FEMA awards $9.96M for hurricane housing support, highlighting logistics consulting needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,955,828 ($10.0M)

Contractor: Dewberry Engineers Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-01-28

End Date: 2026-01-14

Contract Duration: 351 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: LPCS DIRECT HOUSING MISSION SUPPORT FOR DR-4830-GA GEORGIA HURRICANE HELENE

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20472

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $10.0 million to DEWBERRY ENGINEERS INC. for work described as: LPCS DIRECT HOUSING MISSION SUPPORT FOR DR-4830-GA GEORGIA HURRICANE HELENE Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical post-disaster housing and logistics support. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding environment. 3. Delivery order structure indicates a need for agile, on-demand services. 4. Contract duration of 351 days points to a focused, short-term support requirement. 5. The award falls within the broader category of logistics consulting services. 6. Geographic focus on Georgia for Hurricane Helene recovery is specified.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $9.96 million for a 351-day period appears reasonable for specialized disaster response support. Benchmarking against similar FEMA contracts for mission support and logistics in large-scale disaster events would provide further context. The pricing structure, based on labor hours, allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring to ensure cost-effectiveness throughout the contract's life.

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 bids. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality for the government. The agency likely sought a broad range of qualified contractors to ensure the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, driving down costs through market forces and increasing the likelihood of securing high-quality services at competitive prices.

Public Impact

Provides essential housing mission support for disaster recovery in Georgia following Hurricane Helene. Benefits residents impacted by the hurricane by facilitating temporary housing solutions. Supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) disaster response operations. Enhances logistical capabilities for deploying resources and personnel in affected areas. Contributes to the restoration of normalcy and essential services in the disaster zone.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if labor hours are not managed effectively.
Ensuring timely and efficient deployment of services in a high-stress disaster environment.
Maintaining clear communication and coordination between the contractor and FEMA.
Verifying the contractor's capacity to scale services rapidly based on evolving needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Contract addresses a critical need for disaster housing and logistics support.
Clear performance period and scope of work are defined.
Contractor's expertise in logistics consulting is likely a key factor in selection.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically logistics consulting. The market for disaster response and recovery services is significant, often involving specialized firms capable of rapid deployment and complex logistical planning. FEMA frequently procures such services to manage the aftermath of natural disasters, with spending fluctuating based on the frequency and severity of events.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a small business set-aside. While there is no direct set-aside, the prime contractor, Dewberry Engineers Inc., may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities to fulfill specific aspects of the mission support. The extent of small business participation will depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting plan and the nature of the services required.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), likely through a designated Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). Performance will be monitored against the defined scope of work and deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, and any significant issues or performance concerns could be subject to review by FEMA's Office of Inspector General.

Related Government Programs

Disaster Housing Assistance Program
Emergency Management and Response Operations
Logistics and Supply Chain Management Services
Post-Disaster Recovery Support

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to labor hour pricing.
Effectiveness of service delivery in a high-stress disaster environment.
Coordination challenges in a multi-agency disaster response.
Ensuring equitable distribution of housing support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $10.0 million to DEWBERRY ENGINEERS INC.. LPCS DIRECT HOUSING MISSION SUPPORT FOR DR-4830-GA GEORGIA HURRICANE HELENE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DEWBERRY ENGINEERS INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-28. End: 2026-01-14.

What is Dewberry Engineers Inc.'s track record with FEMA and similar disaster response contracts?

Dewberry Engineers Inc. has a significant history of working with government agencies, including FEMA, on disaster recovery and resilience projects. They have been involved in numerous post-disaster assessments, planning, and technical assistance contracts across various states. Their experience often includes providing engineering, architectural, and consulting services for infrastructure repair, hazard mitigation, and community planning following major events. This specific contract for housing mission support aligns with their established capabilities in managing complex, time-sensitive recovery operations. A detailed review of their past performance ratings and any past performance issues on similar FEMA contracts would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar FEMA logistics support contracts?

The $9.96 million award for approximately one year of housing mission support for Hurricane Helene recovery in Georgia is within the expected range for large-scale disaster response efforts. FEMA frequently awards contracts in the multi-million dollar range for comprehensive support services following major disasters. For instance, contracts for debris removal, temporary housing placement, and damage assessment can easily reach tens or hundreds of millions of dollars depending on the scope and duration. This specific contract's value appears proportionate to the critical nature of housing support and the logistical complexities involved in disaster recovery operations, especially when compared to other mission support contracts awarded by FEMA in recent years.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of disaster response contract?

Key risks for this contract include potential scope creep, where the needs of the disaster response may expand beyond the initial contract parameters, leading to cost overruns. There's also a risk related to the rapid mobilization and effectiveness of the contractor's personnel in a chaotic post-disaster environment. Ensuring timely and appropriate housing solutions for affected populations is critical, and delays can have significant humanitarian consequences. Furthermore, managing the logistical challenges of delivering services across a potentially wide geographic area in Georgia, with damaged infrastructure, presents operational risks. Finally, maintaining effective communication and coordination between Dewberry Engineers Inc., FEMA, and local authorities is crucial to mitigate risks and ensure successful mission accomplishment.

How effective are logistics consulting services in improving FEMA's disaster response?

Logistics consulting services are generally considered highly effective in enhancing FEMA's disaster response capabilities. These services provide specialized expertise in areas such as supply chain management, resource allocation, transportation, and warehousing, which are critical during disaster operations. Consultants can help optimize the delivery of essential supplies, personnel, and equipment to affected areas, ensuring that aid reaches those in need efficiently. They can also assist in developing robust contingency plans, improving communication networks, and implementing best practices for managing complex logistical challenges. By leveraging external expertise, FEMA can improve its operational readiness, reduce response times, and ensure a more coordinated and effective overall disaster recovery effort.

What has been FEMA's historical spending on logistics and mission support services?

FEMA's historical spending on logistics and mission support services has been substantial and tends to increase significantly in years with major natural disasters. These services are fundamental to FEMA's operational mandate, encompassing everything from the initial assessment of needs to the long-term recovery phase. Annual spending can range from hundreds of millions to billions of dollars, depending on the scale and number of declared disasters. This spending covers a wide array of support functions, including transportation, warehousing, temporary housing solutions, communication systems, and personnel augmentation. The trend generally shows a consistent need for these services, with peaks directly correlating to major disaster events requiring extensive federal intervention.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 70FB8023R00000031

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8401 ARLINGTON BLVD, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,983,757

Exercised Options: $9,955,828

Current Obligation: $9,955,828

Actual Outlays: $3,833,450

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 24

Total Subaward Amount: $5,516,096

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FB8024D00000009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline