USCG Awards $930K Firm Fixed-Price Task Order to American Bureau of Shipping for Ship Classification Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $930,665 ($930.7K)

Contractor: American Bureau of Shipping

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-05-01

End Date: 2027-03-29

Contract Duration: 697 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS IS A FIRM FIXED-PRICED TASK ORDER (TO) ISSUED UNDER U.S. COAST GUARD (USCG) INDEFINITE DELIVERY/INDEFINITE QUANTITY CONTRACT NUMBER 70Z02323D93270003 WITH AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING (ABS) FOR SHIP CLASSIFICATION SUPPORT SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: MOBILE, MOBILE County, ALABAMA, 36602

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $930,664.68 to AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING for work described as: THIS IS A FIRM FIXED-PRICED TASK ORDER (TO) ISSUED UNDER U.S. COAST GUARD (USCG) INDEFINITE DELIVERY/INDEFINITE QUANTITY CONTRACT NUMBER 70Z02323D93270003 WITH AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING (ABS) FOR SHIP CLASSIFICATION SUPPORT SERVICES. Key points: 1. The contract is a Firm Fixed-Price Task Order under an existing IDIQ, indicating predictable costs for the USCG. 2. Competition is limited as this is a task order under a specific IDIQ, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk appears moderate given the fixed-price nature, but performance risk with the incumbent contractor needs monitoring. 4. The sector is Engineering Services, crucial for maintaining and classifying maritime assets.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

This is a firm fixed-price contract, which is generally favorable for the government as it shifts cost risk to the contractor. The pricing is set for specific services under an existing IDIQ.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was issued as a task order under an existing IDIQ, suggesting limited competition for this specific award. The original IDIQ's competition method is not detailed, but task orders under it are typically not competed broadly.

Taxpayer Impact: The firm fixed-price nature helps control costs for taxpayers on this specific task order. However, the overall value and efficiency depend on the original IDIQ's competitive landscape.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness and safety of the U.S. Coast Guard's fleet through essential classification services. Supports critical maritime infrastructure by maintaining standards for vessel safety and compliance. Provides specialized engineering expertise necessary for complex ship classification tasks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition for task orders under IDIQs can lead to higher prices over time.
Reliance on a single contractor for specialized services may pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type locks in costs, providing budget certainty.
Task order issued under an established IDIQ leverages pre-vetted capabilities and pricing structures.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting maritime vessel classification. Spending in this area is critical for regulatory compliance and safety within the U.S. Coast Guard's operational domain.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in the bidding process or subcontracting for this task order. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The task order is issued under an existing IDIQ contract, implying that initial oversight and vetting of the contractor (American Bureau of Shipping) have already occurred. Ongoing oversight will focus on task order performance and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition for task orders.
Potential for price creep over the life of the IDIQ.
Reliance on incumbent contractor.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $930,664.68 to AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING. THIS IS A FIRM FIXED-PRICED TASK ORDER (TO) ISSUED UNDER U.S. COAST GUARD (USCG) INDEFINITE DELIVERY/INDEFINITE QUANTITY CONTRACT NUMBER 70Z02323D93270003 WITH AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING (ABS) FOR SHIP CLASSIFICATION SUPPORT SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING.

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 $930,664.68.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-01. End: 2027-03-29.

What was the competitive landscape for the original IDIQ contract under which this task order was issued?

The provided data indicates this is a task order under an existing IDIQ. The original IDIQ's competitive process is not detailed here. Understanding the initial competition for the IDIQ is crucial to fully assess the long-term value and potential price inflation associated with subsequent task orders awarded under it.

Are there any performance metrics or quality assurance surveillance plans associated with this task order?

Specific performance metrics or quality assurance plans for this particular task order are not detailed in the provided data. However, as a task order under an existing IDIQ, it is expected that the U.S. Coast Guard has established procedures for monitoring contractor performance and ensuring the quality of ship classification support services delivered.

How does the cost of these ship classification services compare to industry benchmarks or similar government contracts?

Without specific unit costs or detailed service breakdowns, a direct comparison to industry benchmarks or similar government contracts is challenging. The firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for this specific award, but a broader analysis of the IDIQ's overall pricing structure would be needed for a comprehensive cost-effectiveness assessment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1701 CITY PLAZA DR, SPRING, TX, 77389

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,673,238

Exercised Options: $4,673,238

Current Obligation: $930,665

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z02323D93270003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline