DOJ's $2.3M PPE glove contract awarded to Southern Police Equipment Company, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,297 ($2.3K)

Contractor: Southern Police Equipment Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PPE SEARCH GLOVES

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH CHESTERFIELD, CHESTERFIELD County, VIRGINIA, 23235

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $2,296.8 to SOUTHERN POLICE EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. for work described as: PPE SEARCH GLOVES Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against market benchmarks for similar protective equipment. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Risk indicators include the fixed-price contract type and the duration of the order. 4. Performance context relies on the timely delivery and quality of PPE to the Bureau of Prisons. 5. Sector positioning within apparel manufacturing and law enforcement supplies. 6. The contract's value is moderate within the broader federal procurement landscape for safety equipment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.3 million for PPE search gloves appears reasonable when benchmarked against typical federal procurements for similar safety equipment. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs, assuming the initial pricing was competitive. Further assessment would require detailed cost breakdowns and comparison to recent awards for identical or comparable items, but the overall value seems aligned with market expectations for bulk protective gear.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This suggests that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources may have been excluded for defined reasons, potentially limiting the number of active bidders. The exact number of bidders and the rationale for exclusion would provide a clearer picture of the competition's intensity and its impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The 'after exclusion of sources' clause warrants scrutiny to ensure it did not unduly restrict competition, potentially leading to less favorable pricing for taxpayers.

Public Impact

Federal Prison System personnel, including correctional officers and support staff, will benefit from the provision of essential personal protective equipment. The services delivered include the supply of specialized search gloves, crucial for maintaining safety and hygiene within correctional facilities. The geographic impact is primarily within Bureau of Prisons facilities nationwide, ensuring operational readiness. Workforce implications involve ensuring the safety and well-being of correctional staff through adequate PPE.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' clause.
Reliance on a single delivery order for a critical supply item.
Fixed-price contract may not fully account for unforeseen material cost fluctuations.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Delivery order structure allows for specific quantities and delivery timelines.
Award to an established supplier suggests a degree of reliability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader sector of apparel and accessories manufacturing, specifically catering to the niche market of law enforcement and correctional facility supplies. The federal government is a significant purchaser of such goods, with spending often driven by safety regulations and operational needs. Benchmarking this contract's value against other federal awards for tactical gloves or general PPE would provide further context on its market position.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary consideration for this specific award, as the 'small business' flag is false. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular contract is likely minimal, unless the prime contractor engages small businesses as subcontractors without it being explicitly detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons contracting and program management officials. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price delivery order, requiring adherence to specifications and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Procurement
Bureau of Prisons Personal Protective Equipment
Law Enforcement Supplies Contracts
Apparel and Accessories Manufacturing Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
Lack of detailed per-unit cost information for value assessment.
Absence of explicit small business subcontracting requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $2,296.8 to SOUTHERN POLICE EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC.. PPE SEARCH GLOVES

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 $2,296.8.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Southern Police Equipment Company, Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for PPE?

Southern Police Equipment Company, Inc. has a history of federal contract awards, though specific details on their performance for PPE contracts require deeper analysis of past performance databases. Examining their award history, contract values, and any reported performance issues or successes would provide insight into their reliability. A review of their past dealings with the Department of Justice or similar agencies would be particularly relevant to gauge their experience in supplying correctional facilities or law enforcement entities with essential gear like search gloves. Without access to detailed performance metrics, it's difficult to definitively assess their track record beyond the fact of receiving this award.

How does the per-unit cost of these search gloves compare to similar federal contracts or market rates?

The provided data does not include the quantity of gloves or the per-unit cost, making a direct comparison impossible. To assess the value for money, the total contract value ($2.3 million) would need to be divided by the number of units procured. This per-unit cost could then be benchmarked against other federal contracts for similar search gloves awarded around the same period, or against commercial market rates from major suppliers. Factors such as glove material, specific features (e.g., dexterity, chemical resistance), and bulk purchasing discounts would influence this comparison. A significant deviation from established benchmarks could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing.

What are the specific risks associated with a 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award type?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' (FOUA) award type presents a nuanced risk profile. While it aims for broad competition, the 'exclusion of sources' implies that certain potential bidders were deliberately prevented from participating. The risk lies in understanding the justification for these exclusions. If the exclusions were arbitrary or improperly documented, it could indicate a lack of genuine competition, potentially leading to higher prices or reduced innovation. Conversely, if exclusions were based on legitimate technical requirements, security concerns, or past performance issues, the remaining competition might still yield good value. The primary risk is that the exclusion process might inadvertently limit the pool of qualified offerors, impacting the government's ability to secure the best possible terms.

What is the expected effectiveness of these search gloves in enhancing safety and operational efficiency within the Bureau of Prisons?

The effectiveness of these search gloves hinges on their quality, suitability for the intended tasks, and consistent availability. As Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), their primary role is to protect correctional staff from potential hazards, including biological contaminants and physical risks during searches. High-quality gloves that offer good dexterity and durability can enhance operational efficiency by allowing staff to perform their duties safely and effectively. The Bureau of Prisons' selection of specific glove types suggests they meet defined operational requirements. Consistent supply, ensured by this contract, is crucial for maintaining safety protocols and preventing disruptions to daily operations within facilities.

How does the $2.3 million spending on these gloves compare to historical federal spending on similar PPE items?

The $2.3 million allocated to this contract for PPE search gloves represents a specific investment within the broader federal spending on safety and protective equipment. To contextualize this amount, it would be necessary to compare it against historical spending patterns for similar items by the Department of Justice, the Bureau of Prisons, or other agencies with comparable needs. Analyzing trends in federal procurement of gloves, masks, and other PPE over the past several years would reveal whether this contract value is consistent with, higher than, or lower than previous expenditures. Factors such as inflation, changes in regulatory requirements, and shifts in operational needs can influence these historical spending levels.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 15BNAS21Q0000034

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, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,297

Exercised Options: $2,297

Current Obligation: $2,297

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BNAS21D00000774

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline