DHS Awards $9.1M for 4 Archangel Class Response Boats to Safe Boats International LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,090,613 ($9.1M)
Contractor: Safe Boats International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2023-07-28
End Date: 2026-06-30
Contract Duration: 1,068 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: LOA LE-P-SAD FOUR (4) 45 FT ARCHANGEL CLASS RESPONSE BOATS, TRAILERS, SPARES, ETC.
Place of Performance
Location: BREMERTON, KITSAP County, WASHINGTON, 98312
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $9.1 million to SAFE BOATS INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: LOA LE-P-SAD FOUR (4) 45 FT ARCHANGEL CLASS RESPONSE BOATS, TRAILERS, SPARES, ETC. Key points: 1. This contract focuses on specialized maritime assets for the U.S. Coast Guard. 2. The sole-source nature raises questions about potential price inflation and lack of competitive pressure. 3. Risk is moderate, tied to the specialized nature of the equipment and single supplier. 4. The sector is Defense/Maritime, with shipbuilding and repair being the primary NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $9.1M for four specialized response boats is difficult to benchmark without competitive data. The firm fixed-price structure aims to control costs, but the lack of competition limits price discovery.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competition. This method bypasses the typical price discovery mechanisms found in competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had bid, impacting taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Enhanced Coast Guard operational capabilities with advanced response boats. Potential for increased maritime security and interdiction efforts. Taxpayer funds are directed to a single, non-competitively selected vendor.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- High value for specialized, single-source equipment.
- Contract duration extends over multiple fiscal years.
Positive Signals
- Acquisition of critical maritime assets for national security.
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
The U.S. Coast Guard's acquisition of specialized response boats falls within the broader Defense and Maritime sector. Benchmarks for similar high-performance vessels are scarce due to their niche nature, making direct cost comparisons challenging.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to SAFE BOATS INTERNATIONAL LLC, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation or subcontracting in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source award warrants scrutiny to ensure the government obtained fair value. Oversight should focus on the justification for the sole-source determination and the vendor's performance against contract requirements.
Related Government Programs
- Ship Building and Repairing
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Coast Guard Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpricing due to sole-source award
- Long contract duration
- Specialized equipment with limited market alternatives
Tags
ship-building-and-repairing, department-of-homeland-security, wa, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $9.1 million to SAFE BOATS INTERNATIONAL LLC. LOA LE-P-SAD FOUR (4) 45 FT ARCHANGEL CLASS RESPONSE BOATS, TRAILERS, SPARES, ETC.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SAFE BOATS INTERNATIONAL LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $9.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-07-28. End: 2026-06-30.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and has the government explored all avenues for competition?
The justification for the sole-source award is not provided in the data. Typically, sole-source contracts are used when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. The government should have thoroughly documented why competition was not feasible, such as unique capabilities or urgent needs unmet by other vendors, to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently.
How does the per-unit cost of these Archangel class boats compare to similar specialized maritime vessels acquired by other agencies or allies?
Without competitive bidding data, a direct per-unit cost comparison is challenging. However, the $9.1M contract for four boats suggests a per-unit cost of approximately $2.27M. This figure should be compared against publicly available data for similar high-speed, specialized patrol or response vessels, considering variations in size, equipment, and performance specifications.
What are the key performance metrics and delivery milestones for these response boats, and how will their effectiveness be measured?
The contract specifies a delivery end date of June 30, 2026, implying phased deliveries. Key performance metrics would likely include speed, range, survivability in harsh conditions, and payload capacity. Effectiveness will be measured by the Coast Guard's operational success in utilizing these boats for their intended missions, such as search and rescue, law enforcement, and interdiction.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Ship and Boat Building › Ship Building and Repairing
Product/Service Code: SHIP AND MARINE EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8800 SW BARNEY WHITE RD, BREMERTON, WA, 98312
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,090,613
Exercised Options: $9,090,613
Current Obligation: $9,090,613
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-07-28
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 12:07:39
Last Modified: 2026-02-05
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