Press Release
Posted:
Solano County, CA — Today, Congressman Mike Thompson joined Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) in demanding that the Coast Guard explain why the administration chose not to award a contract to Mare Island Dry Dock despite their strong qualifications and more competitive price.
“This decision puts skilled local workers and taxpayer dollars at risk and demands a clear explanation,” said Thompson. “Mare Island Dry Dock has a proven track record and submitted a more competitive bid. I am proud to join my colleagues in pressing the Coast Guard for transparency and accountability.”
“Despite reportedly bidding a million dollars less than the eventual winner of the USCG Healy bid, Mare Island Dry Dock did not receive the $10 million contract. This raises serious questions about how taxpayer dollars are being spent,” said Garamendi. “I’m using every tool at my disposal to understand this decision made by the Coast Guard, the Navy, and the entire Trump administration to fight for our community. I have been a steadfast advocate for Mare Island for years because it is critical to our local economy and national security—and I will never stop fighting for this community.”
Read the full letter HERE:
The letter was also signed by Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-11), and Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA-09).
Last week, the Coast Guard failed to award Mare Island Dry Dock the contract to repair the icebreaker Healy, the Coast Guard’s largest vessel, despite Mare Island Dry Dock’s prior successful work on the Healy and its more competitive price, $1.5 million less than the winning bidder. The Healy contract would have directly supported 150 local jobs, keeping workers employed for three to four months and bringing critical economic development to the region.