DHS Coast Guard awards $95K for ship repair, highlighting need for specialized vessel maintenance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $95,026 ($95.0K)

Contractor: 3MC Mobile & Mechanical Repair LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-03-09

End Date: 2026-04-07

Contract Duration: 29 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CR-012: CENTERLINE AND CARRIAGE WINCH ADDITIONAL PARTS AND REPAIRS CR-013: POTABLE WATER TANK CLAD WELDING REPAIRS CR-014: 1B AC COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE COVER LEAK REPAIRS

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH CHARLESTON, CHARLESTON County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29405

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $95,025.55 to 3MC MOBILE & MECHANICAL REPAIR LLC for work described as: CR-012: CENTERLINE AND CARRIAGE WINCH ADDITIONAL PARTS AND REPAIRS CR-013: POTABLE WATER TANK CLAD WELDING REPAIRS CR-014: 1B AC COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE COVER LEAK REPAIRS Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical, time-sensitive repairs for Coast Guard vessels. 2. Competition was limited, suggesting potential for higher pricing. 3. Performance period is short, indicating immediate operational needs. 4. The award falls within a niche sector requiring specialized skills. 5. Small business participation is not explicitly detailed in this award.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $95,025.55 for a 29-day period appears reasonable for specialized ship repair services. Benchmarking against similar, smaller-scale vessel maintenance contracts suggests that pricing is within an expected range, though a lack of detailed bids prevents a definitive value-for-money assessment. The fixed-price nature of the contract shifts some risk to the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders. While the specific number of bids received is not detailed, SAP is designed for smaller procurements where full and open competition may not be cost-effective. This limited competition could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing compared to a full and open solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition can mean a reduced likelihood of securing the absolute lowest price, as the pool of potential offerors is smaller.

Public Impact

Ensures operational readiness of U.S. Coast Guard vessels. Supports critical maritime security and law enforcement missions. Benefits the contractor, 3MC Mobile & Mechanical Repair LLC, through a direct award. Maintains the structural integrity and functionality of essential Coast Guard assets. Impacts the Charleston, South Carolina region through localized service provision.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
Lack of detailed bid information hinders thorough value assessment.
Short performance window could indicate rushed work or potential for delays if issues arise.

Positive Signals

Contract addresses essential operational needs for a critical agency.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to a single vendor streamlines the procurement process for urgent repairs.

Sector Analysis

The Ship Building and Repairing sector (NAICS 336611) is a specialized industrial category focused on the construction, repair, and conversion of ships and boats. This contract falls within the repair segment, which is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of maritime fleets. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on fleet size, age, and maintenance requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more specific details on the scope of work, but contracts for specialized repairs often range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award went to 3MC Mobile & Mechanical Repair LLC, which may or may not be a small business itself. Further analysis would be needed to determine the specific size standard of the awardee and its potential impact on the broader small business ecosystem within the maritime repair industry.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the U.S. Coast Guard contracting officer and program managers. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, it likely falls under existing oversight frameworks for such procurements. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed internal oversight mechanisms and Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the specific contract type and agency policies.

Related Government Programs

USCG Vessel Maintenance Contracts
Maritime Repair Services
Department of Homeland Security Procurement
Shipbuilding and Repair Industry Spending

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Price Inflation
Short Performance Period

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $95,025.55 to 3MC MOBILE & MECHANICAL REPAIR LLC. CR-012: CENTERLINE AND CARRIAGE WINCH ADDITIONAL PARTS AND REPAIRS CR-013: POTABLE WATER TANK CLAD WELDING REPAIRS CR-014: 1B AC COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE COVER LEAK REPAIRS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is 3MC MOBILE & MECHANICAL REPAIR 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 $95,025.55.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-09. End: 2026-04-07.

What is the track record of 3MC Mobile & Mechanical Repair LLC with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Homeland Security?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that 3MC Mobile & Mechanical Repair LLC has received multiple federal contracts, primarily with the Department of Homeland Security and its components like the U.S. Coast Guard. These contracts often involve mechanical repairs, maintenance, and fabrication services for vessels and shore facilities. While the company appears to be an active participant in federal contracting, a deeper dive into past performance reviews, any documented issues, and the overall value and scope of previous awards would be necessary to fully assess their track record. Analyzing the timeliness and quality of past deliveries, as well as any disputes or contract terminations, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and capability.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar vessel repair services procured by the U.S. Coast Guard or other maritime agencies?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $95,025.55 contract requires comparing it to similar vessel repair services. Given the limited information on the specific nature of the repairs (winch parts, welding, compressor cover leak), direct comparisons are challenging. However, if these are routine maintenance or minor repair tasks, the price per day ($3,277) might be on the higher end, especially considering the short 29-day duration. More complex repairs or emergency services could justify higher costs. A thorough comparison would involve analyzing contracts with similar scope, vessel types, and geographic locations, factoring in labor rates, material costs, and overhead. Without access to detailed bid data or a standardized cost breakdown, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents optimal value.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in repair completion due to the short performance period, unforeseen complications during the repair process (e.g., discovering additional damage), and the possibility of cost overruns if the fixed-price contract doesn't adequately cover all eventualities. Given the limited competition, there's also a risk that the selected contractor may not have offered the most competitive pricing. Mitigation strategies likely involve close monitoring by the U.S. Coast Guard contracting officer and technical representatives to ensure work progresses on schedule and meets quality standards. Clear communication channels with the contractor are essential for addressing any emergent issues promptly. The fixed-price nature itself acts as a cost control measure, placing the burden of managing unforeseen expenses on the contractor.

How effective is the current procurement method (SAP) for ensuring timely and cost-effective repairs for the U.S. Coast Guard's operational needs?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed to expedite the procurement of goods and services below a certain dollar threshold (currently $250,000), making them effective for addressing urgent or smaller-scale needs like the repairs detailed in this contract. SAP streamlines the process, reducing administrative burden and allowing for quicker award times, which is crucial for maintaining operational readiness. However, SAP typically involves limited competition, which can sometimes lead to less favorable pricing compared to full and open competition. The effectiveness, therefore, is a balance between speed and cost. For the U.S. Coast Guard, SAP is likely effective for routine or minor repairs where speed is paramount, but for larger, more complex, or strategically important procurements, other methods might yield better value.

What is the historical spending pattern for ship and vessel repair services by the U.S. Coast Guard, and how does this award fit within that trend?

The U.S. Coast Guard, responsible for a vast fleet of cutters and small boats, consistently spends significant amounts on vessel maintenance, repair, and modernization. Historical spending patterns reveal a continuous need for services ranging from routine upkeep to major overhauls. Awards like this $95,025.55 contract for specific repairs represent a small, but necessary, component of the overall maintenance budget. This particular award fits within the trend of procuring specialized repair services to address immediate operational needs and ensure vessel availability. It is likely one of many such awards issued annually to maintain the readiness of the Coast Guard's diverse fleet, reflecting an ongoing investment in asset preservation and operational capability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Ship and Boat Building › Ship Building and Repairing

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › NON-NUCLEAR SHIP REPAIR

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10250 MULBERRY LANDING ANX, HILLIARD, FL, 32046

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $95,026

Exercised Options: $95,026

Current Obligation: $95,026

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z08526DLREP0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline