Forest Service Spends $142K on Patrol Vehicle Upfits with New Mexico Emergency Products, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $142,393 ($142.4K)

Contractor: NEW Mexico Emergency Products, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-02-24

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 310 days

Daily Burn Rate: $459/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WASHINGTON OFFICE, REGION 13 ZONE 3 PATROL VEH UPFIT 4263 4292 4567 4568 4576

Place of Performance

Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87106

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $142,393.05 to NEW MEXICO EMERGENCY PRODUCTS, LLC for work described as: WASHINGTON OFFICE, REGION 13 ZONE 3 PATROL VEH UPFIT 4263 4292 4567 4568 4576 Key points: 1. The contract is a purchase order for patrol vehicle upfits, a common need for law enforcement and field operations. 2. Competition was limited as the contract was 'NOT COMPETED'. 3. The primary risk is the lack of competitive pricing, potentially leading to overpayment. 4. The sector is Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing, supporting essential government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $142,393.05 for vehicle upfits is difficult to assess without specific details on the services provided. However, the lack of competition raises concerns about whether this price represents fair market value compared to potentially competitive bids.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'NOT COMPETED', indicating a limited competition approach. This method can lead to higher prices as it bypasses the benefits of a competitive bidding process, potentially impacting price discovery and value for taxpayer money.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in the government paying more than necessary for these vehicle upfits, impacting taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Government agencies rely on specialized vehicle upfits for operational effectiveness. The procurement process for such specialized equipment can be complex. Ensuring fair pricing through competition is crucial for responsible government spending. This contract supports a specific vendor, potentially impacting market dynamics for similar services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpayment due to non-competitive award
Limited transparency on specific services rendered for the price

Positive Signals

Supports essential government operations (Forest Service patrols)
Clear contract end date
Firm Fixed Price contract type can help control costs if priced appropriately

Sector Analysis

The Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing sector provides critical modifications for government vehicles. Spending benchmarks for vehicle upfits vary widely based on customization, but competitive bidding is key to ensuring value.

Small Business Impact

Information on whether New Mexico Emergency Products, LLC is a small business is not provided in the data. If they are a large business, this contract does not directly support small business goals.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'NOT COMPETED' status warrants further oversight to ensure the justification for limited competition was sound and that the pricing is reasonable. Accountability rests with the Forest Service contracting officers.

Related Government Programs

Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for inflated pricing
Insufficient justification for sole-source or limited competition
Lack of transparency on specific services and equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $142,393.05 to NEW MEXICO EMERGENCY PRODUCTS, LLC. WASHINGTON OFFICE, REGION 13 ZONE 3 PATROL VEH UPFIT 4263 4292 4567 4568 4576

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NEW MEXICO EMERGENCY PRODUCTS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $142,393.05.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-02-24. End: 2025-12-31.

What specific services and equipment are included in the 'patrol vehicle upfit' to justify the $142,393.05 cost?

Without a detailed statement of work or itemized list of modifications, it's impossible to determine the value. Patrol vehicle upfits can range from basic lighting and communication systems to complex surveillance or specialized equipment. Understanding the scope is crucial for assessing if the price is fair, especially given the non-competitive award.

What was the justification for not competing this contract, and were alternative sources considered?

The justification for a 'NOT COMPETED' award is critical for oversight. Agencies must demonstrate that only one source could reasonably fulfill the requirement or that exceptional circumstances prevented competition. Without this justification, it raises concerns about potential circumvention of procurement regulations and missed opportunities for better pricing.

How does the per-unit cost of these upfits compare to industry standards or previously competed contracts for similar services?

Benchmarking is essential, particularly for non-competed contracts. If comparable data exists from prior competitive awards or industry pricing guides for similar upfits, it should be used to validate the $142,393.05 total cost. The absence of such comparison makes it difficult to ascertain if taxpayers received good value.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: VEHICULAR EQUIPMENT COMPONENTS

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

Address: 3211 UNIVERSITY BLVD SE STE C, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87106

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $142,393

Exercised Options: $142,393

Current Obligation: $142,393

Actual Outlays: $142,393

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline