Government Services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'COST NO FEE' contract type requires careful monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable and within budget.
Lack of specific details on the number of inspections or the exact scope of 'Phase M' makes it difficult to benchmark value effectively.
The duration of the contract (over a year) necessitates ongoing oversight to ensure performance standards are met.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a fair and transparent procurement process.
The contract addresses essential regulatory functions, contributing to safety and compliance in the maritime industry.
Crowley Government Services is a known entity in government contracting, potentially bringing established expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader transportation and logistics sector, specifically related to maritime operations and regulatory compliance. The NAICS code 483111, 'Deep Sea Freight Transportation,' suggests a focus on the operational aspects of shipping. Federal spending in this area often supports the oversight and maintenance of safety and environmental standards within the industry. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other contracts for maritime inspections, vessel certifications, and related regulatory support services across various federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this contract are not explicitly mandated through this award. The primary contractor, Crowley Government Services, will likely handle the majority of the work, with potential for small business involvement only if they choose to subcontract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration. As a delivery order under a potentially larger contract vehicle, oversight mechanisms would depend on the terms of that base agreement. Accountability measures would be tied to the successful completion of Phase M regulatory inspections and associated support as defined in the contract. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal procurement databases, but detailed performance reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Maritime Administration Operations
Vessel Safety and Inspection Programs
Federal Maritime Commission Oversight
Coast Guard Regulatory Functions

Risk Flags

Cost Overruns Risk (due to COST NO FEE structure)
Performance Deficiency Risk (in conducting thorough inspections)
Scope Definition Ambiguity Risk ('Phase M' details unclear)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $184,821 to CROWLEY GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC.. ARUNDEL-CROWLEY GOVERNMENT SERVICES-ARUNDEL26-1003A-FISCAL YEAR 26 MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS REGULATORY FEES & SUPPORT A IS ISSUED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL NECESSARY, MANDATORY, AND ESSENTIAL PHASE M REGULATORY INSPECTIONS, ASSOCIATED REGULATORY FEES

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 $184,821.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-23. End: 2026-11-30.

What specific services are included under 'Phase M regulatory inspections' and what is the expected volume?

The provided data does not detail the specific requirements of 'Phase M regulatory inspections.' This typically refers to a specific phase or type of inspection mandated by maritime regulations, potentially related to vessel maintenance, safety equipment, or environmental compliance. The expected volume (e.g., number of inspections, types of vessels) is also not specified. Understanding these details is crucial for assessing the value for money and the contractor's workload. Without this information, it's difficult to determine if the $1.84 million cost is commensurate with the actual services to be rendered. Further inquiry with the awarding agency would be necessary to obtain this granular detail.

How does the $1.84 million cost compare to historical spending on similar regulatory inspection services by the Maritime Administration?

Benchmarking this $1.84 million contract against historical spending requires access to detailed historical contract data for similar services provided by the Maritime Administration or other relevant agencies. The provided data does not include this historical context. Factors influencing cost include the number and type of vessels inspected, the complexity of the inspections, geographic locations, and the specific regulatory framework. A comprehensive analysis would involve comparing the cost per inspection, cost per vessel, or cost as a percentage of vessel value over several fiscal years. Without such comparative data, it is challenging to definitively state whether this award represents a favorable or unfavorable cost.

What is the track record of Crowley Government Services, Inc. in performing similar regulatory inspection contracts for federal agencies?

Crowley Government Services, Inc. has a history of providing various services to government entities, including logistics, transportation, and potentially maritime-related support. To assess their track record specifically for regulatory inspection contracts, a review of their past performance on similar federal awards would be necessary. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, any documented issues or successes, and their experience with the specific regulatory requirements pertinent to Phase M inspections. While their presence in government contracting suggests some level of capability, the suitability for this specific task depends on their demonstrated expertise in regulatory compliance and inspection protocols within the maritime sector.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will performance be measured?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or the methods for measuring performance for this contract. Typically, for inspection contracts, KPIs might include timeliness of inspections, accuracy of reporting, adherence to regulatory standards, and client satisfaction. Performance measurement would likely involve regular progress reports from the contractor, potential site visits or audits by the agency, and formal performance reviews at specified intervals. The 'COST NO FEE' structure might also imply performance incentives or penalties tied to cost control and adherence to scope, though this is not explicitly stated.

Are there any potential risks associated with this contract, such as scope creep or contractor performance issues?

Potential risks associated with this contract include scope creep, especially given the 'COST NO FEE' structure where the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs. If the scope of 'Phase M regulatory inspections' is not clearly defined or if unforeseen complexities arise, costs could escalate beyond the initial $1.84 million estimate. Contractor performance issues are always a risk; failure to conduct thorough inspections or meet regulatory deadlines could have significant consequences for maritime operations and compliance. Additionally, reliance on a single contractor for essential regulatory functions could pose a risk if their capacity or performance falters. Mitigation strategies would involve robust contract management, clear definition of scope, and regular performance monitoring.

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: 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: $184,821

Exercised Options: $184,821

Current Obligation: $184,821

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JF725D000021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline