DOJ's FBI awards $21.6M for tactical equipment, with 11 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,621 ($21.6K)

Contractor: Safeware Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-08-28

End Date: 2026-08-28

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TACTICAL EQUIPMENT

Place of Performance

Location: LANHAM, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20706

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $21,621.06 to SAFEWARE INC for work described as: TACTICAL EQUIPMENT Key points: 1. The contract value of $21.6 million for tactical equipment appears reasonable given the scope. 2. A high number of bidders (11) suggests a competitive market for these goods. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Delivery order award indicates a need for immediate or phased deployment of equipment. 5. The contract falls under miscellaneous electrical equipment manufacturing, suggesting specialized components. 6. The duration of the contract is not specified beyond the delivery date, requiring further clarity on long-term support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $21.6 million award for tactical equipment is a significant investment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized gear is challenging without more detailed specifications. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests the government has locked in costs, which is a positive indicator of value. The number of bids received also implies that pricing was likely competitive within the market.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a broad solicitation. The receipt of 11 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and participation from potential suppliers in the tactical equipment market. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures a wider range of options are considered.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down prices and ensured the government secured the best possible value for its investment in tactical equipment.

Public Impact

Federal law enforcement agencies, specifically the FBI, will benefit from enhanced tactical capabilities. The contract will provide essential tactical equipment, crucial for officer safety and mission effectiveness. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting FBI operations across various field offices. The contract supports the manufacturing sector for specialized defense and law enforcement equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for obsolescence of tactical equipment over time, requiring regular updates.
Dependence on a single manufacturer or limited supply chain for specialized components could pose a risk.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost escalation.
Multiple bidders indicate a competitive landscape, potentially leading to better pricing.
Award to a specific entity suggests they met all technical and performance requirements.

Sector Analysis

The tactical equipment sector is a specialized segment within the broader defense and security industry. It encompasses a wide range of gear, from protective equipment to communication devices. Spending in this area is often driven by evolving threats and the need for law enforcement and military personnel to maintain operational superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without specific product details, but federal agencies consistently invest in advanced tactical solutions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this specific contract, as the 'ss' (small business set-aside) and 'sb' (small business) flags are false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular procurement is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The firm-fixed-price nature provides a degree of cost control. Accountability will be managed through the FBI's contracting officer and program managers, ensuring delivery of specified equipment. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, though specific performance metrics are not detailed here. Inspector General oversight would apply if any irregularities or performance issues arise.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice - Law Enforcement Equipment
Federal Bureau of Investigation - Operational Support
Tactical Gear Procurement
Law Enforcement Technology

Risk Flags

Potential for equipment obsolescence
Supply chain vulnerability for specialized components

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $21,621.06 to SAFEWARE INC. TACTICAL EQUIPMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SAFEWARE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21,621.06.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-08-28. End: 2026-08-28.

What is the specific type of tactical equipment being procured under this contract?

The provided data classifies the procurement under NAICS code 335999, 'All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing,' and the description 'TACTICAL EQUIPMENT.' This suggests the equipment likely involves specialized electronic or electrical components rather than general-use items. Without further details, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact nature of the equipment, but it could range from advanced communication devices, surveillance technology, or specialized power systems integral to tactical operations. Further clarification from the contracting agency would be needed to identify the precise items.

How does the awarded price compare to similar tactical equipment contracts?

Direct comparison of the $21.6 million award is challenging without knowing the specific items procured. However, the fact that 11 bids were received under full and open competition suggests a competitive market. If the equipment includes advanced electronics or specialized manufacturing, the price point could be justified by technological sophistication and performance requirements. A detailed analysis would require comparing the unit costs and specifications against other recent federal awards for comparable tactical electronic systems, factoring in quantity, features, and delivery timelines.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

Key risks include potential obsolescence of the tactical equipment, given the rapid pace of technological advancement in this field. There's also a risk related to the supply chain for specialized electrical components, which could lead to delays or increased costs if disruptions occur. Furthermore, ensuring the equipment meets the FBI's evolving operational needs and performance standards throughout its lifecycle is crucial. The firm-fixed-price contract mitigates financial risk for the government, but performance and technological risks remain.

What is the track record of SAFEWARE INC in supplying tactical equipment to the federal government?

Information regarding SAFEWARE INC's specific track record in supplying tactical equipment to the federal government is not detailed in the provided data. The award itself indicates they met the requirements for this contract. A comprehensive assessment would involve reviewing their past performance on similar federal contracts, including delivery timeliness, quality of goods, and adherence to contract terms. Publicly available contract databases and performance rating systems could provide further insights into their history and reliability as a supplier in this domain.

What is the historical spending pattern for tactical equipment by the FBI?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for tactical equipment by the FBI. To analyze this, one would need to examine past contract awards for similar goods and services over several fiscal years. This would involve identifying trends in spending, the types of equipment most frequently purchased, and the primary contractors utilized. Understanding historical spending can help contextualize the current $21.6 million award and identify any significant shifts in procurement strategy or budget allocation for tactical gear.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4403 FORBES BLVD, LANHAM, MD, 20706

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,621

Exercised Options: $21,621

Current Obligation: $21,621

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06725D0000757

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline