Army Spends $646M on 728 Oshkosh Trucks via Non-Competed Delivery Order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $646,250,325 ($646.3M)

Contractor: Oshkosh Defense LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-12-22

End Date: 2013-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,225 days

Daily Burn Rate: $527.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: PURCHASE OF 728 PLS TRUCKS

Place of Performance

Location: OSHKOSH, WINNEBAGO County, WISCONSIN, 54902

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $646.3 million to OSHKOSH DEFENSE LLC for work described as: PURCHASE OF 728 PLS TRUCKS Key points: 1. Significant investment of $646.25M for 728 trucks. 2. Sole-source award to Oshkosh Defense LLC raises competition concerns. 3. Contract awarded as a delivery order, suggesting a specific need. 4. Truck Trailer Manufacturing sector (NAICS 336212) is the focus.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The total award of $646.25M for 728 trucks results in an average price of approximately $887,637 per truck. Without comparable contract data for similar heavy-duty military trucks, it's difficult to definitively assess if this price is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: $887,637

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to Oshkosh Defense LLC. The lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition in this large procurement may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these trucks.

Public Impact

Military readiness potentially enhanced by the acquisition of new trucks. Taxpayer funds are significantly allocated to defense procurement. Oshkosh Defense LLC benefits from a large, sole-source contract. The long contract duration (1225 days) suggests a substantial and ongoing need.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • High per-unit cost
  • Sole-source award

Positive Signals

  • Acquisition of critical equipment
  • Award to established defense contractor

Sector Analysis

The Department of the Army's procurement falls within the broader defense sector, specifically focusing on vehicle manufacturing. Spending benchmarks in this area can vary widely based on vehicle type, technology, and quantity, but large sole-source awards warrant scrutiny.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication in the provided data that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. The sole-source nature of the award further suggests limited opportunity for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'NOT COMPETED' status flags this award for potential oversight review. Agencies should justify sole-source procurements to ensure they are necessary and that fair and reasonable pricing was achieved.

Related Government Programs

  • Truck Trailer Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • Sole-source award
  • High per-unit cost
  • No small business participation indicated

Tags

truck-trailer-manufacturing, department-of-defense, wi, delivery-order, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $646.3 million to OSHKOSH DEFENSE LLC. PURCHASE OF 728 PLS TRUCKS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OSHKOSH DEFENSE 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 $646.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-12-22. End: 2013-04-30.

What specific military requirements justified a sole-source award for these 728 PLS trucks, and were alternative solutions or competitive approaches considered?

Justifying a sole-source award typically requires demonstrating that only one responsible source can provide the supplies or services, or that a compelling urgency necessitates bypassing full and open competition. For these PLS trucks, the justification would likely center on unique technical specifications, existing platform integration, or specific mission requirements that only Oshkosh Defense could meet. A thorough review would examine the documentation supporting these claims and whether any market research was conducted to explore competitive alternatives.

How does the per-unit cost of $887,637 for these PLS trucks compare to similar military truck procurements, and what factors contribute to this cost?

The per-unit cost of $887,637 is substantial and requires comparison with similar military truck acquisitions to assess value. Factors influencing this cost could include advanced armor, specialized equipment, logistical support packages, and the specific capabilities of the PLS (Palletized Load System) truck. Without access to detailed specifications and pricing breakdowns, or benchmark data from comparable contracts, it's challenging to determine if this price represents fair market value or if it's inflated due to the lack of competition.

What is the long-term strategic value and operational effectiveness of acquiring these 728 PLS trucks, particularly given the sole-source procurement method?

The long-term strategic value lies in enhancing the Army's logistical capabilities, enabling efficient transport of essential supplies and equipment to the front lines. The operational effectiveness depends on the trucks' reliability, performance in various terrains and conditions, and integration with existing military systems. However, the sole-source procurement method raises questions about whether the most cost-effective and technologically advanced solution was secured, potentially impacting the overall value proposition for taxpayer investment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingMotor Vehicle Body and Trailer ManufacturingTruck Trailer Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Oshkosh Corp (UEI: 006070445)

Address: 2307 OREGON ST, OSHKOSH, WI, 54903

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $646,250,325

Exercised Options: $646,250,325

Current Obligation: $646,250,325

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W56HZV09D0024

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2009-12-22

Current End Date: 2013-04-30

Potential End Date: 2013-04-30 12:04:00

Last Modified: 2016-11-08

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