Tote Services awarded $19.6M for FY25 dock trials, highlighting deep sea freight transportation needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,559 ($19.6K)

Contractor: Tote Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-09-15

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 107 days

Daily Burn Rate: $183/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: CAPE SABLE FY25 DOCK TRIAL A TSI-SBL25-1001 A

Place of Performance

Location: SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO County, CALIFORNIA, 94124

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $19,558.76 to TOTE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: CAPE SABLE FY25 DOCK TRIAL A TSI-SBL25-1001 A Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized maritime services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Short performance period may indicate a pilot or trial phase. 4. Fixed-price contract shifts risk to the contractor. 5. Focus on deep sea freight transportation aligns with national logistics priorities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.6 million for a 107-day period seems aligned with specialized maritime support services. Benchmarking against similar deep sea freight transportation contracts would provide further context, but the fixed-price nature suggests a clear scope and cost control. The award to Tote Services, LLC, a known entity in the maritime sector, implies a level of confidence in their capability to deliver value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders likely had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and encourage efficient service delivery. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the method of competition suggests a robust market for these services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and better quality services compared to less competitive procurement methods.

Public Impact

The Maritime Administration benefits from essential dock trial services. Deep sea freight transportation capabilities are enhanced. Services are geographically focused on California. Potential workforce implications for maritime logistics and operations personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm fixed-price contract type.
Short duration suggests a focused, potentially pilot, initiative.
Contractor has experience in the maritime sector.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the deep sea freight transportation sector, a critical component of global and national logistics. The market size for such specialized services can be substantial, driven by trade volumes and the need for efficient port operations. This specific contract appears to be for a trial or testing phase, possibly evaluating new technologies or operational procedures within this sector.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses in their supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Maritime Administration's program management and contracting officers. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, existing oversight mechanisms for that vehicle would apply. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance monitoring details may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Maritime Operations Support
Port Infrastructure Services
Deep Sea Shipping Contracts
Federal Maritime Commission Oversight

Risk Flags

Short performance period may limit comprehensive data gathering.
Specific outcomes and success metrics for 'dock trials' are not detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $19,558.76 to TOTE SERVICES, LLC. CAPE SABLE FY25 DOCK TRIAL A TSI-SBL25-1001 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 $19,558.76.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-15. End: 2025-12-31.

What is the specific purpose and expected outcome of these FY25 dock trials?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'CAPE SABLE FY25 DOCK TRIAL A TSI-SBL25-1001 A' valued at $19.6 million, with a performance period from September 15, 2025, to December 31, 2025. While the exact nature of 'dock trials' is not detailed, it likely pertains to testing or evaluating maritime vessel operations, port infrastructure interfaces, or new logistical procedures within a dock environment. The expected outcomes could include assessing operational efficiency, safety protocols, technological integration, or environmental impact related to deep sea freight transportation. The Maritime Administration (MARAD) likely initiated this to gather data for future operational improvements or policy development in the maritime sector.

How does the $19.6 million contract value compare to similar maritime support services?

Benchmarking the $19.6 million contract value requires detailed comparison with similar services. Factors such as the duration (107 days), scope of work (dock trials), location (California), and specific services rendered are crucial. Contracts for vessel chartering, port services, or specialized maritime engineering can vary significantly. Given the fixed-price nature and the specialized focus on 'dock trials' within deep sea freight transportation, this value appears to be within a reasonable range for a targeted, short-term initiative. However, without access to MARAD's internal cost estimates or broader market data on comparable trial projects, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging.

What are the potential risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract?

The primary risk with a firm fixed-price (FFP) contract, from the government's perspective, is that the contractor, Tote Services, LLC, may incur costs exceeding the agreed-upon price. If unforeseen issues arise during the dock trials that increase the contractor's expenses significantly, they might seek change orders or face financial losses, potentially impacting performance or future willingness to bid. Conversely, the contractor benefits from any cost savings if they can complete the work under budget. Risks for the government also include potential scope creep if not managed tightly, or the contractor prioritizing cost-cutting over quality if profit margins are squeezed.

What is Tote Services, LLC's track record with the federal government, particularly MARAD?

Tote Services, LLC is a known entity in the maritime industry, often involved in government contracts related to shipping and logistics. While specific details of their past performance on federal contracts, especially with MARAD, are not provided in the summary data, their selection suggests they meet the necessary qualifications and potentially have a history of satisfactory performance. A deeper dive into contract databases like FPDS or SAM.gov would reveal their award history, past performance ratings, and any significant issues or accolades received on previous federal engagements.

How does this contract fit into the broader context of federal spending on maritime transportation?

This $19.6 million contract represents a small fraction of the overall federal spending on maritime transportation, which encompasses a wide range of activities including infrastructure development (ports, waterways), vessel acquisition and maintenance, operational subsidies, regulatory functions, and national security assets. MARAD's budget alone runs into billions annually. This specific contract appears to be an investment in research, development, or operational testing, aimed at improving efficiency or exploring new capabilities within the deep sea freight sector, rather than direct operational spending or large-scale infrastructure projects.

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: 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: $19,559

Exercised Options: $19,559

Current Obligation: $19,559

Actual Outlays: $19,559

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JF725D000022

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline