FEMA awards $48.9M for responder support camp beds during Hurricane Helene response in North Carolina

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,861,591 ($48.9M)

Contractor: Cotton Commercial USA, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-10-10

End Date: 2024-12-09

Contract Duration: 60 days

Daily Burn Rate: $814.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: RESPONDER SUPPORT CAMP TASK ORDER FOR 350 RESPONDER SUPPORT CAMP BEDS IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA WITHIN 100 MILES OF BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA. HURRICANE HELENE.

Place of Performance

Location: BOONE, WATAUGA County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28607

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $48.9 million to COTTON COMMERCIAL USA, INC. for work described as: RESPONDER SUPPORT CAMP TASK ORDER FOR 350 RESPONDER SUPPORT CAMP BEDS IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA WITHIN 100 MILES OF BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA. HURRICANE HELENE. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential temporary housing for emergency responders. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is relatively short, aligning with emergency response needs. 4. Pricing appears reasonable given the urgent nature and specific requirements. 5. This award falls under facilities support services, a critical component of disaster response. 6. The geographic focus is specific to an area impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $48.9 million for 350 beds over 60 days appears reasonable for emergency response support. While direct comparisons are difficult due to the specific nature of disaster relief, the cost per bed per day is within expected ranges for temporary, rapidly deployable facilities. The firm-fixed-price structure helps manage costs for FEMA. The benchmark of $814,360 for a similar, though not identical, contract suggests this award is in a comparable magnitude for large-scale support.

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 offers. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and service quality. The presence of four bidders (no=4) suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this critical emergency support requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to bid, driving down prices and ensuring the government receives the best value for its funds during urgent situations.

Public Impact

Provides essential temporary shelter and facilities for emergency responders, enabling them to effectively manage disaster relief operations. Supports the response efforts for Hurricane Helene, directly aiding in the recovery and stabilization of affected communities in North Carolina. Benefits the workforce of emergency responders by ensuring they have adequate and safe accommodations. The geographic impact is concentrated within 100 miles of Boone, North Carolina, addressing specific needs in the disaster-affected region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen logistical challenges arise during deployment.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical, time-sensitive need could pose risks if performance issues emerge.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Short contract duration aligns with the immediate needs of disaster response.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, a broad category encompassing a wide range of services necessary for the operation and maintenance of facilities. In the context of federal spending, this sector is crucial for supporting agency operations, including emergency response. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to pinpoint precisely due to the unique nature of disaster relief, but large-scale temporary facility contracts can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars depending on scale and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb=false) and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award appears limited, though larger prime contractors may engage small businesses in their broader disaster response efforts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a component of the Department of Homeland Security. As a delivery order under a larger contract, oversight mechanisms would likely involve performance monitoring, quality assurance checks, and financial reviews to ensure compliance with the firm-fixed-price terms and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific operational details of emergency response support may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Hurricane Response Contracts
Emergency Management Support Services
Temporary Housing Solutions
Disaster Relief Facilities

Risk Flags

Urgent Need/Disaster Response
Short Duration Contract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $48.9 million to COTTON COMMERCIAL USA, INC.. RESPONDER SUPPORT CAMP TASK ORDER FOR 350 RESPONDER SUPPORT CAMP BEDS IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA WITHIN 100 MILES OF BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA. HURRICANE HELENE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COTTON COMMERCIAL USA, 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 $48.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-10. End: 2024-12-09.

What is the track record of Cotton Commercial USA, Inc. in providing similar emergency response support services?

Cotton Commercial USA, Inc. has a history of providing services related to disaster recovery and temporary infrastructure. While specific details on past responder support camps are not immediately available in this data snippet, their general experience in commercial services, including construction and facility support, suggests a capacity to handle such requirements. Further investigation into their past performance on government contracts, particularly those involving rapid deployment and large-scale temporary facilities, would be necessary to fully assess their track record for this specific type of award. Reviewing past performance evaluations and any documented issues on previous FEMA or other agency contracts would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and effectiveness in emergency situations.

How does the cost per bed per day for this contract compare to industry benchmarks for temporary emergency housing?

Calculating the exact cost per bed per day requires dividing the total contract value ($48,861,590.52) by the number of beds (350) and the duration in days (60). This yields approximately $232.67 per bed per day. This figure needs to be contextualized by the fact that it includes not just the bed, but the entire support camp infrastructure (facilities, potentially latrines, power, etc.) and the urgency associated with disaster response. While specific benchmarks for "responder support camps" are not readily available, costs for temporary housing solutions can vary widely. For context, standard hotel rates can exceed this, while basic dormitory-style housing might be less. Given the comprehensive nature of "support camp" and the rapid deployment requirement, this rate appears within a plausible range for emergency situations, though potentially on the higher end compared to non-emergency, long-term solutions.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks include potential delays in deployment and setup of the support camp, unforeseen logistical challenges in a disaster-affected area, and ensuring the quality and habitability of the temporary facilities. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract helps mitigate financial risks for the government, as the cost is predetermined. Mitigation for operational risks likely relies on FEMA's contract oversight, requiring the contractor to adhere to strict timelines and quality standards. The contractor's experience in similar deployments and contingency planning would be crucial. The short duration (60 days) also limits the exposure to long-term risks. However, the effectiveness of mitigation strategies depends heavily on the contractor's execution and FEMA's active management and monitoring throughout the contract period.

What is the expected effectiveness of these responder support camps in facilitating Hurricane Helene relief efforts?

The responder support camps are expected to be highly effective in facilitating Hurricane Helene relief efforts by providing essential, reliable, and proximate accommodations for emergency personnel. By housing responders closer to affected areas, these camps reduce travel time, allowing for more hours dedicated to critical relief tasks such as search and rescue, damage assessment, and distribution of aid. Adequate facilities improve responder morale and operational readiness, preventing burnout and ensuring sustained effort. The provision of a "support camp" implies more than just beds, likely including amenities that enhance the operational capacity and well-being of the response teams, thereby directly contributing to a more efficient and comprehensive disaster recovery process in North Carolina.

How does this contract's value compare to historical FEMA spending on similar emergency response infrastructure?

Comparing this $48.9 million contract to historical FEMA spending requires a nuanced approach, as disaster response needs and scales vary significantly. FEMA frequently procures temporary housing and support services during major events. For instance, after large hurricanes, FEMA has awarded contracts in the hundreds of millions for temporary housing units and related infrastructure. This specific award, focused on responder support camps for a particular event (Hurricane Helene) and geographic area, represents a significant but not unprecedented investment. Its value should be assessed relative to the number of personnel supported, the duration, and the specific services provided. Without direct historical data on "responder support camps" of this exact nature, it's best viewed as a substantial allocation for critical operational support during an active emergency response phase.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5443 KATY HOCKLEY CUT OFF RD, KATY, TX, 77493

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,861,591

Exercised Options: $48,861,591

Current Obligation: $48,861,591

Actual Outlays: $48,674,299

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FB8023D00000007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline