FEMA spent $12.3M on mobile home activation/deactivation services, with 33 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,342,925 ($12.3M)

Contractor: Motex-Mj TEC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2006-06-01

End Date: 2007-05-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $33.9K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 33

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MOBILE HOME ACTIVATION/DEACTIVATION

Place of Performance

Location: BILOXI, HARRISON County, MISSISSIPPI, 39531

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $12.3 million to MOTEX-MJ TEC for work described as: MOBILE HOME ACTIVATION/DEACTIVATION Key points: 1. The contract achieved a competitive outcome with 33 bids, suggesting potential for good value. 2. Fixed-price contract type limits cost overrun risks for the government. 3. The short duration of 364 days may indicate a need for rapid deployment or a pilot program. 4. Services were delivered in Mississippi, a region often impacted by natural disasters. 5. The contract falls under Facilities Support Services, a broad category with many potential providers. 6. The relatively small contract value suggests a focused scope of work.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $12.3 million for mobile home activation/deactivation over approximately one year appears reasonable given the context of disaster response. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparable contracts for similar disaster relief efforts, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the competitive nature of the award suggests that pricing was likely scrutinized and that the selected contractor offered a competitive rate. The fixed-price nature of the award further supports value by capping potential government expenditure.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through a full and open competition, evidenced by the 33 bids received. A high number of bidders generally indicates a healthy market and allows the government to select the most advantageous offer based on price and technical factors. The robust competition likely drove down prices and ensured a wide range of capabilities were considered.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing services at a fair market price, minimizing wasteful spending.

Public Impact

Disaster-affected residents in Mississippi benefited from the rapid deployment and setup of temporary housing. The services provided ensured that mobile homes were made ready for occupancy following a disaster. Geographic impact was concentrated in Mississippi, supporting recovery efforts in a specific disaster-stricken area. The contract likely supported a workforce involved in logistics, installation, and technical setup of mobile homes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if disaster needs exceed initial projections.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical post-disaster housing setup.
Logistical challenges in rapidly deploying and activating mobile homes in affected areas.

Positive Signals

Demonstrated ability to manage a competitive procurement process for essential services.
Fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty.
Successful completion within the specified one-year timeframe.

Sector Analysis

The Facilities Support Services sector encompasses a wide range of services essential for the operation and maintenance of government facilities and infrastructure. This contract, focused on mobile home activation and deactivation, falls within a niche but critical area of support, particularly relevant during emergency response and disaster relief operations. The market for such services can be specialized, often involving logistics, construction, and technical expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more granular data on the specific services rendered.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was awarded competitively, there is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside. The high number of bidders suggests that both large and small businesses may have participated. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were awarded subcontracts or if the prime contractor was a small business, which is not indicated by the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a component of the Department of Homeland Security. Standard contract oversight mechanisms, including performance monitoring and payment reviews, would be in place. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Disaster Housing Assistance Programs
Emergency Management Support Services
Temporary Housing Solutions
Facilities Maintenance and Support

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope expands beyond initial disaster assessment.
Logistical complexities in remote or damaged areas.
Timeliness of service delivery critical during emergency response.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $12.3 million to MOTEX-MJ TEC. MOBILE HOME ACTIVATION/DEACTIVATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MOTEX-MJ TEC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-06-01. End: 2007-05-31.

What was the specific nature of the 'activation' and 'deactivation' services provided for the mobile homes?

The 'activation' likely involved the setup, connection to utilities (water, sewer, power), and ensuring the mobile homes were ready for occupancy. This could include site preparation, leveling, anchoring, and basic furnishing or appliance checks. 'Deactivation' would involve the reverse process: disconnecting utilities, securing the units, and preparing them for transport or storage. Given the context of FEMA and disaster response, these services were crucial for quickly providing habitable temporary housing to individuals displaced by natural disasters in Mississippi.

How does the $12.3 million cost compare to similar disaster relief housing support contracts?

Direct comparison of the $12.3 million cost is challenging without specific details on the number of units deployed, the duration of their use, and the exact scope of services per unit. However, for a large-scale disaster response effort involving potentially hundreds or thousands of mobile homes, this figure could represent a reasonable expenditure. FEMA often utilizes master agreements and task orders for such services, and costs can vary significantly based on the severity of the disaster, geographic location, and required turnaround time. The competitive bidding process suggests the price was vetted against market offerings at the time.

What were the primary risks associated with this contract, and how were they mitigated?

Key risks included logistical challenges in delivering and setting up homes in potentially damaged or inaccessible areas, potential delays due to weather or unforeseen site conditions, and ensuring the quality and safety of the temporary housing. Mitigation strategies likely involved detailed planning by FEMA and the contractor, pre-qualification of sites, robust project management, and adherence to the fixed-price contract terms which shifted some cost-related risks to the contractor. The short, defined duration also limited long-term exposure to evolving disaster conditions.

What was the track record of the contractor, MOTEX-MJ TEC, with FEMA or similar agencies prior to this contract?

Information on MOTEX-MJ TEC's specific track record with FEMA or similar agencies prior to this 2006-2007 contract is not detailed in the provided data. Federal procurement databases would typically contain past performance information, including other contracts awarded, their values, and performance ratings. A thorough review would involve searching these databases for prior awards, especially those related to emergency response, facilities support, or logistics, to assess their experience and reliability in handling similar critical tasks.

How effective was the deployment of these mobile homes in meeting the housing needs of disaster victims in Mississippi?

The effectiveness of the mobile home deployment hinges on factors beyond the activation/deactivation contract itself, such as the number of units provided, their suitability, and the duration they were needed. This contract specifically addresses the logistical and setup services. Assuming the contract was executed successfully, it contributed to the overall effectiveness by ensuring homes were ready for occupancy. FEMA's broader disaster housing strategy, including the number of families housed and the speed of recovery, would provide a fuller picture of the program's success.

What is the historical spending pattern for mobile home activation/deactivation services by FEMA?

Historical spending on mobile home activation/deactivation by FEMA can fluctuate significantly year-to-year, heavily influenced by the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Following major events like hurricanes or floods, spending in this category can surge as FEMA rapidly deploys temporary housing solutions. This $12.3 million contract in 2006-2007 represents a specific instance of such spending. Analyzing FEMA's budget and contract awards over multiple years, particularly in disaster-prone regions like the Gulf Coast, would reveal patterns and trends in this type of expenditure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 33

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: BLDG 1103 STE 140 C, BAY SAINT LOUIS, MS, 04

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Community Developed Corporation Owned Firm, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Federally Funded Research and Development Corp, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,342,925

Exercised Options: $12,342,925

Current Obligation: $12,342,925

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSFEHQ06D0428

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline