DOJ's $12.8M Less Lethal Munitions Contract Awarded to Southern Police Equipment Company

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,790 ($12.8K)

Contractor: Southern Police Equipment Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-06-03

Contract Duration: 61 days

Daily Burn Rate: $210/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LESS LETHAL MUNITIONS

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH CHESTERFIELD, CHESTERFIELD County, VIRGINIA, 23235

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $12,789.65 to SOUTHERN POLICE EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. for work described as: LESS LETHAL MUNITIONS Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through comparison with similar contracts and market rates. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are monitored through performance context and sector positioning. 4. Performance context is evaluated against contract duration and delivery order type. 5. Sector positioning within 'All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing' is noted. 6. Contract type is a delivery order under an existing award, suggesting established needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $12.8 million for less lethal munitions appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for tactical equipment suggests that pricing is competitive, especially considering the full and open competition. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. Further analysis would involve comparing specific munition types and quantities to market averages.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures the government receives proposals from multiple vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices.

Public Impact

Federal Prison System personnel will benefit from access to less lethal munitions for security and control. Services delivered include the provision of essential less lethal equipment for correctional facilities. Geographic impact is primarily within the Federal Prison System facilities across the United States. Workforce implications include ensuring correctional officers have appropriate tools for maintaining order and safety.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future contract renewals if competition diminishes.
Reliance on a single awardee for a critical security item could pose supply chain risks.
Ensuring the quality and reliability of 'less lethal' munitions is paramount for safety.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
Delivery order structure allows for phased acquisition and management of needs.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the 'All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing' sector, which encompasses a broad range of metal goods. Spending on law enforcement and correctional equipment, including less lethal munitions, is a consistent area of federal expenditure. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within defense and public safety procurement categories, where similar tactical gear is acquired.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities, which are not detailed in the provided information. Without specific subcontracting plans, it's difficult to assess the broader impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of Justice, specifically the Federal Prison System. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are publicly reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice Law Enforcement Equipment Procurement
Federal Bureau of Prisons Security Supplies
Less Lethal Munitions Procurement
Tactical Equipment for Correctional Facilities

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption if vendor faces production issues.
Need for rigorous quality assurance to ensure munition reliability and safety.
Importance of ongoing market research to ensure continued competitive pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $12,789.65 to SOUTHERN POLICE EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC.. LESS LETHAL MUNITIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOUTHERN POLICE EQUIPMENT COMPANY, 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 $12,789.65.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-06-03.

What is the historical spending pattern for less lethal munitions by the Federal Prison System?

Historical spending data for less lethal munitions by the Federal Prison System (FPS) is crucial for contextualizing the current $12.8 million award. While specific historical figures are not provided, analyzing past contract awards for similar items would reveal trends in volume, pricing, and vendor concentration. For instance, if FPS has consistently awarded multi-million dollar contracts for these items annually, the current award might represent a standard procurement cycle. Conversely, a significant increase or decrease could signal a shift in operational needs, policy changes, or market dynamics. Understanding the historical commitment to this category of equipment helps assess whether the current award is an anomaly or part of a sustained investment in correctional facility safety and security.

How does the per-unit cost of these munitions compare to industry benchmarks?

Determining the per-unit cost of the less lethal munitions awarded under this contract is essential for a robust value-for-money assessment. Without specific unit pricing details, a direct comparison to industry benchmarks is challenging. However, if the contract details included line items for specific types of munitions (e.g., tear gas canisters, rubber bullets, tasers), these could be compared against publicly available pricing from law enforcement supply distributors or data from similar government contracts. A higher per-unit cost than market averages, even under full and open competition, could indicate specific quality requirements, specialized features, or simply less favorable negotiation outcomes. Conversely, costs aligning with or below benchmarks would reinforce the perception of good value.

What are the specific risks associated with relying on Southern Police Equipment Company for this supply?

The primary risks associated with relying on Southern Police Equipment Company (SPEC) for this $12.8 million contract revolve around vendor performance, supply chain stability, and potential future market concentration. SPEC's track record with previous government contracts, particularly with the Department of Justice or similar agencies, would be a key indicator of their reliability in terms of quality, on-time delivery, and responsiveness. Any history of performance issues, contract disputes, or financial instability could pose a risk. Furthermore, if SPEC is a sole or primary provider of certain specialized less lethal munitions, disruptions to their manufacturing or distribution could impact the Federal Prison System's operational readiness. Assessing the competitive landscape beyond this award is also important; if few other vendors can supply comparable items, the government's leverage in future negotiations could diminish.

What is the expected impact of these munitions on correctional facility operations and safety?

The acquisition of less lethal munitions is intended to enhance safety and operational control within correctional facilities. These munitions provide correctional officers with tools to de-escalate volatile situations, manage inmate disturbances, and respond to threats without resorting to lethal force. The expected impact includes a reduction in injuries to both staff and inmates during critical incidents, improved ability to contain and control crowds, and enhanced overall security. Proper training and adherence to use-of-force policies are critical to realizing these benefits and mitigating risks associated with the deployment of less lethal options. The effectiveness of these munitions can vary based on the specific type acquired and the tactical context of their use.

How does this contract align with the Federal Prison System's broader security and equipment modernization strategies?

This $12.8 million contract for less lethal munitions likely aligns with the Federal Prison System's (FPS) ongoing strategies to maintain and enhance the safety and security of its facilities. Modernization efforts in correctional environments often include equipping officers with a range of less lethal options to provide graduated responses to threats. By procuring these munitions through a full and open competition, FPS aims to acquire effective tools at a competitive price, supporting its objective of operational efficiency. The contract duration and delivery order structure suggest a planned approach to integrating these supplies into their inventory, potentially supporting broader initiatives related to use-of-force policies, officer training, and emergency preparedness within the correctional system.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7609 MIDLOTHIAN TPKE, NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VA, 23235

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,790

Exercised Options: $12,790

Current Obligation: $12,790

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F0273T

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline