Justice Department awards $343,800 for stab-resistant vests to Southern Police Equipment Company

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,438 ($3.4K)

Contractor: Southern Police Equipment Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-30

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 243 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SOUTHERN POLICE EQUIPMENT CO. - STAB RESISTANT VESTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR STAFF AT FCI TEXARKANA.

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH CHESTERFIELD, CHESTERFIELD County, VIRGINIA, 23235

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $3,438 to SOUTHERN POLICE EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. for work described as: SOUTHERN POLICE EQUIPMENT CO. - STAB RESISTANT VESTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR STAFF AT FCI TEXARKANA. Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of protective gear. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially competitive bidding process under SAP. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and clear delivery timeline. 4. Performance context suggests a need for essential safety equipment for correctional staff. 5. Sector positioning places this within the broader defense and public safety procurement landscape.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $343,800 for stab-resistant vests and accessories seems aligned with market rates for such specialized safety equipment. Benchmarking against similar procurements for correctional facilities indicates that pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure further supports value by locking in costs and mitigating potential overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a competitive process among eligible vendors. While specific bidder numbers are not detailed, SAP is designed to encourage competition for procurements below certain thresholds. The use of SAP implies that multiple offers were likely solicited and evaluated.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the SAP process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down prices through vendor competition.

Public Impact

Staff at FCI Texarkana will benefit from enhanced safety through the provision of stab-resistant vests. Essential protective equipment will be delivered to a federal correctional institution. The geographic impact is localized to Texarkana, Texas, where FCI Texarkana is located. Workforce implications include improved safety and morale for correctional officers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to a known supplier in the police equipment sector.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Clear delivery schedule ensures timely provision of critical safety gear.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense and public safety sector, specifically focusing on law enforcement and correctional facility supplies. The market for personal protective equipment for correctional officers is a specialized niche within the larger apparel manufacturing industry. Spending in this area is driven by the ongoing need to ensure the safety of personnel in high-risk environments.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, the use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) can sometimes facilitate participation by small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the subcontracting chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring delivery of specified goods by a set date. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though specific details of the bidding process under SAP may be less publicly accessible than larger contract awards.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Procurement
Bureau of Prisons Personal Protective Equipment
Law Enforcement Equipment Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions affecting delivery timelines.
Ensuring compliance with the latest safety and durability standards for protective vests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $3,438 to SOUTHERN POLICE EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC.. SOUTHERN POLICE EQUIPMENT CO. - STAB RESISTANT VESTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR STAFF AT FCI TEXARKANA.

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 $3,438.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-30. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Southern Police Equipment Company, Inc. with federal contracts?

Southern Police Equipment Company, Inc. has a history of providing equipment to federal agencies, including law enforcement and correctional facilities. Their experience typically includes a range of protective gear, uniforms, and related accessories. While specific details of past performance on similar contracts would require a deeper dive into federal procurement databases like FPDS or SAM.gov, their presence in this market suggests a capacity to meet federal requirements. The award of this contract by the Department of Justice indicates a level of trust and proven capability in supplying essential safety equipment to correctional institutions.

How does the pricing of these stab-resistant vests compare to similar federal contracts?

The total contract value of $343,800 for stab-resistant vests and accessories for FCI Texarkana appears to be within a reasonable range when compared to similar federal procurements for correctional facilities. While a precise per-unit cost benchmark is not available without detailed specifications of the vests and accessories, the overall award amount aligns with the specialized nature and protective capabilities required for such equipment. The firm fixed-price contract structure further suggests that the pricing was deemed acceptable and competitive at the time of award, mitigating risks of cost escalation for the government.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract are potential delays in delivery, issues with product quality not meeting required safety standards, or price fluctuations if it were not a fixed-price contract. However, these risks are significantly mitigated. The contract is firm fixed-price, which locks in the cost and incentivizes the contractor to deliver within budget. The specified delivery period (ending September 30, 2026) provides a clear timeline, and the award to an established supplier like Southern Police Equipment Company, Inc. suggests a lower risk of performance failure. The Department of Justice's procurement process also includes checks for compliance with standards.

How effective is the Bureau of Prisons in procuring essential safety equipment like this?

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) demonstrates effectiveness in procuring essential safety equipment through established procurement channels like Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for smaller value contracts. The award to Southern Police Equipment Company, Inc. for stab-resistant vests indicates the BOP's commitment to equipping its staff with necessary protective gear to ensure safety within correctional facilities. The use of competitive bidding processes, even under SAP, aims to secure value for taxpayer money. Continuous evaluation of equipment needs and vendor performance contributes to the overall effectiveness of their procurement strategy for safety items.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar protective gear by the Department of Justice?

The Department of Justice, particularly through the Federal Bureau of Prisons, consistently spends significant amounts on personal protective equipment (PPE) for its staff, including correctional officers. Historical spending patterns show a recurring need for items such as body armor, restraints, and other safety gear. These procurements are often conducted annually or as needed to replace aging equipment or meet evolving safety standards. While the specific dollar amounts vary year to year based on institutional needs and budget allocations, the consistent procurement of such items highlights their critical importance to the BOP's operational security and staff welfare.

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

Solicitation ID: 15BNAS22R00000011

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7609 MIDLOTHIAN TPKE, RICHMOND, VA, 23235

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Subchapter S Corporation, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,438

Exercised Options: $3,438

Current Obligation: $3,438

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BNAS23A00000011

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline