CBP Buys Rifle Plates for $31.7K via Strategic Sourcing Vehicle, Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,747 ($31.7K)

Contractor: Leading Technology Composites Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 116 days

Daily Burn Rate: $274/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: USING CBP'S STRATEGIC SOURCING VEHICLE TO PURCHASE RIFLE PLATES DESIGNED TO WORK WITH THEIR BODY ARMOR SYSTEM THAT WE HAVE AN IDIQ FOR. ALL PLATES WILL BE SHIPPED TO THE MANASSAS OPERATIONS CENTER.

Place of Performance

Location: MANASSAS, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 20109

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $31,747.32 to LEADING TECHNOLOGY COMPOSITES INC for work described as: USING CBP'S STRATEGIC SOURCING VEHICLE TO PURCHASE RIFLE PLATES DESIGNED TO WORK WITH THEIR BODY ARMOR SYSTEM THAT WE HAVE AN IDIQ FOR. ALL PLATES WILL BE SHIPPED TO THE MANASSAS OPERATIONS CENTER. Key points: 1. Spending on rifle plates is $31.7K, utilizing an existing strategic sourcing vehicle. 2. Competition was full and open, indicating potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk appears low given the use of an established IDIQ and clear delivery location. 4. The sector is Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing, with a specific application for law enforcement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The price of $31.7K for rifle plates is reasonable, especially considering it leverages an existing strategic sourcing vehicle (IDIQ). Benchmarking against similar body armor components suggests competitive pricing was likely achieved through the full and open competition.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, utilizing a strategic sourcing vehicle. This method generally promotes price discovery and allows multiple vendors to bid, leading to potentially better pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used efficiently by leveraging an existing contract vehicle and competitive bidding to acquire necessary equipment.

Public Impact

Enhances officer safety by providing essential protective gear. Supports the operational readiness of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel. Procurement through a strategic sourcing vehicle suggests efficient use of government resources.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for obsolescence of plate technology over time.
Dependence on a single supplier for specific plate compatibility.

Positive Signals

Leverages existing IDIQ contract for efficiency.
Full and open competition ensures market access.
Clear delivery instructions to a specific operations center.

Sector Analysis

This purchase falls within the broader apparel and protective equipment manufacturing sector. Spending benchmarks for tactical gear can vary widely, but this specific order appears to be a targeted acquisition for essential protective equipment.

Small Business Impact

While the data indicates the awardee is Leading Technology Composites Inc., it does not specify if this is a small business. The use of a strategic sourcing vehicle might limit direct participation opportunities for smaller businesses not part of the original IDIQ.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of an IDIQ and a delivery order implies a structured procurement process. Oversight would involve ensuring the plates meet specifications and are delivered on time, as well as monitoring contract performance.

Related Government Programs

Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing
Department of Commerce Contracting
Office of the Secretary Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for technology obsolescence.
Dependence on specific body armor system compatibility.
Need for clear performance standards verification.
Limited insight into small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $31,747.32 to LEADING TECHNOLOGY COMPOSITES INC. USING CBP'S STRATEGIC SOURCING VEHICLE TO PURCHASE RIFLE PLATES DESIGNED TO WORK WITH THEIR BODY ARMOR SYSTEM THAT WE HAVE AN IDIQ FOR. ALL PLATES WILL BE SHIPPED TO THE MANASSAS OPERATIONS CENTER.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LEADING TECHNOLOGY COMPOSITES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (Office of the Secretary).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31,747.32.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the expected lifespan and replacement cycle for these rifle plates to ensure continued officer safety and cost-effectiveness?

The expected lifespan and replacement cycle for these rifle plates are critical considerations for both officer safety and long-term cost-effectiveness. While the contract specifies delivery by July 2026, it doesn't detail the expected service life of the plates themselves. Agencies typically establish replacement schedules based on manufacturer recommendations, threat assessments, and material degradation, often ranging from 5 to 10 years. Understanding this will inform future budget planning and ensure the protective capabilities remain current.

How does the compatibility of these plates with the existing body armor system impact future procurement flexibility and potential vendor lock-in?

The requirement for plates to work with an existing body armor system, for which CBP has an IDIQ, suggests a degree of specificity. While this ensures immediate interoperability and likely streamlined acquisition, it could potentially limit future procurement flexibility if the IDIQ is not broadly sourced or if the armor system itself becomes outdated. It's important to assess if alternative plate manufacturers could meet these compatibility requirements in future solicitations to avoid vendor lock-in and ensure continued competitive pricing.

What are the specific performance standards and testing protocols these rifle plates must meet to ensure they provide adequate protection for CBP officers?

The specific performance standards and testing protocols are crucial for ensuring the rifle plates meet the necessary protection levels for CBP officers. Typically, such equipment adheres to standards set by organizations like the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). These standards define ballistic resistance levels (e.g., Level III, Level IV) based on specific ammunition types. Verifying that the procured plates have been tested and certified to meet or exceed relevant NIJ standards, or equivalent government-mandated requirements, is essential for validating their effectiveness and the value of the investment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2626 W MAY ST, WICHITA, KS, 67213

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,747

Exercised Options: $31,747

Current Obligation: $31,747

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B06C24D00000014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline