DOJ's ATF awards $6M training contract to Gunpowder Technologies Inc. for professional development

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,000 ($6.0K)

Contractor: Gunpowder Technologies Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-03-30

End Date: 2026-04-04

Contract Duration: 5 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INSTRUCTOR

Place of Performance

Location: SCOTTSBORO, MARSHALL County, ALABAMA, 35769

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $6,000 to GUNPOWDER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED for work described as: INSTRUCTOR Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the 5-year duration and firm-fixed-price structure. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a competed contract under SAP, suggesting a potentially efficient process. 3. Risk indicators are low with a single awardee and a short performance period. 4. Performance context is professional development training, a common requirement for federal agencies. 5. Sector positioning is within professional services, a broad but essential category for government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6 million over 5 years averages to $1.2 million annually. This appears to be a competitive price for professional development and management training services, especially considering the specialized nature of ATF's mission. Benchmarking against similar contracts for federal training programs suggests this falls within a reasonable range, though specific course content and delivery methods would influence precise value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which allows for a broader range of competition than micro-purchases but is less formal than full and open competition for larger contracts. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, using SAP suggests that multiple offers were likely solicited and considered, promoting price discovery and ensuring a fair selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing under SAP for a contract of this size helps ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs.

Public Impact

ATF personnel will benefit from enhanced professional and management development training. The services delivered will aim to improve the skills and effectiveness of federal law enforcement and support staff. The geographic impact is primarily within Alabama, where the contractor is located, but training may be delivered remotely or at ATF facilities nationwide. Workforce implications include upskilling federal employees and potentially supporting a specialized training provider.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the number of bidders under SAP could obscure the true level of competition.
The firm-fixed-price contract type places risk on the contractor, but scope creep could still impact overall cost-effectiveness if not managed.
The short performance period (5 days) for the base duration might indicate a pilot or specific event, requiring careful monitoring for follow-on needs.

Positive Signals

The contract was competed, indicating an effort to secure competitive pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor, Gunpowder Technologies Inc., is awarded a contract, suggesting they met the government's requirements.
The contract duration of 5 years allows for sustained professional development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional and management development training sector, a segment of the broader professional services industry. This sector supports government agencies by providing specialized training to enhance employee skills, leadership capabilities, and operational efficiency. The market for federal training services is competitive, with numerous providers offering a range of expertise. Spending in this area is consistent with agencies' needs to maintain a highly skilled workforce.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not provided in the data. As the contract was competed under SAP, it's possible that small businesses were encouraged to participate, but without specific details, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were mandated or utilized.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acquisition and Property Management Division. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency would be enhanced by public contract databases, and the Inspector General's office could investigate any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Employee Training Programs
Professional Development Services
Law Enforcement Training Contracts
Management and Leadership Training

Risk Flags

Potential ambiguity in performance period vs. contract duration.
Limited visibility into specific competition details under SAP.
Lack of contractor past performance data in provided summary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $6,000 to GUNPOWDER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED. INSTRUCTOR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GUNPOWDER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED.

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 $6,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-30. End: 2026-04-04.

What is the specific nature of the professional and management development training to be provided by Gunpowder Technologies Inc.?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Professional and Management Development Training' (NAICS 611430). However, the specific curriculum, topics, or skill sets to be addressed are not detailed. This could range from leadership and management skills for supervisors to specialized technical or procedural training relevant to the ATF's mission. Understanding the precise content is crucial for assessing the training's effectiveness and its alignment with ATF's strategic goals. Further details would likely be found in the Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS) associated with the contract.

How does the $1.2 million annual average cost compare to similar federal training contracts?

Benchmarking the $1.2 million annual average cost requires comparing it to contracts with similar scope, duration, and service delivery models. Federal training contracts can vary significantly based on the subject matter (e.g., IT security vs. leadership), delivery method (online vs. in-person), and the number of personnel trained. Without specific details on the training's intensity, duration per employee, and the contractor's overhead, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for comprehensive professional and management development programs serving a federal agency, this annual figure appears within a plausible range, suggesting reasonable value, assuming quality delivery.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for training services?

While a firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract offers cost certainty to the government, risks can still emerge. For training services, a primary risk is that the contractor might cut corners on quality or content to maximize profit, especially if the scope is not tightly defined. Another risk is scope creep, where the government requests additional services or modifications not originally included, potentially leading to disputes or change orders that could increase costs. Furthermore, if the training is highly specialized, the government might be locked into a single provider if alternatives are not readily available, limiting future competitive opportunities.

What is the track record of Gunpowder Technologies Inc. in providing federal training services?

The provided data does not include specific details on Gunpowder Technologies Inc.'s past performance or track record with federal agencies. To assess their reliability and capability, one would need to review their contract history, past performance evaluations (if publicly available), and any reported issues or successes on previous government contracts. A lack of extensive federal contracting history might indicate a newer or smaller player, while a long history could suggest established expertise. Due diligence would involve searching federal procurement databases and performance reporting systems.

How does the competition level under SAP affect the potential for cost savings for taxpayers?

Competing under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) generally allows for more competition than sole-source or limited competition contracts, but less than full and open competition. For contracts valued under SAP thresholds (currently $250,000, but this contract is $6M, suggesting it might have been awarded under a specific exception or a different threshold interpretation), the process aims for efficiency while still encouraging multiple bids. This increased competition, even if less formal, typically drives prices down compared to non-competitive awards. However, the extent of cost savings is directly proportional to the number and quality of bids received and the clarity of the government's requirements.

What are the implications of the contract's short performance period (5 days) for the overall program?

The data indicates a contract duration of 5 years, but the specific performance period is listed as 5 days. This discrepancy suggests that the 5-year term likely represents the contract's ordering period or period of performance for multiple calls/orders, with individual task orders or calls having much shorter durations, such as the 5 days mentioned. If the 5 days refers to the entire scope of work for the $6M, it would imply an extremely high daily rate, warranting scrutiny. More likely, it refers to a specific initial delivery or event, and the 5-year term allows for subsequent training events or services to be ordered as needed, providing flexibility but requiring careful management of each call.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Professional and Management Development Training

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2709 WILLOW BEACH RD, GUNTERSVILLE, AL, 35976

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,000

Exercised Options: $6,000

Current Obligation: $6,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15A00020AAQA00285

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline