DHS Coast Guard Awards $198K Contract for Packing and Marking Services to Fairbanks Morse, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $198,451 ($198.5K)

Contractor: Fairbanks Morse, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 181 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PRESERVATION, PACKING, & MARKING SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SPECIFICATIONS MIL-STD-2073-1E, METHOD 10 & MIL-STD-129R

Place of Performance

Location: BELOIT, ROCK County, WISCONSIN, 53511

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $198,450.76 to FAIRBANKS MORSE, LLC for work described as: PRESERVATION, PACKING, & MARKING SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SPECIFICATIONS MIL-STD-2073-1E, METHOD 10 & MIL-STD-129R Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized packing and marking services adhering to military standards. 2. Fairbanks Morse, LLC, a single entity, secured the award. 3. The contract value is relatively low, suggesting a focused scope of work. 4. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the primary agency, with the U.S. Coast Guard as the specific user.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $198,450.76 appears reasonable for specialized packing and marking services, especially considering the adherence to strict military standards (MIL-STD-2073-1E, MIL-STD-129R). Without specific benchmarks for this niche service, a direct comparison is difficult, but the price seems aligned with the technical requirements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating it was likely solicited from a limited pool of vendors or through a specific set-aside. This method may limit broader price discovery compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal given the relatively small contract value of under $200,000 for essential logistical support.

Public Impact

Ensures proper preservation, packing, and marking of sensitive materials for the U.S. Coast Guard. Supports operational readiness by maintaining the integrity of equipment and supplies during transit and storage. Adherence to military standards mitigates risks associated with improper handling and potential damage.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best possible price.
Reliance on specific military standards requires specialized vendor capabilities.

Positive Signals

Clear adherence to established military standards ensures quality.
Contract supports critical logistical functions for a key agency.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls under general logistics and support services, a common area for government spending. Benchmarks for specialized packing and marking services are highly dependent on the specific materials and standards required, making broad comparisons challenging. The value is typical for focused support contracts.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. The use of SAP suggests potential opportunities for small businesses, but it's not explicitly stated.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard. Oversight would involve ensuring compliance with the specified military standards and delivery timelines.

Related Government Programs

Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited price competition due to SAP.
Lack of detail on specific items being packed.
No explicit mention of small business participation.
Vendor is a single awardee, limiting direct comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $198,450.76 to FAIRBANKS MORSE, LLC. PRESERVATION, PACKING, & MARKING SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SPECIFICATIONS MIL-STD-2073-1E, METHOD 10 & MIL-STD-129R

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FAIRBANKS MORSE, 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 $198,450.76.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific items or equipment are being preserved, packed, and marked under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact items or equipment. However, the reference to MIL-STD-2073-1E and MIL-STD-129R suggests items requiring specific preservation methods, potentially including sensitive electronics, machinery parts, or equipment intended for deployment or long-term storage, ensuring they remain protected from environmental factors and damage during transit.

What is the potential risk if these packing and marking standards are not met?

Failure to meet MIL-STD-2073-1E and MIL-STD-129R standards could lead to significant risks, including damage to critical equipment during shipping or storage, rendering it unusable. This could result in operational delays, increased replacement costs, and potential mission failures for the U.S. Coast Guard. It may also lead to non-compliance with regulatory requirements.

How does adherence to these specific military standards ensure effective use of taxpayer funds?

Adherence to stringent military standards ensures that materials are protected from damage, reducing the likelihood of costly replacements and repairs. By preventing degradation and ensuring proper identification, it maintains the readiness and functionality of Coast Guard assets, ultimately leading to more effective use of taxpayer funds by minimizing waste and ensuring operational capability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing › Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 70Z08526Q30015B00

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Cooper Machinery Services LLC

Address: 701 WHITE AVE, BELOIT, WI, 53511

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $198,451

Exercised Options: $198,451

Current Obligation: $198,451

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline