DOJ's $8.46M purchase of less-than-lethal munitions from Combined Systems Inc. awarded via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,460 ($8.5K)

Contractor: Combined Systems Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-05-08

Contract Duration: 31 days

Daily Burn Rate: $273/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PURCHASE OF LESS THAN LETHAL MUNITIONS

Place of Performance

Location: JAMESTOWN, MERCER County, PENNSYLVANIA, 16134

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $8,460.24 to COMBINED SYSTEMS INC for work described as: PURCHASE OF LESS THAN LETHAL MUNITIONS Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through firm-fixed-price contract, aiming for predictable costs. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially competitive bidding process for this acquisition. 3. Risk indicators include reliance on a single award for a critical supply. 4. Performance context is a short-term delivery window for essential correctional equipment. 5. Sector positioning within chemical product manufacturing, serving federal law enforcement needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The firm-fixed-price contract structure for $8.46 million suggests an effort to control costs for these less-than-lethal munitions. Benchmarking against similar procurements for riot control agents and less-lethal devices indicates that pricing can vary significantly based on quantity, specific capabilities, and manufacturer. Without detailed specifications of the munitions, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive award process provides a baseline for fair pricing. The short duration of the contract (31 days) implies a need for immediate or near-term supply.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors were eligible to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The open nature of the competition is a positive signal for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers for its needs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best possible price for essential less-than-lethal munitions, potentially avoiding inflated costs associated with sole-source or limited competition awards.

Public Impact

Federal Prison System personnel will benefit from the acquisition of less-than-lethal munitions for maintaining order and safety. The services delivered include the provision of critical equipment for de-escalation and control within correctional facilities. Geographic impact is primarily within federal correctional institutions across the United States. Workforce implications include equipping correctional officers with necessary tools for their duties.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions if Combined Systems Inc. faces production issues.
Dependence on a single awardee for a critical safety item could pose a risk.
Limited contract duration may necessitate future competitive actions or extensions.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a potentially robust market.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Clear product category (less-than-lethal munitions) suggests defined requirements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'All Other Miscellaneous Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing' sector, specifically serving the law enforcement and corrections market. The market for less-than-lethal munitions is driven by public safety needs, with significant spending by federal, state, and local agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without specific product details, but the overall market for tactical and security equipment is substantial, with numerous specialized manufacturers.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a small business set-aside. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. The nature of specialized munitions manufacturing may limit direct subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless they are part of the supply chain for raw materials or components.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Bureau of Prisons' contracting and procurement division within the Department of Justice. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, though detailed performance metrics are not publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice - Bureau of Prisons
Less-Than-Lethal Munitions Procurement
Federal Law Enforcement Equipment
Correctional Facility Supplies

Risk Flags

Product Safety and Efficacy
Supplier Reliability
Delivery Schedule Adherence
Compliance with Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $8,460.24 to COMBINED SYSTEMS INC. PURCHASE OF LESS THAN LETHAL MUNITIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COMBINED SYSTEMS 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 $8,460.24.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-05-08.

What is the specific type and quantity of less-than-lethal munitions being purchased?

The provided data indicates the purchase is for 'PURCHASE OF LESS THAN LETHAL MUNITIONS' under NAICS code 325998 (All Other Miscellaneous Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing). However, the specific types (e.g., tear gas canisters, pepper spray projectiles, stun grenades) and exact quantities are not detailed in the summary data. This information is crucial for a precise assessment of value and suitability for the Bureau of Prisons' operational needs. Future analysis would benefit from access to the detailed contract line items or statement of work.

How does the $8.46 million price compare to historical spending on similar munitions by the Bureau of Prisons?

Comparing the $8.46 million total award value requires historical data on similar procurements by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Without access to historical spending databases or specific contract details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the award is for a short duration (31 days), suggesting it might be for immediate needs or a specific project rather than a long-term supply contract. The firm-fixed-price nature implies the price is set, but its competitiveness relative to past purchases depends on market fluctuations, inflation, and the specific items procured. Analyzing past contracts for 'less-than-lethal munitions' or 'riot control agents' by the BOP would provide context.

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

Key performance indicators for a contract involving the purchase of munitions typically focus on delivery timeliness, product quality, and compliance with specifications. For this specific contract, KPIs would likely include adherence to the delivery schedule (within the 31-day window), confirmation that the munitions meet all technical specifications outlined in the purchase order, and proper packaging and labeling. The Bureau of Prisons would be responsible for inspecting the delivered goods and verifying their compliance. Failure to meet these KPIs could result in contract remedies, such as rejection of goods or financial penalties, depending on the contract's terms and conditions.

What is the track record of Combined Systems Inc. in supplying the federal government, particularly the Department of Justice?

Combined Systems Inc. is a known entity in the less-than-lethal munitions market. A review of federal procurement data would reveal their history of awards, including contracts with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its various components like the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Their track record would encompass past performance ratings, any history of contract disputes, on-time delivery rates, and product quality feedback from previous government customers. Assessing this track record is vital to understanding the reliability and potential risks associated with awarding this contract to them.

What is the assessed risk level associated with this specific procurement, considering the product type and supplier?

The risk level for this procurement can be assessed by considering several factors. The product type, 'less-than-lethal munitions,' carries inherent risks related to safety, potential misuse, and public perception. The supplier, Combined Systems Inc., needs to have a proven track record of reliability and quality. Risks could include potential defects in the munitions, delivery delays impacting operational readiness, or supply chain vulnerabilities. The fact that it was awarded via full and open competition mitigates some risk by ensuring a competitive market, but the specific nature of the product warrants careful monitoring of quality control and supplier performance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 388 KINSMAN RD, JAMESTOWN, PA, 16134

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,868

Exercised Options: $8,868

Current Obligation: $8,460

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline