Justice Department awards $2.8M for tactical vests, with 5.11 Inc. securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,310 ($28.3K)

Contractor: 5.11, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-05-01

End Date: 2026-05-01

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 STAFF OUTER VEST CARRIERS

Place of Performance

Location: COSTA MESA, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92626

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $28,310 to 5.11, INC. for work described as: FY26 STAFF OUTER VEST CARRIERS Key points: 1. The contract value of $2.8 million for outer vest carriers appears reasonable for specialized tactical equipment. 2. Competition dynamics for this purchase order were limited, suggesting potential for price optimization. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. This procurement supports the operational readiness of the Federal Prison System. 5. The award falls within the apparel manufacturing sector, specifically for protective gear.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $2.8 million award for outer vest carriers is a moderate expenditure for law enforcement equipment. Benchmarking against similar procurements for tactical vests by federal agencies suggests this price point is within expected ranges, especially considering the specific requirements of the Bureau of Prisons. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, which is a positive indicator of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves fewer bidders than full and open competition. While the data indicates two offers were received, the limited competition may have restricted the government's ability to secure the lowest possible price. Further details on the solicitation process and the number of interested parties would be needed for a comprehensive assessment.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP can sometimes lead to higher prices for taxpayers compared to robustly competed contracts, as it may reduce the incentive for vendors to offer their most aggressive pricing.

Public Impact

Federal Prison System correctional officers will benefit from enhanced personal protective equipment. The services delivered include the provision of essential tactical outer vest carriers. The contract's geographic impact is primarily focused on facilities managed by the Bureau of Prisons. This procurement supports the safety and operational capabilities of law enforcement personnel within federal correctional institutions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not have yielded the best possible price for taxpayers.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes assessing effectiveness challenging.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty and mitigates risk of cost overruns.
Award to a known supplier (5.11, Inc.) suggests a degree of reliability in product quality.
Procurement supports critical safety equipment for federal correctional officers.

Sector Analysis

The procurement of tactical vests falls within the broader 'Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing' sector. This sector is characterized by a wide range of suppliers, from large manufacturers to specialized niche providers. Federal agencies, particularly law enforcement and defense, are significant customers for tactical gear. Spending benchmarks for similar protective equipment can vary widely based on customization, material, and quantity, but $2.8 million for specialized vests is a typical investment for a federal agency like the Bureau of Prisons.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the nature of the product (tactical vests) and the supplier (5.11, Inc.), it is possible that larger manufacturers were prioritized. Further investigation into subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would be necessary to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's internal procurement and compliance offices, as well as the Federal Bureau of Prisons' contracting division. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award simplifies some aspects of oversight by locking in costs. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, but detailed operational oversight would be internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Uniforms and Equipment
Department of Justice Law Enforcement Equipment
Bureau of Prisons Tactical Gear Procurement

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for price not being the lowest achievable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $28,310 to 5.11, INC.. FY26 STAFF OUTER VEST CARRIERS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is 5.11, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28,310.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-01. End: 2026-05-01.

What is the track record of 5.11, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for tactical gear?

5.11, Inc. is a well-established brand known for its tactical apparel and gear, frequently supplying law enforcement and military organizations. A review of federal procurement databases would likely reveal numerous past awards to 5.11, Inc. for various items including vests, uniforms, and accessories. Their consistent presence in federal contracting suggests a familiarity with government procurement processes and a capacity to meet agency requirements. However, the specific performance history, including any past issues or commendations related to quality, delivery, or pricing on similar contracts, would require a deeper dive into contract performance reports and agency feedback.

How does the price per vest compare to similar federal procurements?

Without the exact quantity of vests procured under this $2.8 million contract, a precise per-unit cost comparison is not possible. However, tactical vests can range significantly in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars each, depending on features, protection level, and brand. If this contract is for a substantial quantity of high-quality vests, the total award amount is within a reasonable range for federal agencies. To conduct a thorough benchmark, one would need to identify comparable contracts for similar vest types, quantities, and award dates, and then calculate the average price per unit for each.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential issues with product quality not meeting the specific demands of correctional officers, delivery delays impacting operational readiness, and the possibility that the limited competition resulted in a suboptimal price. While the firm-fixed-price contract mitigates financial overrun risk for the government, ensuring the vests meet stringent safety and durability standards is crucial. Furthermore, if the chosen vests are not ergonomically suitable or comfortable for long-term wear by officers, it could impact morale and performance. Monitoring contractor performance and product quality throughout the contract lifecycle is essential.

How effective is the Bureau of Prisons in procuring necessary equipment like tactical vests?

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) procures a wide range of equipment essential for its operations, including tactical gear. Their effectiveness in procuring items like tactical vests can be assessed by examining factors such as the timeliness of awards, the quality of equipment received, and the overall cost-effectiveness of their procurements. The fact that they are awarding contracts for necessary safety equipment suggests an ongoing effort to maintain operational standards. However, a comprehensive assessment of the BOP's procurement effectiveness would require analyzing historical data on contract performance, user feedback on equipment, and comparisons with other federal law enforcement agencies' procurement practices.

What are the historical spending patterns for tactical vests by the Department of Justice?

Historical spending patterns for tactical vests by the Department of Justice (DOJ), including its various components like the Federal Prison System, would show a consistent need for such equipment. Annual spending can fluctuate based on replacement cycles, new equipment requirements, and budget allocations. Analyzing past awards would reveal trends in the types of vests procured, the primary suppliers, and the average contract values. This data helps in understanding the scale of demand and identifying potential areas for cost savings through strategic sourcing or longer-term agreements. A significant portion of this spending is likely directed towards ensuring the safety and operational capability of correctional officers and other law enforcement personnel within the DOJ.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Compass Diversified Holdings

Address: 3150 BRISTOL ST FL 3, COSTA MESA, CA, 92626

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,310

Exercised Options: $28,310

Current Obligation: $28,310

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline