A Legacy of Service Meets Federal Opportunity

4 Marine Services, LLC, a Ponce-based business providing marine equipment and industrial services, has a long history of serving local and federal governments, as well as private businesses. Founded in the early 1970s as a DBA, the company transitioned to second-generation leadership under Capt. Carlos Padilla. With decades of experience in the marine industry, Capt. Padilla sought to expand his company's reach within the federal marketplace.

Charting a Course for Growth

In January 2024, Capt. Padilla participated in a webinar hosted by the Puerto Rico APEX Accelerator. This initial contact led to a February meeting where he discussed pursuing SBA certifications. Already focused on his goals, Capt. Padilla promptly applied for and successfully obtained HUBZone certification for 4 Marine Services, LLC. Beyond certifications, Capt. Padilla expressed a strong interest in transitioning from a subcontractor to a prime contractor with the federal government. He had identified a significant opportunity: The Worldwide Expeditionary Multiple Award Contract (WEXMAC) 2.0 (Notice ID N0002324R0001). Recognizing the complexities of federal contracting, Capt. Padilla turned to the Puerto Rico APEX Accelerator for guidance.

Navigating the Complexities of Federal Acquisition

While Capt. Padilla possessed deep industry knowledge, navigating the intricacies of government solicitations was a new challenge. Over the next six months, the Puerto Rico APEX Accelerator provided extensive support, assisting 4 Marine Services, LLC with the agency's requests and navigating the complex requirements of the WEXMAC 2.0 solicitation.

A Winning Partnership

The Puerto Rico APEX Accelerator's comprehensive assistance proved invaluable. By providing expertise in areas ranging from government databases to responding to solicitations, the APEX Accelerator empowered 4 Marine Services, LLC to successfully compete for and win the WEXMAC 2.0 contract. This indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract boasts a ceiling amount of $450,000,500.00, representing a significant milestone for the company.

Conclusion:

The success of 4 Marine Services, LLC demonstrates the powerful impact of the Puerto Rico APEX Accelerator. By providing expert guidance and support, the APEX Accelerator empowered Capt. Padilla and his team to navigate the complexities of federal contracting and secure a major contract, setting the stage for significant growth and continued success.