NORFOLK, Va. - The Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Norfolk Contracting Department awarded a $3.6 million contract to St. John’s College August 21, to provide for lodging for approximately 380 United States Naval Academy (USNA) midshipmen, allowing for additional midshipmen to return to Annapolis for the fall semester.
According to Kasie Samaniego, branch head for Contracting’s Division 220, this was the latest in a series of COVID-19 related contracts for the USNA, totaling more than $6.3 million in value. They have also executed multiple contracts for the USNA’s Midshipmen Food Services Department (MFSD), who had to change the environment and process of meal delivery. Because of COVID-19, USNA MFSD needed to expand their dining facility space as well as transition to a grab and go takeout system to allow for social distancing in compliance with CDC guidelines.
“In my 10 years of acquisition, I have never seen such an influx of urgent requirements in a six-month span,” she said. “That being said, I am amazed at how swiftly the buyers have executed these requirements on top of their normal workload.”
Division 220 executed a contract for structured tents, generator services, tables, chairs and support equipment to expand the dining space. Additionally, they procured disposable bags, food containers, cutlery kits and napkins. Most recently, MFSD required 12 ovens allowing them to prepare more food in a shorter period of time, crucial to supporting the grab and go environment.
They have also executed multiple contracts for tablets, laptops, webcams and other IT peripherals to support USNA’s expansion in distance learning.
“The biggest challenge is the short fuse to get a contract in place while ensuring all the needs of the customer are met,” explained Samaniego.
She added that typically a contract of this value would have a procurement acquisition lead-time of 120 days, adding that when requirements are more urgent, the acquisition team has to keep pace, comparing it to a sprint versus a marathon.
“Teamwork and constant communication amongst the acquisition team becomes vital to successfully reach the finish line,” said Samaniego.