Army Awards $16M for M240B Machine Guns to FN America LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,072,104 ($16.1M)

Contractor: FN America LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-06-05

End Date: 2010-08-31

Contract Duration: 817 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: AWARD OF DELIVERY ORDER 0008 FOR 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 $16.1 million to FN AMERICA LLC for work described as: AWARD OF DELIVERY ORDER 0008 FOR M240B MACHINE GUNS Key points: 1. Significant award for small arms manufacturing, impacting defense readiness. 2. FN America LLC is a key supplier in this niche market. 3. Risk associated with reliance on a single supplier for critical components. 4. Spending falls within the defense sector's ordnance procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $16,072,103.52 for M240B machine guns appears reasonable given the nature of military hardware procurement. Benchmarking against similar large-scale ordnance contracts would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that should have driven favorable pricing. The use of Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type further supports price certainty.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential defense equipment, with competition aiming to ensure value for money.

Public Impact

Ensures continued availability of a critical weapon system for U.S. military personnel. Supports domestic manufacturing capabilities within the defense industrial base. Potential for follow-on contracts or sustainment services related to the M240B.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for sole-source follow-on orders if competition is not maintained.
  • Supply chain disruptions impacting production timelines.
  • Geopolitical factors influencing demand and production costs.

Positive Signals

  • Established supplier with proven track record.
  • Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
  • Awarded under full and open competition.

Sector Analysis

This award falls within the defense sector, specifically the manufacturing of small arms and ordnance. Spending benchmarks for similar weapon system procurements would be relevant for a deeper analysis.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to FN America LLC, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large-scale defense hardware contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army's procurement process, including the use of full and open competition and a Firm Fixed Price contract, suggests a degree of oversight. Further review of the source selection documentation would confirm accountability.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Reliance on a single manufacturer for critical weapon systems.
  • Potential for cost overruns in future sustainment or upgrade phases.
  • Vulnerability to supply chain disruptions for key components.
  • Long-term strategic implications of maintaining a specific weapon platform.

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 $16.1 million to FN AMERICA LLC. AWARD OF DELIVERY ORDER 0008 FOR 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 $16.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-06-05. End: 2010-08-31.

What is the projected lifecycle cost of the M240B machine gun program, including sustainment and upgrades?

The lifecycle cost of the M240B program is not detailed in this award notice. Such costs typically encompass initial procurement, spare parts, maintenance, training, and potential future upgrades or modifications. A comprehensive lifecycle cost analysis would require access to broader program documentation beyond this specific delivery order.

What are the specific performance metrics and quality assurance measures in place for these M240B machine guns?

While the award specifies a Firm Fixed Price contract, the details of performance metrics and quality assurance are not provided. These are typically outlined in the contract's statement of work and technical specifications, ensuring the delivered weapons meet stringent military standards for reliability and durability.

How does the unit cost of this M240B award compare to previous procurements or similar weapon systems?

Direct comparison of unit cost is difficult without knowing the exact quantity of machine guns awarded under this $16 million delivery order. However, the use of full and open competition and a Firm Fixed Price contract suggests an effort to achieve competitive pricing for this essential defense equipment.

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: $16,072,104

Exercised Options: $16,072,104

Current Obligation: $16,072,104

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W52H0907D0319

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2008-06-05

Current End Date: 2010-08-31

Potential End Date: 2010-08-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2009-07-07

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