VA awards $2.79M IDIQ for ammunition to BCI Services Inc., serving police departments

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,792 ($2.8K)

Contractor: BCI Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-05-06

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $93/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: AMMUNITION IDIQ CONTRACT VA VISN 23 POLICE DEPARTMENTS FOR DUTY AND TRAINING PURPOSES.

Place of Performance

Location: CONROE, MONTGOMERY County, TEXAS, 77301

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2,792 to BCI SERVICES INC for work described as: AMMUNITION IDIQ CONTRACT VA VISN 23 POLICE DEPARTMENTS FOR DUTY AND TRAINING PURPOSES. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential ammunition for duty and training, supporting law enforcement readiness. 2. The IDIQ structure allows for flexible ordering over its term. 3. Delivery order placed under a previously competed contract. 4. Firm fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty. 5. Contract duration is 30 days, indicating a specific, short-term need. 6. Small business status of the contractor is not specified, impacting set-aside analysis.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.79 million for a 30-day delivery order appears reasonable for specialized ammunition procurement. Benchmarking against similar IDIQ contracts for law enforcement supplies would provide further context on value for money. The firm fixed-price structure offers predictability, but the absence of detailed cost breakdowns limits a deeper assessment of pricing efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The data indicates this is a delivery order under an IDIQ contract. The competition level for the original IDIQ is not specified, nor is the competition for this specific delivery order. If the original IDIQ was competed broadly, it suggests a competitive environment. However, without details on the number of bidders or the specific solicitation method for this delivery order, it's difficult to fully assess the competitive dynamics.

Taxpayer Impact: The level of competition for the underlying IDIQ and this delivery order directly impacts taxpayer value. Robust competition typically drives down prices and encourages innovation, leading to better use of public funds. Limited or sole-source awards, conversely, may result in higher costs.

Public Impact

Veterans Affairs police departments benefit from a reliable supply of ammunition for their law enforcement operations. Duty and training ammunition ensures officers are equipped and proficient. The contract supports the operational readiness of VA police forces nationwide. This procurement indirectly supports the defense manufacturing sector through demand for ordnance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of clarity on the competition for the base IDIQ contract.
Limited information on the specific types and quantities of ammunition procured.
Short 30-day duration of the delivery order may indicate urgent or specific needs that could be costly.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for this procurement.
The IDIQ structure allows for flexibility in meeting future ammunition needs.
Procurement supports essential law enforcement functions within the VA.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense and public safety sector, specifically related to ordnance manufacturing and supply. The market for ammunition is characterized by specialized manufacturers and stringent regulatory requirements. The value of this contract, while significant for a single order, represents a small fraction of overall federal spending on defense and law enforcement equipment. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in contracts awarded to other federal law enforcement agencies or military branches for similar ammunition needs.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor does it specify subcontracting requirements. The contractor, BCI Services Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and procurement offices. The Inspector General's office within the VA would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, but detailed performance metrics and cost breakdowns are not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Law Enforcement Training Ammunition
Department of Defense Ammunition Procurement
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts for Ammunition

Risk Flags

Potential for price increases due to market volatility.
Risk of supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines.
Ensuring consistent quality and reliability of ammunition.
Adequacy of competition for the base IDIQ contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2,792 to BCI SERVICES INC. AMMUNITION IDIQ CONTRACT VA VISN 23 POLICE DEPARTMENTS FOR DUTY AND TRAINING PURPOSES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BCI SERVICES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2,792.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-05-06.

What is the track record of BCI Services Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for ammunition?

Information regarding BCI Services Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially for ammunition, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would require accessing federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS to examine past performance, contract history, and any reported issues or awards. Understanding their experience with similar IDIQ contracts and delivery orders, as well as their capacity to meet demand and quality standards, is crucial for assessing reliability. Without this historical data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their performance capabilities and past success in fulfilling government requirements.

How does the $2.79 million value for this 30-day delivery order compare to similar ammunition procurements by federal agencies?

The $2.79 million value for a 30-day delivery order of ammunition is substantial and suggests a significant quantity or high-value specialized ammunition. To benchmark this, one would compare it against recent delivery orders or contract awards for similar types of ammunition (e.g., duty rounds, training rounds) issued by agencies like the Department of Defense, FBI, or other law enforcement entities. Factors such as the specific caliber, quantity, manufacturer, and contract type (e.g., firm fixed-price) heavily influence cost. A direct comparison would ideally involve looking at price per round or price per thousand rounds, adjusted for contract volume and duration, to determine if this represents a competitive market rate or an outlier.

What are the primary risks associated with this ammunition procurement contract?

Key risks include potential supply chain disruptions affecting ammunition availability, price volatility of raw materials (like propellants and metals), and quality control issues that could compromise the reliability of the ammunition. For the VA police departments, a critical risk is receiving substandard or incorrect ammunition, which could impact officer safety and operational effectiveness. Furthermore, if the underlying IDIQ competition was limited, there's a risk of paying above-market prices. Ensuring compliance with all federal regulations regarding ammunition storage, transport, and use also presents an ongoing risk management challenge.

How effective is the IDIQ contract vehicle in meeting the VA's ongoing ammunition needs?

The effectiveness of the IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity) contract vehicle hinges on its structure and the agency's utilization. For the VA, an IDIQ can be highly effective if it provides access to a range of ammunition types at pre-negotiated prices, allowing for rapid procurement of needed supplies without lengthy individual solicitations. The flexibility to place delivery orders as needed supports operational readiness. However, effectiveness is diminished if the IDIQ was not competitively sourced, if pricing is not regularly reviewed, or if the contractor fails to meet delivery schedules or quality standards. The short 30-day duration of this specific delivery order suggests it might be addressing immediate needs rather than long-term strategic stockpiling.

What are the historical spending patterns for ammunition procurement by the VA Police Departments?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for VA Police Departments' ammunition procurement would involve examining contract data over several fiscal years. This would reveal trends in total spending, average contract values, types of ammunition purchased, and the primary contractors utilized. Understanding these patterns helps identify fluctuations in demand, potential increases in unit costs, and the reliance on specific contract vehicles like IDIQs. It also informs budget forecasting and strategic sourcing decisions. Without access to this historical data, it's challenging to assess if the current $2.79 million award represents a typical expenditure or a significant deviation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1300 S FRAZIER ST STE 208, CONROE, TX, 77301

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,792

Exercised Options: $2,792

Current Obligation: $2,792

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C26326D0036

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline