DoD awards $12.3M for 107 Air Force Emergency Services (AFES) kits to Kidde Technologies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,289,797 ($12.3M)

Contractor: Kidde Technologies Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2006-10-31

End Date: 2007-11-30

Contract Duration: 395 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AWARD OF 107 AFES KITS FOR US AIR FORCE

Place of Performance

Location: WILSON, WILSON County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27896

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.3 million to KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: AWARD OF 107 AFES KITS FOR US AIR FORCE Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract value of $12.3 million for 107 kits implies a significant per-unit cost. 3. Fixed-price contract type may limit cost overruns for the government. 4. The duration of 395 days indicates a relatively short-term need for these kits. 5. Awarded by the Department of the Army for the Air Force, highlighting inter-service collaboration. 6. The North Carolina location of the contractor may have regional economic implications.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $12.3 million for 107 AFES kits results in a per-unit cost of approximately $114,858. This appears high for emergency service kits, warranting further investigation into the specific components and capabilities included. Without comparable contract data for similar AFES kits, it is difficult to definitively benchmark value. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $114,858 per kit.

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The data shows 4 bids were received, suggesting a moderate level of competition for this requirement. A competitive process generally helps ensure fair pricing and encourages contractors to offer their best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of solutions, maximizing the value of government spending.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force personnel who will be equipped with these emergency service kits. The kits are intended to enhance the safety and operational readiness of Air Force units. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting Air Force operations across various bases. The contract supports jobs within Kidde Technologies Inc., a manufacturer in North Carolina.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High per-unit cost requires justification of included components and technology.
Short contract duration may indicate a one-time need or potential for future follow-on contracts.
Inter-service procurement (Army buying for Air Force) could indicate complexities in logistics or requirements definition.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, ensuring a competitive process.
Firm fixed-price contract type offers cost predictability for the government.
Contractor is a known entity in safety and fire protection systems.

Sector Analysis

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 336322, 'Other Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing,' suggests the kits may involve specialized electronic components for vehicles. This falls within the broader manufacturing sector, specifically related to automotive and defense equipment. The market for emergency response equipment is driven by safety regulations, defense needs, and technological advancements in detection and protection systems.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). There is no information provided on subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Kidde Technologies Inc. utilizes small businesses in its supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

As a firm fixed-price contract awarded under full and open competition, oversight would primarily focus on delivery schedule adherence and product quality. The Department of the Army, as the contracting agency, would be responsible for contract administration and ensuring compliance with terms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific details of the kits' contents and performance metrics may be less public.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Emergency Services Equipment
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Procurement
Vehicle Safety Equipment Contracts
Department of Defense (DoD) Manufacturing Contracts

Risk Flags

High Per-Unit Cost
Limited Specification Detail
Short Contract Duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.3 million to KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES INC. AWARD OF 107 AFES KITS FOR US AIR FORCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-10-31. End: 2007-11-30.

What specific components and functionalities are included in the 107 AFES kits awarded to Kidde Technologies?

The provided data does not detail the specific components or functionalities of the Air Force Emergency Services (AFES) kits. The NAICS code 336322 suggests involvement with motor vehicle electrical and electronic equipment manufacturing. Given the 'emergency services' designation, these kits could potentially include items such as fire suppression systems, first aid supplies, communication devices, navigation aids, or specialized safety equipment tailored for Air Force vehicles or personnel. A detailed breakdown would typically be found in the contract's statement of work or technical specifications, which are not publicly available in this dataset. The high per-unit cost implies a sophisticated or comprehensive set of equipment.

How does the per-unit cost of $114,858 compare to similar emergency service kits in the federal market?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost of $114,858 for these AFES kits against similar federal contracts is challenging without access to detailed specifications of comparable items. Emergency service kits can vary widely in complexity, from basic first-aid supplies to advanced integrated systems for vehicles or aircraft. If these kits include advanced electronics, communication modules, or specialized safety features for military applications, the cost might be justifiable within that niche. However, compared to general-purpose emergency kits, this price point appears significantly elevated. Further analysis would require identifying contracts for kits with comparable technical requirements and intended use within military or first-responder contexts.

What is the track record of Kidde Technologies Inc. in supplying similar equipment to the U.S. military or other government agencies?

Kidde Technologies Inc. is a known entity in the safety and fire protection industry, often associated with fire detection and suppression systems. While this specific award is for 'AFES kits,' Kidde's broader experience in providing safety solutions suggests a potential capability to fulfill such requirements. To assess their track record thoroughly for this specific contract, one would need to examine their past performance on similar government contracts, including any awards for emergency equipment, vehicle safety systems, or specialized kits for defense applications. Information on past performance, including any quality or delivery issues, is typically maintained in government databases like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).

What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for specialized equipment like AFES kits?

Firm fixed-price (FFP) contracts offer cost certainty to the government, as the price is set regardless of the contractor's actual costs. However, risks can arise if the initial cost estimate is inaccurate or if unforeseen technical challenges emerge during production. For specialized equipment like AFES kits, if the contractor underestimated the complexity or cost of components, they might face reduced profit margins or, in extreme cases, default. Conversely, if the price was set too high due to inadequate market research or competition, the government might overpay. The risk for the government also lies in ensuring the contractor maintains quality standards under cost pressure. The short duration (395 days) might also pose a risk if the contractor faces production delays.

How does the Department of the Army's role in procuring these kits for the Air Force impact the overall efficiency and cost?

When one service branch procures equipment for another, it can stem from various factors, such as leveraging existing expertise, consolidating requirements, or utilizing established contracting vehicles. In this case, the Department of the Army procuring for the Air Force might indicate that the Army has a more developed capability or existing contract vehicle for this type of equipment. This could potentially lead to efficiencies through economies of scale or streamlined processes. However, it can also introduce complexities, such as ensuring the procured items precisely meet the Air Force's specific operational requirements and standards. The cost impact depends on whether this inter-service procurement results in better pricing than if the Air Force procured it directly, potentially due to established relationships or contract terms.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing › Other Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: FIRE/RESCUE/SAFETY; ENVIRO PROTECT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: RTX Corp (UEI: 001344142)

Address: 163 AERO CAMINO, GOLETA, CA, 24

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,289,797

Exercised Options: $12,289,797

Current Obligation: $12,289,797

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W56HZV06D0116

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline