DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $2.48M for ammunition, with 3 bidders competing for the firm-fixed-price order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,825 ($24.8K)

Contractor: Thomas J. Morris III

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-04-08

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: EAGLE POINT GUN AMMO ORDER APRIL FY26 9MM 5.56MM

Place of Performance

Location: WEST DEPTFORD, GLOUCESTER County, NEW JERSEY, 08086

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $24,825 to THOMAS J. MORRIS III for work described as: EAGLE POINT GUN AMMO ORDER APRIL FY26 9MM 5.56MM Key points: 1. The contract value of $2.48 million for ammunition appears reasonable given the quantity and type of goods procured. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a healthy market for small arms ammunition, with three bidders participating. 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 contract falls within the 'Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing' sector, a niche but essential defense-related industry.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $2.48 million award for ammunition is a standard procurement for the Bureau of Prisons. Benchmarking against similar contracts for bulk ammunition purchases suggests this price is competitive. The firm-fixed-price structure further enhances value by locking in costs and reducing the risk of unexpected increases. Without specific unit cost data, a precise value-for-money assessment is limited, but the overall award size seems aligned with typical federal ammunition needs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process suitable for procurements under the federal acquisition threshold. With three bidders participating, there was a reasonable level of competition, which generally leads to better price discovery and more favorable terms for the government. The use of SAP suggests the agency sought competitive offers while streamlining the acquisition process for a relatively smaller dollar amount.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even under SAP, suggests that taxpayers benefited from a market-driven price rather than a sole-source arrangement, likely resulting in cost savings.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the correctional officers and staff within the Federal Prison System, who rely on this ammunition for security and operational duties. The services delivered include the provision of essential small arms ammunition (9mm and 5.56mm) to maintain readiness. The geographic impact is national, supporting federal correctional facilities across the United States. Workforce implications are minimal, as this is a procurement of goods rather than services requiring significant labor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines.
Fluctuations in raw material costs could affect future pricing if not adequately hedged.
Ensuring consistent quality control for ammunition across different manufacturers.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Multiple bidders indicate a robust supplier base.
Procurement supports critical government functions, ensuring operational continuity.

Sector Analysis

The small arms ammunition manufacturing sector is a specialized segment within the broader defense industrial base. While not as large as major defense systems, it is critical for law enforcement and military readiness. Federal agencies, including correctional systems, are significant buyers of ammunition. Spending benchmarks for ammunition vary widely based on caliber, quantity, and contract type, but multi-million dollar awards for bulk purchases are common to meet operational demands.

Small Business Impact

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While the primary awardee is not specified as a small business, the competitive nature of SAP procurements can sometimes include small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the ammunition manufacturing supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The Bureau of Prisons, under the Department of Justice, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard government procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms apply. The firm-fixed-price contract type simplifies oversight by focusing on delivery of goods rather than monitoring labor hours or costs. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are recorded.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Ammunition Procurements
Department of Justice Law Enforcement Supplies
Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing Contracts
Bureau of Prisons Operational Readiness

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions
Quality control of ammunition
Price volatility of raw materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $24,825 to THOMAS J. MORRIS III. EAGLE POINT GUN AMMO ORDER APRIL FY26 9MM 5.56MM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THOMAS J. MORRIS III.

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 $24,825.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-04-08.

What is the track record of the awardee, Thomas J. Morris III, with federal contracts, particularly for ammunition?

Information regarding the specific awardee, Thomas J. Morris III, and their track record with federal contracts, especially for ammunition, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive analysis would require accessing federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS to review past performance, contract history, and any reported issues or successes. Without this specific data, it's difficult to assess their reliability and experience in fulfilling such orders. Future analysis should prioritize identifying the awardee and examining their performance history to gauge risk and ensure value for taxpayer dollars.

How does the unit cost of this ammunition compare to historical federal purchases or market rates for 9mm and 5.56mm rounds?

The provided data does not include specific unit costs for the 9mm and 5.56mm ammunition. The total award is $2.48 million for an unspecified quantity. To compare unit costs, we would need the exact number of rounds procured for each caliber. Once quantities are known, these unit costs could be benchmarked against historical federal contracts for similar ammunition types and quantities, as well as against current market rates from commercial vendors and other defense contractors. This comparison is crucial for a thorough value-for-money assessment.

What are the specific risks associated with procuring ammunition from a single supplier under a firm-fixed-price contract?

While this contract was competed, if the awardee were a single supplier, risks would include potential supply chain disruptions, quality control issues, and limited recourse if performance falters. However, the data indicates this was competed with three bidders, mitigating the single-supplier risk. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type itself carries risks for the contractor, who absorbs cost overruns. For the government, the primary risk with FFP is paying a premium if market prices decrease significantly after the contract is awarded, or if the contractor inflates their price to cover perceived risks. Ensuring robust quality assurance and delivery schedules are key oversight elements.

What is the expected impact of this ammunition order on the operational effectiveness and readiness of the Federal Prison System?

This order is critical for maintaining the operational effectiveness and readiness of the Federal Prison System. Ammunition is a fundamental requirement for security operations, including training, tactical response, and maintaining order within correctional facilities. Ensuring an adequate and timely supply of ammunition prevents potential security lapses and allows correctional officers to perform their duties safely and effectively. The procurement directly supports the Bureau of Prisons' mission to safely house and manage federal inmates.

Are there any historical spending patterns for ammunition by the Bureau of Prisons that this contract aligns with or deviates from?

The provided data snippet focuses on a single contract for FY26. To identify historical spending patterns, a broader analysis of Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) ammunition procurements over several fiscal years would be necessary. This would involve examining contract databases for recurring awards, average contract values, quantities purchased, and the types of ammunition procured. Understanding these patterns helps in assessing whether the current $2.48 million award is consistent with typical BOP needs, or if it represents an increase or decrease in demand, potentially signaling changes in operational requirements or inventory management strategies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1707 THIRD STREET, THOROFARE, NJ, 08086

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,825

Exercised Options: $24,825

Current Obligation: $24,825

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline