DoD's $18.6M contract for vehicular accessories awarded to Melt Manufacturing LLC, with a 641-day duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,595,537 ($18.6M)

Contractor: Melt Manufacturing LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2006-08-07

End Date: 2008-05-09

Contract Duration: 641 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 200611!001801!9700!H92222!USSOCOM HQ, DIR. OF PROCUREMENT !H9222204D0009 !A!N! !N!0004 ! !20060807!20070112!118859490!118859490!118859490!N!MELT MANUFACTURING LLC !100 SHARI POLACEK PL !WINDBER !PA!15963!78225!061!12!WINTER BEACH !INDIAN RIVER !FLORIDA !+000002180472!N!N!000000000000!2541!WEAPONS SYSTEMS SPECIFIC VEHICULAR ACCESSORIES !A4A!COMBAT VEHICLES !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !336992!E! !5!B!S! ! !C!20061130!B! ! !B! !A!N!J!2!005!K! !Z!N!Z! ! !Y!B!N!N! !B!A! !B!A!000!A!B!Y!A! ! ! ! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: WINDBER, SOMERSET County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15963

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.6 million to MELT MANUFACTURING LLC for work described as: 200611!001801!9700!H92222!USSOCOM HQ, DIR. OF PROCUREMENT !H9222204D0009 !A!N! !N!0004 ! !20060807!20070112!118859490!118859490!118859490!N!MELT MANUFACTURING LLC !100 SHARI POLACEK PL !WINDBER !PA!15963!78225!061!12!WINTER BEACH !INDI… Key points: 1. The contract value of $18.6M for vehicular accessories represents a significant investment in specialized military equipment. 2. Awarded to Melt Manufacturing LLC, the contract's limited competition raises questions about potential price efficiencies. 3. The duration of 641 days suggests a need for sustained supply or development of these specific accessories. 4. The product service code (PSC) is not explicitly detailed, making direct performance benchmarking challenging. 5. The contract's focus on 'WEAPONS SYSTEMS SPECIFIC VEHICULAR ACCESSORIES' indicates a niche but critical role in military operations. 6. The geographic location of the contractor in Pennsylvania may have implications for logistics and regional economic impact.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $18.6 million for vehicular accessories appears substantial. Without specific details on the exact nature of the accessories and their technical specifications, a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. However, the duration of 641 days for a firm-fixed-price contract suggests a potentially high per-unit cost or a significant quantity of items. Further analysis would require understanding the technological complexity and the market for these specialized components.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which implies that while competition was sought, certain sources were excluded. The data indicates 5 bidders participated in this process. The limited nature of the competition, even with multiple bidders, may have restricted the range of pricing and innovation compared to a truly full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of certain sources, even with multiple bidders, could potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers if it limited the most competitive offers from reaching the government.

Public Impact

Military personnel operating combat vehicles will benefit from enhanced vehicular accessories, potentially improving operational effectiveness and safety. The services delivered are specialized vehicular accessories for weapons systems, crucial for the functionality and survivability of military vehicles. The primary geographic impact is likely within U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) operational areas, wherever these vehicles are deployed. The contract supports the defense industrial base, specifically within the manufacturing sector related to military vehicles and weapons systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may have restricted optimal price discovery for taxpayers.
Lack of detailed product service code makes it difficult to assess the specific nature and complexity of the accessories.
The exclusion of sources, even with multiple bidders, warrants scrutiny to ensure fair market access.

Positive Signals

Awarded to a specific company, Melt Manufacturing LLC, indicating a focused supplier relationship.
The contract duration suggests a sustained need and commitment from the Department of Defense.
The contract falls under U.S. Special Operations Command, highlighting its importance for specialized military operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on vehicular accessories for military applications. The market for such specialized components is often niche, driven by stringent military requirements and technological advancements. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within other Department of Defense contracts for vehicle upgrades, armor, or weapon system integration. The size of this contract suggests a significant procurement within this specialized segment of the defense industrial base.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. The primary contractor, Melt Manufacturing LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data, and its size status relative to the small business administration's thresholds is not detailed. The impact on the broader small business ecosystem is therefore indirect, related to potential competition or supply chain opportunities that may or may not involve small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Defense's contracting and procurement regulations, managed by the U.S. Special Operations Command. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where this award is recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract execution.

Related Government Programs

Military Vehicle Manufacturing
Weapons Systems Components
Defense Procurement
Special Operations Equipment
Combat Vehicle Upgrades

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price efficiency.
Lack of detailed product specification hinders in-depth analysis.
Contractor's past performance history not detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.6 million to MELT MANUFACTURING LLC. 200611!001801!9700!H92222!USSOCOM HQ, DIR. OF PROCUREMENT !H9222204D0009 !A!N! !N!0004 ! !20060807!20070112!118859490!118859490!118859490!N!MELT MANUFACTURING LLC !100 SHARI POLACEK PL !WINDBER !PA!15963!78225!061!12!WINTER BEACH !INDIAN RIVER !FLORIDA !+000002180472!N!N!000000000000!2541!WEAPONS SYSTEMS SPECIFIC VEHICULAR ACCESSORIES !A4A!COMBAT VEHICLES !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !336992!E! !5!B!S! ! !C!200

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MELT MANUFACTURING LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (U.S. Special Operations Command).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-08-07. End: 2008-05-09.

What is the specific nature and technical complexity of the 'WEAPONS SYSTEMS SPECIFIC VEHICULAR ACCESSORIES' procured under this contract?

The provided data identifies the item as 'WEAPONS SYSTEMS SPECIFIC VEHICULAR ACCESSORIES' under Product Service Code (PSC) 2541, which falls under the category of 'Weapons Components for Ground Vehicles and Personnel.' While the PSC indicates a focus on components for ground vehicles and personnel related to weapons systems, the exact technical specifications, materials, and functionalities of these accessories are not detailed in the provided data snippet. This lack of specificity makes it challenging to assess their complexity, novelty, or the specific technological advancements they represent. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work or technical exhibits would be necessary to fully understand the nature of these accessories and their role in enhancing or integrating with weapons systems on military vehicles.

How does the contract value of $18.6 million compare to similar procurements for vehicular accessories within the Department of Defense?

Comparing the $18.6 million contract value requires identifying similar procurements for 'WEAPONS SYSTEMS SPECIFIC VEHICULAR ACCESSORIES' or closely related items within the Department of Defense. Without a more granular Product Service Code (PSC) or detailed item description, finding direct comparables is difficult. However, based on the broad category of military vehicle components and upgrades, $18.6 million is a substantial sum, suggesting either a large quantity of items, highly specialized or technologically advanced accessories, or a combination thereof. Larger contracts in this domain often involve significant research, development, or integration efforts. To provide a precise benchmark, one would need to analyze historical contract data for similar PSCs and contract types awarded by agencies like USSOCOM or other branches of the DoD over a relevant period.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a contract of this magnitude with 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'?

The primary risk associated with 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' is the potential for reduced competition, which can lead to higher prices for taxpayers and potentially limit the government's access to the most innovative solutions. While the data indicates five bidders participated, the exclusion of certain sources means that not all capable vendors may have had an opportunity to compete. This could result in a suboptimal price discovery process. Additionally, if the excluded sources were key players in the market, the government might miss out on specialized expertise or unique technological capabilities. Ensuring that the exclusion criteria were justified, documented, and served a clear government purpose is crucial for mitigating these risks and demonstrating responsible stewardship of public funds.

What is Melt Manufacturing LLC's track record with government contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

The provided data identifies Melt Manufacturing LLC as the contractor for this $18.6 million award. To assess their track record, a comprehensive review of their past government contract awards, including value, type, performance history, and agency, would be necessary. Information on past performance ratings, any contract disputes, or terminations would also be critical. Without access to a broader contract history database for Melt Manufacturing LLC, it is difficult to definitively characterize their track record. However, securing a contract of this magnitude from USSOCOM suggests they possess the capabilities and capacity to meet demanding military requirements. Further due diligence would involve examining their performance on this and other contracts to gauge reliability and effectiveness.

How does the contract duration of 641 days (approximately 1 year and 9 months) impact the assessment of value for money?

A contract duration of 641 days for firm-fixed-price delivery of vehicular accessories suggests a sustained requirement. For value for money, this duration implies that the contractor must manage production, supply chain, and delivery over an extended period. If the accessories are standard items, a longer duration might indicate a large quantity order, potentially allowing for economies of scale that could improve per-unit value. Conversely, if the items are complex or require development, the duration might reflect the time needed for engineering and testing, which could increase overall cost but deliver enhanced capability. The firm-fixed-price nature means the government's cost is largely set, so the value assessment hinges on whether the delivered accessories meet the required performance standards throughout their lifecycle and at the agreed-upon price.

What are the implications of the contractor's location in Windber, Pennsylvania, for this contract?

The contractor, Melt Manufacturing LLC, is located in Windber, Pennsylvania. This location has several potential implications. Firstly, it indicates a contribution to the regional economy in Pennsylvania through job creation and business activity. Secondly, it affects logistics and transportation costs for delivering the vehicular accessories to the point of need, which is likely within a USSOCOM operational area, potentially domestic or international. The distance and mode of transport will influence delivery timelines and overall contract costs. If the accessories require specialized manufacturing processes, Pennsylvania's industrial base may offer relevant infrastructure or skilled labor. However, without knowing the final delivery destination, it's hard to quantify the precise logistical impact.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing › Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: VEHICULAR EQUIPMENT COMPONENTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 100 SHARI POLACEK PL, WINDBER, PA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: H9222204D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline