Military Sealift Command awards $12.4 million contract

Military Sealift Command awards $12.4 million contract    The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command has awarded a $12.4 million contract to Chase Supply Inc., of Newport News, Va., to provide sampling material and testing equipment for oil analysis testing programs aboard 104 of the MSC's noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships.
   Chase Supply was described by the Navy as a 'small, woman-owned business located in a historically underutilized business (HUB) zone.'
   As managed by the Small Business Administration, the HUB Zone program provides federal contracting assistance to qualified small businesses, to promote employment, investment and development in economically distressed areas.
   'This contract establishes one company as the sole provider and distributor of all supplies used in preventive oil analysis, which monitors the operating conditions of various engines aboard MSC ships,' the Navy said in a statement.
   'Despite Chase Supply's status as a certified small business located in a HUB Zone, this contract was awarded in a competitive procurement open to all bidders,' the Navy explained. The contract has a one-year performance period with four one-year extension options.