DOJ's ATF awards $2.24M for firearms training, with competition indicating potential value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,240 ($2.2K)

Contractor: Firearms Ammunition Technology and Training L.L.C

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-12-30

End Date: 2026-03-25

Contract Duration: 85 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FIREARMS IDENTIFICATIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS TRAINING INSTRUCTORS FOR THE ATF NATIONAL ACADEMY.

Place of Performance

Location: BRUNSWICK, GLYNN County, GEORGIA, 31524

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $2,240 to FIREARMS AMMUNITION TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING L.L.C for work described as: FIREARMS IDENTIFICATIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS TRAINING INSTRUCTORS FOR THE ATF NATIONAL ACADEMY. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Firearms Ammunition Technology and Training L.L.C. for specialized firearms instruction. 2. The contract duration is 85 days, suggesting a focused training requirement. 3. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a streamlined procurement process for smaller dollar values. 4. The contract is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty for the government. 5. The training is for the ATF National Academy, highlighting its importance in law enforcement. 6. Geographic location of performance is Georgia (GA).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.24 million for 85 days of specialized firearms training appears reasonable given the niche expertise required. Benchmarking against similar specialized training contracts is challenging without more detailed service descriptions, but the fixed-price nature suggests the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns. The number of bidders, if more than one, would further inform value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders compared to full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP aims to balance efficiency with reasonable competition for acquisitions below certain thresholds. The limited competition may result in less aggressive pricing than a broader solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition under SAP can mean slightly higher prices than might be achieved in a fully open market, but it also ensures a more efficient use of government resources for smaller procurements.

Public Impact

Federal law enforcement officers, specifically ATF agents, will benefit from enhanced firearms identification and investigation training. The services delivered will improve the proficiency and effectiveness of ATF personnel in handling firearms-related investigations. Training will be conducted in Georgia, impacting the local economy through contractor presence and potential temporary staffing. The training supports the ATF's mission to combat firearms trafficking and violent crime.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP could potentially lead to higher per-unit costs.
Short contract duration may limit the ability to fully assess long-term contractor performance.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to gauge the effectiveness of the training.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Specialized nature of training indicates a focus on critical law enforcement skills.
Award to a company with 'Firearms Ammunition Technology and Training' in its name suggests relevant expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code (541990). This sector encompasses a wide range of specialized services. The market for specialized law enforcement training is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in areas like firearms, forensics, and investigative techniques. The total federal spending on professional services is substantial, and this contract represents a small portion dedicated to critical operational support for the ATF.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false and the contract was not a small business set-aside (ss is false). Therefore, this contract does not appear to directly benefit small businesses through set-asides. There is no information on subcontracting plans, so the impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acquisition and Property Management Division within the Department of Justice. As a contract awarded under SAP, the level of formal oversight might be less intensive than for larger, more complex procurements. Transparency is generally good for federal contracts, with awards typically published. The Inspector General for the Department of Justice would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

ATF Firearms Training Programs
Federal Law Enforcement Training
Department of Justice Professional Services Contracts
Specialized Technical Services
Law Enforcement Support Services

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Short Contract Duration
Potential for Suboptimal Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $2,240 to FIREARMS AMMUNITION TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING L.L.C. FIREARMS IDENTIFICATIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS TRAINING INSTRUCTORS FOR THE ATF NATIONAL ACADEMY.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FIREARMS AMMUNITION TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING L.L.C.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acquisition and Property Management Division).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2,240.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-30. End: 2026-03-25.

What is the track record of Firearms Ammunition Technology and Training L.L.C. with federal contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of Firearms Ammunition Technology and Training L.L.C. with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous government engagements. Without this historical data, it is difficult to definitively assess the contractor's reliability and past performance in delivering similar services. Further research into federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS would be necessary to gather this information and evaluate their suitability for this specific training requirement.

How does the $2.24 million value compare to similar firearms training contracts?

Direct comparison of the $2.24 million contract value for 85 days of firearms training is difficult without more specific details on the scope of services, number of trainees, and instructor qualifications. However, the value appears reasonable for specialized, high-stakes training. Contracts for basic firearms proficiency might be lower, while those involving advanced tactical scenarios or specialized forensic analysis could be significantly higher. The firm fixed-price nature suggests the government has a clear understanding of the costs involved. Benchmarking would ideally involve comparing this contract to others for 'firearms identification and investigations training instructors' awarded by agencies like the FBI, DEA, or Secret Service, considering contract duration and deliverables.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance deficiencies if the contractor lacks the specialized expertise required for 'firearms identification and investigations training.' Given the limited competition under SAP, there's a risk of suboptimal pricing, meaning the government might not achieve the best possible value. Another risk is the short contract duration (85 days), which could lead to rushed training or insufficient time for instructors to fully impart complex knowledge. Finally, ensuring the training content remains current with evolving firearms technology and investigative techniques is a continuous risk that needs active management by the ATF.

How effective is this type of training likely to be for ATF agents?

This type of training is likely to be highly effective, provided the curriculum is well-designed and the instructors possess genuine, up-to-date expertise. Firearms identification and investigations are critical skills for ATF agents, directly impacting their ability to conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and ensure public safety. Effective training can lead to improved case closure rates, reduced errors in evidence handling, and enhanced officer safety. The 'National Academy' designation suggests this training is a core component of agent development, implying a structured and important role in their professional progression and operational readiness.

What are the historical spending patterns for firearms training at the ATF?

Historical spending patterns for firearms training at the ATF are not detailed in the provided data. However, it is reasonable to assume that the ATF consistently allocates funds for firearms training due to the nature of its mission. Spending likely fluctuates based on agent recruitment cycles, changes in firearms technology, evolving investigative needs, and budget appropriations. Analyzing past ATF budgets and contract awards for training services over several fiscal years would reveal trends in spending levels, types of training procured, and primary contractors, offering context for the current $2.24 million award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15A00026Q00000004

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6350 ARMSBY ROAD, CLEMMONS, NC, 27012

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,240

Exercised Options: $2,240

Current Obligation: $2,240

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15A00026AAQA00010

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline