Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source 8(a) Procurement to The J Group, LLC, for Temporary Piloting Services

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, intends to award a sole-source, commercial firm-fixed-price services contract to The J Group, LLC, under the 8(a) program authority of FAR 19.108, for temporary piloting services in support of the Mississippi River Commission and revetment operations from FY2026 through FY2030. The contract will be performed aboard the MV Mississippi and requires the provision of up to two qualified personnel—a Master and a Pilot—operating under a 6-on/6-off watch schedule, with services encompassing MRC reconnaissance and inspection trips, as well as the annual revetment season. The period of performance begins on July 2, 2026, and extends through December 31, 2030, with an option to extend for an additional six months. Personnel must hold appropriate licenses and experience for towing and inspected vessels of the type used and must have previously completed similar duties. The contract is governed by a comprehensive Performance Work Statement (PWS), a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), and technical exhibits that define performance standards, including 100% adherence to daily schedules and 95–100% compliance with scheduled landings, monitored through a color-coded system of green, yellow, and red ratings. Invoicing requires detailed submission of burdened rates, dates of service, regular and overtime hours per employee, with pay for Federal Holidays at double time and weekly billing based on Sunday-to-Saturday work cycles. The Contracting Officer’s Representative, Roger W. Willey, has exclusive authority to inspect, accept, or reject services. Contractors must comply with stringent security protocols, including NCIC-III and TSDB vetting for unescorted access to DoD installations, mandatory AT Level I antiterrorism training, and adherence to EM 385-1-1 safety standards. Personnel must also comply with PIV/CAC requirements and maintain professional conduct, with a designated contract manager and alternate available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays. The NAICS code is 488330, with a small business size standard of $47 million, and employment eligibility verification through E-Verify is mandated. Although the notice is posted for informational purposes only and does not solicit competitive bids, interested parties may submit capability documentation, past performance references, and technical literature by June 17,