DoD Awards $40M for M240B Machine Guns to FN America LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,829,709 ($39.8M)

Contractor: FN America LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-02-13

End Date: 2010-06-30

Contract Duration: 868 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: M240B MACHINE GUNS

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, RICHLAND County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29229

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $39.8 million to FN AMERICA LLC for work described as: M240B MACHINE GUNS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to FN America LLC, a known defense contractor. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is 868 days, indicating a medium-term supply need. 4. The award value is approximately $40 million. 5. The contract falls under the Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $39.8M for M240B machine guns appears reasonable given the quantity and nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar defense procurement contracts for firearms would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The existence of multiple bidders would have driven price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential military equipment procurement through a competitive process, aiming for cost-effectiveness.

Public Impact

Ensures the U.S. Army is equipped with standard-issue M240B machine guns. Supports the defense industrial base and manufacturing capabilities. Contributes to national security readiness by providing critical weaponry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for price increases in future contract renewals.
  • Dependence on a single supplier for critical weapon systems.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Contract supports a key military requirement.
  • Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense sector, specifically focusing on ordnance and small arms manufacturing. Spending in this area is critical for military readiness and is often subject to rigorous oversight and competitive procurement processes.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business. While this specific award did not benefit small businesses, the defense sector overall often has subcontracting opportunities for smaller firms.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Army, a component of the Department of Defense, which has established oversight mechanisms for defense procurement. The firm fixed price contract type also offers a degree of cost control.

Related Government Programs

  • Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Contract awarded to a single entity.
  • No small business participation noted.
  • Long-term supply chain dependency.
  • Potential for future price increases.

Tags

small-arms-ordnance-and-ordnance-accesso, department-of-defense, sc, do, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $39.8 million to FN AMERICA LLC. M240B MACHINE GUNS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FN AMERICA LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $39.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-02-13. End: 2010-06-30.

What is the historical price trend for M240B machine guns under similar contracts?

Analyzing historical pricing data for M240B machine guns from previous contracts, especially those awarded under similar competitive conditions, is crucial. This helps establish a baseline for fair pricing and identify any significant deviations in the current award. Without this historical context, it's challenging to definitively assess if the $39.8M award represents optimal value for the taxpayer.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on FN America LLC for M240B machine gun supply?

Potential risks include supply chain disruptions, increased reliance on a single manufacturer, and potential price escalations in future sole-source or limited-competition scenarios. While this award was competitive, long-term sustainment and future needs might necessitate exploring alternative suppliers or ensuring robust contingency plans are in place to mitigate these risks.

How effectively does this contract contribute to the Army's overall operational readiness?

This contract directly contributes to the Army's operational readiness by ensuring a supply of the M240B machine gun, a critical weapon system. The full and open competition process suggests that the acquisition was conducted efficiently, aiming to provide the necessary equipment at a competitive price, thereby supporting the Army's mission requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingOther Fabricated Metal Product ManufacturingSmall Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: WEAPONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Societ Herstalienne Pour LA Finance L'industrielle ET LE C (UEI: 370005936)

Address: 797 OLD CLEMSON RD, COLUMBIA, SC, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,829,709

Exercised Options: $39,829,709

Current Obligation: $39,829,709

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W52H0907D0319

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2008-02-13

Current End Date: 2010-06-30

Potential End Date: 2010-06-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2011-05-18

More Contracts from FN America LLC

View all FN America LLC federal contracts →

Other Department of Defense Contracts

View all Department of Defense contracts →

Explore Related Government Spending