DHS Awards $5.56M for 25 Combat Riverine Boats to Safe Boats International LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,563,126 ($5.6M)

Contractor: Safe Boats International LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-09-29

End Date: 2028-09-23

Contract Duration: 1,090 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 25' HEAVY COMBAT RIVERINE BOATS FOR COLOMBIA UNDER FMS CASE # CO-P-LBY

Place of Performance

Location: BREMERTON, KITSAP County, WASHINGTON, 98312

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $5.6 million to SAFE BOATS INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: 25' HEAVY COMBAT RIVERINE BOATS FOR COLOMBIA UNDER FMS CASE # CO-P-LBY Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, known supplier. 2. High value contract for specialized maritime assets. 3. Potential for limited competition due to specialized nature. 4. Focus on operational readiness and interdiction capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5.56M for 25 boats suggests a per-unit cost of approximately $222,525. Without specific details on the boats' capabilities and comparable market prices for similar specialized vessels, a precise valuation is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: $222,525

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source justification. This likely stems from the specialized nature of heavy combat riverine boats, where only a few manufacturers possess the required expertise and certifications. This limits price discovery through competitive bidding.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for a specialized defense procurement, with limited opportunity for cost savings through competition.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. Coast Guard's maritime interdiction capabilities. Supports international partner (Colombia) through Foreign Military Sales. Procurement of specialized, high-performance vessels for demanding environments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher prices.
Reliance on a single supplier for critical assets.
Potential for cost overruns if initial estimates are inaccurate.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Acquisition of specialized, mission-critical equipment.
Supports U.S. foreign policy objectives through FMS.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense Industrial Base sector, specifically focusing on specialized maritime vessel construction. Spending in this area is driven by national security needs and the requirement for advanced, durable platforms capable of operating in challenging environments.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to SAFE BOATS INTERNATIONAL LLC, a known entity in specialized vessel manufacturing. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, suggesting the prime contractor likely handles most of the specialized fabrication internally or through established large-scale supply chains.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, a component of the Department of Homeland Security. Oversight will focus on contract performance, delivery schedules, and adherence to specifications. The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) aspect also involves oversight from relevant defense security cooperation agencies.

Related Government Programs

Boat Building
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Sole-source justification
High per-unit cost
Long contract duration
Specialized equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $5.6 million to SAFE BOATS INTERNATIONAL LLC. 25' HEAVY COMBAT RIVERINE BOATS FOR COLOMBIA UNDER FMS CASE # CO-P-LBY

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 $5.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2028-09-23.

What is the specific operational advantage these 25 combat riverine boats provide to the U.S. Coast Guard and Colombia?

These heavy combat riverine boats are designed for high-speed, armed patrol and interdiction operations in shallow, complex waterways. They likely enhance the Coast Guard's ability to combat drug trafficking and illegal migration, while providing Colombia with advanced maritime security capabilities to address similar threats within its territory.

What are the primary risks associated with procuring specialized vessels through a limited competition process?

The primary risks include potentially inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive pressure, limited innovation from suppliers, and a heightened dependence on a single manufacturer for critical components or future support. This can also lead to longer lead times and less flexibility in contract modifications.

How does this FMS case contribute to the overall effectiveness of U.S. maritime security and interdiction efforts?

By equipping allied nations like Colombia with advanced maritime assets, this FMS case enhances regional stability and strengthens partnerships in combating transnational crime, such as drug smuggling. This indirectly supports U.S. security by addressing threats at their source and improving the capabilities of partner forces.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Ship and Boat Building › Boat Building

Product/Service Code: SHIPS, SMALL CRAFT, PONTOON, DOCKS

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: $5,563,126

Exercised Options: $5,563,126

Current Obligation: $5,563,126

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline