DOT Awards $1.4M for Pacific Tracker Repairs to TOTE Services, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,398,945 ($1.4M)

Contractor: Tote Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-09-11

End Date: 2026-07-26

Contract Duration: 318 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: PACIFIC TRACKER FY26 REPAIRS A TSI-PTK26-1005 A

Place of Performance

Location: PORTLAND, MULTNOMAH County, OREGON, 97217

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $1.4 million to TOTE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: PACIFIC TRACKER FY26 REPAIRS A TSI-PTK26-1005 A Key points: 1. Contract value of $1,398,944.50 for vessel repairs. 2. Competition type is 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION'. 3. Risk appears low given the nature of repairs and established vendor. 4. Sector is Maritime Transportation, specifically Deep Sea Freight.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a 'COST NO FEE' type, which can lead to less price certainty for the government. Benchmarking is difficult without knowing the specific repair scope and associated costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the 'COST NO FEE' contract type may limit price discovery and incentivize cost escalation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for vessel maintenance. While competition is present, the cost-reimbursement nature warrants scrutiny to ensure cost efficiency.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of critical maritime assets. Supports the U.S. merchant marine fleet. Impacts the efficiency of freight transportation services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost No Fee contract type
Potential for cost overruns

Positive Signals

Full and open competition
Supports critical infrastructure

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Maritime Administration's purview, supporting the Deep Sea Freight Transportation sector. Spending benchmarks for vessel repair vary significantly based on vessel type and scope of work.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to monitor costs under the 'COST NO FEE' structure and ensure the repairs meet specifications and timelines.

Related Government Programs

Deep Sea Freight Transportation
Department of Transportation Contracting
Maritime Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Cost No Fee contract type
Potential for cost overruns
Limited price certainty
Requires strong oversight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $1.4 million to TOTE SERVICES, LLC. PACIFIC TRACKER FY26 REPAIRS A TSI-PTK26-1005 A

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 $1.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-11. End: 2026-07-26.

What is the expected impact of the 'COST NO FEE' structure on the final expenditure compared to a fixed-price contract for similar repairs?

The 'COST NO FEE' structure shifts cost risk to the government. Without a fee tied to performance or cost savings, there's less incentive for the contractor to control expenses, potentially leading to higher final costs than a well-defined fixed-price contract. However, it can be useful for unpredictable repair scopes.

How does the 'full and open competition' process mitigate the risks associated with a 'COST NO FEE' contract type?

Full and open competition aims to ensure the government receives the best value by soliciting bids from all qualified sources. While it promotes a competitive environment, it doesn't inherently control costs within a 'COST NO FEE' structure. Robust oversight and clear performance metrics are still essential to manage risks.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to assess the effectiveness of these repairs and the contractor's performance?

Effectiveness will likely be measured by the vessel's operational readiness post-repair, adherence to safety standards, and timely completion. KPIs could include vessel uptime, reduction in maintenance issues, and compliance with technical specifications. The absence of a fee makes performance metrics even more critical for accountability.

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: $1,398,945

Exercised Options: $1,398,945

Current Obligation: $1,398,945

Actual Outlays: $83,762

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JF725D000016

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline