DOJ's ATF awards $66.8K for 3D printer services, highlighting custom programming needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $66,785 ($66.8K)

Contractor: Fuselab Creative, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-06-29

Contract Duration: 88 days

Daily Burn Rate: $759/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: FORMLAB 3D PRINTER

Place of Performance

Location: SOMERVILLE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02143

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $66,784.8 to FUSELAB CREATIVE, LLC for work described as: FORMLAB 3D PRINTER Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized 3D printer services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Short performance period may indicate a focused, project-specific need. 4. Fixed-price contract shifts risk to the contractor. 5. Contractor's specialization in creative services aligns with custom programming requirements. 6. No small business set-aside indicates a focus on broader market capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $66.8K for a 3D printer and associated custom programming services seems within a reasonable range for specialized technical support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced manufacturing equipment and custom software development would provide a more precise assessment, but the overall value does not immediately raise concerns. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the government has secured a defined cost for the deliverables.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the method of competition suggests a robust process aimed at achieving fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through competitive pricing and encourages innovation from a wider pool of contractors.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the primary beneficiary, likely for specialized operational or investigative support. Services include the provision of a 3D printer and custom computer programming. The geographic impact is likely localized to the ATF facility where the printer and services will be utilized. Workforce implications may involve training for ATF personnel on the new equipment and software.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for vendor lock-in if custom programming is highly proprietary.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market was accessed.
Short duration may indicate efficient project completion.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and professional services sector, specifically custom computer programming services (NAICS 541511). The market for 3D printing technology and related software development is rapidly evolving, with significant growth driven by advancements in materials science and additive manufacturing capabilities. Government agencies increasingly leverage such technologies for prototyping, specialized equipment, and operational efficiency. The contract value is relatively small within the broader IT services market.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and there is no indication of small business subcontracting requirements. This suggests that the procurement focused on obtaining the best overall solution from the broader market, rather than specifically targeting small business participation. The prime contractor, FUSELAB CREATIVE, LLC, is not identified by size, but the lack of set-aside implies it may be a larger entity or that the scope did not lend itself to small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acquisition and Property Management Division. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle (likely a GSA Schedule given the PSC is blank), the underlying contract likely has established oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, and accountability rests with the contracting officer and the contractor to meet the firm fixed-price terms.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
3D Printing Technology Procurement
Federal IT Services Contracts
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acquisitions

Risk Flags

Short performance period may increase delivery pressure.
Custom programming requires clear definition of requirements to avoid scope creep or unmet needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $66,784.8 to FUSELAB CREATIVE, LLC. FORMLAB 3D PRINTER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FUSELAB CREATIVE, LLC.

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 $66,784.8.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-06-29.

What is the specific application or purpose of the 3D printer and custom programming for the ATF?

The provided data does not specify the exact application for the 3D printer and custom programming services. However, given the agency (ATF), potential uses could range from creating specialized tools or components for law enforcement operations, developing training aids, prototyping equipment modifications, or supporting forensic analysis through custom software. The 'Custom Computer Programming Services' designation (NAICS 541511) suggests a need for tailored software solutions to operate or integrate with the 3D printer, potentially for unique design, simulation, or data processing requirements beyond standard off-the-shelf capabilities. Further details would likely be found in the statement of work associated with the delivery order.

How does the contractor, FUSELAB CREATIVE, LLC, compare to other providers of similar 3D printing and custom programming services?

Information regarding FUSELAB CREATIVE, LLC's specific track record and market position for 3D printing and custom programming is not detailed in the provided data. As the contract was awarded under full and open competition, it implies that the agency evaluated multiple proposals. To assess their comparative standing, one would need to examine their past performance on similar government contracts, client testimonials, technical certifications, and their portfolio of completed projects. Benchmarking their pricing against competitors for similar scopes of work would also be crucial. Without this additional context, it's difficult to definitively rank their capabilities against peers in the specialized field of custom 3D printing solutions.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will success be measured?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or the specific metrics for measuring the success of this contract. However, as it is a firm fixed-price contract with a defined period of performance (88 days), success will likely be measured by the timely delivery of the 3D printer and the satisfactory completion of the custom programming services according to the agreed-upon specifications in the statement of work. The ATF's acceptance of the deliverables would be the primary indicator of success. Potential KPIs could include printer uptime, accuracy of printed components, functionality of custom software, and adherence to project milestones, though these are not detailed here.

What is the historical spending pattern for 3D printers and custom programming services by the ATF or the Department of Justice?

The provided data snippet focuses on a single contract award and does not offer historical spending patterns for the ATF or the Department of Justice regarding 3D printers and custom programming services. To analyze historical trends, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like FPDS or USASpending) for similar contracts awarded over previous fiscal years. This would involve searching by agency, Product Service Code (PSC), or NAICS code, and potentially by keywords related to '3D printer' and 'custom programming.' Such an analysis would reveal the frequency, value, and types of contracts awarded in this category, helping to contextualize the current $66.8K award.

Are there any identified risks associated with this specific contract or the contractor?

Based solely on the provided data, specific risks are not explicitly detailed. However, general risks associated with technology procurements include potential delays in delivery, integration issues between hardware and software, and the possibility that the custom programming may not fully meet the evolving needs of the ATF. The short performance period (88 days) could also indicate a tight schedule, increasing the risk of minor delays impacting the overall timeline. Contractor performance risk is always present, though mitigated by the full and open competition process and the firm fixed-price nature of the contract, which incentivizes timely completion.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

Product/Service Code: METALWORKING MACHINERY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Fuselab Creative LLC

Address: 1751 PINNACLE DR STE 600 # 7, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $66,785

Exercised Options: $66,785

Current Obligation: $66,785

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA22D00CV

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline