DOJ's $7,292 purchase order for pepper ball munitions from United Tactical Systems, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,292 ($7.3K)

Contractor: United Tactical Systems, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-05-01

End Date: 2026-05-01

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PEPPER BALL MUNITIONS **DELIVERY TO LOCKSHOP-ARMORY ONLY** MR. CRISWELL OR MR. FILLABLE AT 503-843-6522 OR 6523

Place of Performance

Location: LAKE FOREST, LAKE County, ILLINOIS, 60045

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $7,292 to UNITED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, LLC for work described as: PEPPER BALL MUNITIONS **DELIVERY TO LOCKSHOP-ARMORY ONLY** MR. CRISWELL OR MR. FILLABLE AT 503-843-6522 OR 6523 Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of the product. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially limited market for this specific item. 3. Risk indicators are low due to a straightforward purchase order for existing goods. 4. Performance context is a direct supply to a federal prison system armory. 5. Sector positioning is within the law enforcement and correctional supplies market.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $7,292 for pepper ball munitions is relatively small. Benchmarking against similar specialized law enforcement equipment suggests this price is within a reasonable range, assuming the quantity and specifications meet the Federal Prison System's needs. Without detailed specifications or comparison to other suppliers of identical items, a precise value assessment is difficult, but the overall amount does not raise immediate concerns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was competed under SAP (Small Acquisition Procedures), which typically allows for simplified acquisition processes for purchases below certain thresholds. The specific level of competition (number of quotes or bidders) is not detailed, but SAP can sometimes lead to less robust competition than full and open procedures. This suggests that while competition was sought, it may have been limited to a few pre-qualified or readily available vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, simplified acquisition procedures can offer efficiency but may not always secure the absolute lowest price achievable through broader competition. The limited scope of this purchase likely minimizes significant financial impact.

Public Impact

The Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons benefits from the acquisition of less-lethal munitions. Pepper ball munitions are delivered to a specific lockup armory, ensuring operational readiness. The geographic impact is localized to the receiving armory in Illinois. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily affecting the logistics and armory personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition under SAP procedures could impact price discovery.
Lack of detailed specifications makes it hard to confirm optimal value for money.

Positive Signals

Purchase order is for a relatively small dollar amount, limiting financial risk.
Direct delivery to a specific armory ensures intended use and accountability.
Contracted vendor is likely specialized in tactical equipment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense and law enforcement supplies sector, specifically focusing on less-lethal munitions. The market for such specialized equipment is often characterized by a limited number of manufacturers and distributors capable of meeting stringent government requirements. Comparable spending in this niche would depend on the specific type and quantity of munitions, but overall federal spending on law enforcement equipment is substantial.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this was a small business set-aside. Given the nature of the product (specialized munitions), it's possible the vendor is a larger entity or a specialized small business. Subcontracting implications are unlikely for a purchase of this size and type.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically fall under the Bureau of Prisons' internal procurement and financial management controls. As a small acquisition, it is less likely to be subject to extensive external oversight or IG review unless specific red flags arise. Transparency is limited by the nature of SAP, but the award is publicly reported.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Procurement
Law Enforcement Equipment Purchases
Less-Lethal Munitions

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition under SAP
Lack of detailed product specifications for value assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $7,292 to UNITED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, LLC. PEPPER BALL MUNITIONS **DELIVERY TO LOCKSHOP-ARMORY ONLY** MR. CRISWELL OR MR. FILLABLE AT 503-843-6522 OR 6523

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNITED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, LLC.

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 $7,292.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-01. End: 2026-05-01.

What is the track record of United Tactical Systems, LLC with federal contracts?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that United Tactical Systems, LLC has received federal contracts primarily for tactical gear and munitions. While specific details on past performance quality or delivery timeliness are not readily available in summary data, their recurring presence suggests a capacity to meet government demands. The value and scope of previous awards would provide further context on their experience level. For this specific contract, the award is a purchase order, a common mechanism for acquiring goods and services, especially for smaller value items.

How does the price of these pepper ball munitions compare to market rates?

Benchmarking the exact price of these pepper ball munitions is challenging without specific product details (e.g., payload, range, quantity per unit). However, federal contracts for similar less-lethal munitions can range significantly. Given the $7,292 award for what is likely a limited quantity, the price per unit is expected to be higher than bulk commercial purchases due to specialized manufacturing, quality control, and federal acquisition requirements. The Federal Prison System's internal procurement likely assessed this price against available quotes or established price lists for tactical equipment to ensure it was fair and reasonable for the specified items.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are minimal due to its nature as a straightforward purchase order for a relatively small amount of goods. Potential risks include delivery delays, receipt of non-conforming product, or a vendor experiencing financial instability. However, the Federal Prison System likely has procedures in place to mitigate these risks, such as requiring proof of shipment, inspection upon receipt, and vetting vendors. The specialized nature of the product means supply chain disruptions for unique components could also pose a minor risk, but this is less likely for established munitions.

How effective are pepper ball munitions in the context of federal correctional facilities?

Pepper ball munitions are designed as a less-lethal option for crowd control and incapacitation of individuals. In correctional facilities, they can be used to de-escalate volatile situations, subdue non-compliant inmates, or manage riots, potentially reducing the need for more forceful or lethal interventions. Their effectiveness depends on proper training, deployment strategy, and the specific circumstances of the incident. While generally considered effective for their intended purpose, their use requires careful consideration of potential side effects and adherence to strict use-of-force policies.

What is the historical spending pattern for pepper ball munitions by the Department of Justice?

Historical spending data for pepper ball munitions by the Department of Justice (DOJ) shows a consistent, albeit modest, pattern of acquisition. The DOJ, encompassing agencies like the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), U.S. Marshals Service, and various law enforcement divisions, procures such less-lethal options periodically. Spending fluctuates based on operational needs, budget allocations, and policy changes regarding use-of-force equipment. While specific annual totals vary, the overall trend indicates ongoing investment in less-lethal technologies to support facility security and law enforcement operations across its diverse components.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 28101 N BALLARD DR STE F, LAKE FOREST, IL, 60045

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,292

Exercised Options: $7,292

Current Obligation: $7,292

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline