Sunset Marine, LLC (of DE) was started in January of 1999 to become a viable small business in the marine transportation industry. In 2002 the company received 8(a) certification enabling them to target market the USACE for 8(a) opportunities and set-aside contracts. The company was also "Hub-Zone" approved in 2003.
Since this time Sunset Marine, LLC has successfully completed over 10 USACE contracts,
A key resource has been the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center (LA PTAC), established in 1989 to generate employment and improve the general economy of Louisiana. LA PTAC assists businesses in obtaining and performing under the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies, state and local government contracts.
An LA PTAC representative said of Sunset Marine during an interview...
"Sunset Marine, LLC recognized a niche market in the dredging business and with LA PTAC - New Orleans assistance, created a plan to fill that need."
"Perseverance! Sunset Marine, LLC does not understand the concept of the word NO. In fact, I doubt if it is even part of the firm's language. Captain Maurice had a vision for his small dredging company and approached the New Orleans District Corps of Engineers about a dredging contract in November 1999. He presented a very ambitious plan that sounded good, but was questionable if it could be accomplished. The dredging industry has very few small business dredges and even more unique is that Sunset Maine, LLC is an 8(a) firm. The rules for dredging are very restrictive. Captain Maurice studied the rules and found ways to overcome. After several years of different approaches and with the assistance of the LA PTAC - New Orleans, Sunset Marine, LLC was awarded an IDIQ contract that had a maximum order limitation of $3 million dollars. Why was this Veteran-owned, 8(a) contractor successful - he was persistent."
The LA PTAC - New Orleans rendered assistance in the areas of Marketing, Contracting Rules and Regulations, Pricing and Negotiations.
