Department of Homeland Security Awarded a Contract to DEWITT COMPANIES LTD., LLC for $118,731,432.70

Summary of Award

The provided JSON data from usaspending.gov reveals an extensive examination of a contract between the United States Federal Government and DeWitt Companies Ltd., LLC, under the umbrella of government procurement. The contract, held by DeWitt Companies Ltd., manifests attributes that define critical elements of contemporary government procurement practices, exhibiting the dynamism of Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts and the strategic significance such arrangements hold in federal operational logistics.

### Contract Overview

This specific IDIQ contract, identified by the unique award ID "CONT_IDV_70FB7021D00000019_7022," was formalized on July 30, 2021. Designed to provide transportation support throughout the Continental United States (CONUS), it epitomizes governmental reliance on the private sector for essential logistical capabilities. The predefined potential value of the contract is a robust $118,731,432.70, according to its "base and all options" projection, though the total obligation at the present moment registers at a modest $2,000. This juxtaposition accentuates the inherent flexibility of IDIQ contracts, allowing government entities to order varying quantities of goods or services during the contract period, depending on evolving requirements. ### Awarding and Funding Agency Both the awarding and funding responsibilities for this contract reside with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically managed through its sub-agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA's Incident Support Section (ISS70) governs the operational execution of the award, facilitating critical emergency management and disaster response logistics. ### Recipient Profile The recipient, DeWitt Companies Ltd., LLC, is headquartered in San Diego, California, illustrating its roots in a state known for its strategic geographic position and economic opportunities. Characterized as a U.S.-owned small business and structured as a limited liability corporation (LLC), DeWitt companies boast specific designations that align with robust federal partnership practices, underlining federal initiatives to involve small and diverse business entities in government contracts. In alignment with its business activities, the company focuses on the transportation sector, marked by its role in "Deep Sea Freight Transportation" as denoted by its North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 483111. ### Contract Transactions Six distinct transactions associated with this contract reveal the procedural continuum since its initiation: 1. **Initial Transaction (July 30, 2021):** The opening action transacted a $2,000 obligation, presumably covering initial preparatory phases of the contract. 2. **Subsequent Transactions (October 28, 2021; August 1, 2022; June 29, 2023; July 30, 2024; April 10, 2025):** These transactions list zero transaction amounts, highlighting administrative updates without financial exchanges. This pattern reflects planning and logistical arrangements, demonstrating how governmental contracts often extend beyond mere financial transactions, encompassing detailed strategic alignments. Transactions illustrate methodical updates tagged by "Mod" identifiers, reflecting modifications inherent to evolving contract requirements, ensuring flexibility to align with FEMA's operational needs. Such modifications, while not directly coupled with financial increments, are critical for refining contract scopes based on annual or biannual evaluations, indicative of the adaptable requirements in disaster management logistics. ### Contract Type and Competition Characterized as an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) vehicle with full and open competition methodologies, the contract was facilitated through a negotiated proposal or quote system. It indicates a comprehensive tendering process involving competitive bidding, distinguishing DeWitt Companies from peers as a standout service provider without exclusive small business set-asides. Notably, there were two offers received, portraying narrow competition and the strategic selection of DeWitt based on qualitative estimates beyond mere pricing. ### Strategic Importance Analyzing the contract's placement within FEMA's logistical framework underscores significant strategic impacts. Transportation logistics, especially under the designation of "Vessel Freight" services, entail reliable, scalable operations. By combining these capabilities with real-time modifications, federal agencies leverage private sector strengths, which is imperative to address unforeseen circumstances—whether disaster-stricken environments or streamlined cross-regional supply movements. ### Conclusion The intricate narrative this contract outlines goes beyond operational logistics and dives into strategic federal-private partnerships. For DeWitt Companies, the award marks a crucial engagement with FEMA, solidified through competitive procurement. For FEMA, the contract ensures a trusted vehicle with flexibility built into its core—an asset vital to navigating the dynamic landscapes of homeland security obligations. The comprehensive nature of IDIQ contracts captures the symbiosis between responsive government needs and robust private sector service delivery, embodying essential, adaptive frameworks in the arena of national interest.