DOJ's Bureau of Prisons awards $12.7M sole-source purchase order for less-lethal munitions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,746 ($12.7K)

Contractor: Combat Cartridge, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-30

End Date: 2026-04-30

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FCC LESS LETHAL MUNITIONS ORDER #2 OF 2

Place of Performance

Location: OVERGAARD, NAVAJO County, ARIZONA, 85933

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $12,746.28 to COMBAT CARTRIDGE, INC. for work described as: FCC LESS LETHAL MUNITIONS ORDER #2 OF 2 Key points: 1. The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, raising questions about potential cost savings through competition. 2. The duration of the contract is one year, with no option periods, suggesting a need for immediate supply. 3. The awardee, Combat Cartridge, Inc., is a merchant wholesaler of chemical products, indicating specialized supply chain capabilities. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. The geographic location of the contractor is Arizona, but the services are likely for federal prisons nationwide. 6. The absence of small business set-aside provisions means opportunities for smaller firms may be limited.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Without competitive bidding, it is difficult to assess if the $12.7 million price represents good value for money. Benchmarking against similar less-lethal munition contracts from other agencies or for similar quantities would be necessary to determine fair pricing. The sole-source nature limits the ability to compare pricing dynamics directly.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This approach is typically used when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. The lack of competition means there were no other bidders to consider, and the government did not benefit from a bidding process to drive down prices or explore alternative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure. Without multiple offers, the government cannot be assured it received the best possible price.

Public Impact

Federal correctional facilities will receive essential less-lethal munitions to maintain order and safety. The Bureau of Prisons staff will be equipped with necessary tools for de-escalation and control. The contract supports the operational readiness of the federal prison system. The primary beneficiaries are correctional officers and the secure environment of federal prisons.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price discovery and potential savings.
Lack of competition may indicate a lack of market research or a constrained supply base.
Firm Fixed Price contract with no option periods could lead to future sole-source renewals at potentially higher prices if not re-competed.

Positive Signals

Award to a specialized wholesaler ensures access to specific types of munitions.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the awarded period.
Contract ensures the availability of critical safety equipment for correctional facilities.

Sector Analysis

The market for less-lethal munitions is a specialized segment within the broader defense and security sector. While precise market size data for federal prison system specific needs is not readily available, it is a critical component of law enforcement and corrections equipment. This contract fits within the government's procurement of security and operational supplies for its facilities, often involving niche manufacturers and distributors.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned. The awardee is a wholesaler, which may or may not engage small businesses in its supply chain. The lack of a set-aside means that larger, established suppliers likely dominated the limited market research or justification for a sole-source award.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order issued by the Department of Justice, oversight would typically fall under the Bureau of Prisons' contracting and program management offices. The Inspector General for the Department of Justice may also have jurisdiction for audits or investigations. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature, but contract award data is publicly available through federal procurement databases.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice - Bureau of Prisons
Less-Lethal Munitions Procurement
Federal Law Enforcement Equipment

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for price inflation
Supply chain dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $12,746.28 to COMBAT CARTRIDGE, INC.. FCC LESS LETHAL MUNITIONS ORDER #2 OF 2

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COMBAT CARTRIDGE, 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 $12,746.28.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-30. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the specific type and quantity of less-lethal munitions being procured under this order?

The provided data does not specify the exact type or quantity of less-lethal munitions. It only indicates the total dollar amount ($12,746,280) and the general category ('FCC LESS LETHAL MUNITIONS ORDER'). To understand the value and necessity of this contract, detailed specifications regarding the munitions (e.g., tear gas, beanbag rounds, tasers, etc.) and their quantities would be crucial. This information is typically found in the contract's statement of work or line item details, which are not included in the summary data.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis instead of being competed?

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and is a sole-source award. Agencies typically justify sole-source awards when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services, often due to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent and compelling needs where competition is not feasible. Without the specific justification documentation from the Department of Justice, the precise reason for this sole-source award remains unknown. This lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpayment and missed opportunities for better pricing or innovative solutions from other vendors.

What is the track record of Combat Cartridge, Inc. in supplying federal agencies, particularly the Bureau of Prisons?

The provided data identifies Combat Cartridge, Inc. as the awardee. However, it does not offer details on their past performance or track record with federal agencies. A thorough analysis would require searching federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for previous contracts awarded to Combat Cartridge, Inc., examining their performance history, and assessing their reliability and quality of goods/services delivered. Understanding their experience with similar munitions and their capacity to meet the Bureau of Prisons' requirements is essential for evaluating the risk associated with this award.

How does the $12.7 million spending on less-lethal munitions compare to historical spending by the Bureau of Prisons in this category?

The provided data only includes information for this specific $12.7 million purchase order. To assess historical spending patterns, one would need to analyze the Bureau of Prisons' procurement history for less-lethal munitions over several fiscal years. This would involve identifying all relevant contracts, their values, and the types of munitions procured. Comparing this single award to the agency's overall budget allocation and past expenditures in this category would reveal whether this represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending, and whether it aligns with operational needs or potential shifts in policy.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single supplier for critical less-lethal munitions?

Relying on a single supplier for critical items like less-lethal munitions presents several risks. Firstly, it creates a dependency that can lead to supply chain disruptions if the sole provider experiences production issues, financial instability, or faces geopolitical challenges. Secondly, without competition, the government has limited leverage to negotiate prices, potentially leading to higher costs over time. Thirdly, it may stifle innovation, as there is less incentive for the supplier to invest in developing new or improved products if their market position is guaranteed. Finally, if the supplier's product quality degrades or they fail to meet delivery schedules, the operational readiness and safety of correctional facilities could be compromised.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers › Other Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3042 CHEVELON RD, OVERGAARD, AZ, 85933

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,746

Exercised Options: $12,746

Current Obligation: $12,746

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline