GSA awards $9.5M for 4x4 pickup trucks, with Ford Motor Co. securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $95,592 ($95.6K)

Contractor: Ford Motor CO

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-12-05

Contract Duration: 240 days

Daily Burn Rate: $398/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 4X4 PICKUP, FULL SIZE, CREW CAB, MIN 8,501 LBS GVWR

Place of Performance

Location: DEARBORN, WAYNE County, MICHIGAN, 48126

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $95,592 to FORD MOTOR CO for work described as: 4X4 PICKUP, FULL SIZE, CREW CAB, MIN 8,501 LBS GVWR Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against market benchmarks for similar vehicles. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process was utilized. 3. Risk indicators are low given the standard nature of the procurement. 4. Performance context is a standard vehicle acquisition for government use. 5. Sector positioning is within the general automotive manufacturing and supply chain.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $9.56 million for 10 vehicles appears reasonable for full-size, heavy-duty pickup trucks. Benchmarking against commercial sales and other government fleet purchases would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs for the government. However, without specific trim levels or detailed specifications, a direct comparison to market rates is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: $955,920 per vehicle

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 10 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement. This broad competition is generally expected to drive competitive pricing and ensure the government receives a fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures taxpayers benefit from the most competitive pricing available, as multiple manufacturers and dealers vied for the contract.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring robust utility vehicles will benefit from this contract. The services delivered include the provision of 10 new 4x4 pickup trucks. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting federal operations nationwide. Workforce implications are minimal, relating to the manufacturing and delivery of the vehicles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for higher-than-average per-unit cost if specific high-end configurations were selected without clear justification.
Long-term maintenance and repair costs for specialized government vehicles may exceed commercial equivalents.

Positive Signals

The use of a firm-fixed-price contract limits cost overruns for the government.
The acquisition of standard, widely available vehicle models like the Ford F-series typically ensures easier maintenance and parts availability.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive price was likely achieved.

Sector Analysis

The automotive manufacturing sector is a mature industry with established players like Ford Motor Co. Federal agencies are significant purchasers of vehicles, contributing to overall demand. This contract falls within the broader category of government fleet acquisition, which is a consistent area of federal spending. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale vehicle procurements by agencies like the GSA, DOD, or USPS.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside, as indicated by 'sb: false'. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely limited, unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses in its supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms include the contract's firm-fixed-price nature, which limits cost variability, and the competitive bidding process itself. Transparency is generally maintained through GSA's public contract databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

GSA Fleet Vehicle Purchasing
Department of Defense Vehicle Procurement
Law Enforcement Vehicle Acquisition
Utility Vehicle Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for significant cost anomaly in per-unit price.
Lack of detailed specifications for potential specialized equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $95,592 to FORD MOTOR CO. 4X4 PICKUP, FULL SIZE, CREW CAB, MIN 8,501 LBS GVWR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FORD MOTOR CO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $95,592.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-12-05.

What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost for a government-utilized 4x4 pickup truck compared to a commercial one?

The typical lifespan and maintenance cost for a government-utilized 4x4 pickup truck can vary significantly compared to a commercial one, largely depending on usage patterns and maintenance protocols. Government vehicles often experience more intensive use, including frequent stop-and-go driving, operation in diverse and sometimes harsh conditions, and potentially less consistent adherence to manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules by individual operators. However, many federal agencies implement rigorous fleet management programs that mandate regular servicing, which can extend vehicle life and control costs. Commercial vehicles, while potentially driven less intensely, may still incur significant maintenance costs due to aging components or wear and tear. Data from fleet management studies suggest that while initial acquisition costs might be similar, the total cost of ownership over a 5-7 year period for government vehicles can sometimes be higher due to increased mileage, specialized equipment, and potentially higher repair costs if not managed proactively. Conversely, bulk purchasing power and standardized maintenance by agencies can sometimes offset these factors.

How does the $955,920 per-unit cost compare to similar federal vehicle procurements in the last fiscal year?

The per-unit cost of $955,920 for these 4x4 pickup trucks appears exceptionally high when compared to typical federal vehicle procurements for standard pickup trucks. For instance, average prices for similar full-size, heavy-duty pickup trucks acquired by agencies like the Department of Agriculture or the Department of the Interior often range from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on specifications, trim levels, and competition. Even specialized configurations or larger fleet orders rarely exceed $80,000-$90,000 per unit. The reported $955,920 per unit strongly suggests either a significant misunderstanding or misreporting of the data, or that this figure represents something other than the base vehicle cost, such as the total contract value divided by a very small number of vehicles, or perhaps includes extensive modifications, equipment, or long-term service packages not detailed in the summary. Without further clarification on what this 'per-unit cost' encompasses, it is difficult to reconcile with standard federal procurement data.

What specific modifications or equipment are included in these pickup trucks that justify the cost?

The provided data does not specify any particular modifications or specialized equipment included in these 4x4 pickup trucks that would justify the reported per-unit cost of $955,920. The description '4X4 PICKUP, FULL SIZE, CREW CAB, MIN 8,501 LBS GVWR' suggests a standard heavy-duty configuration. Typically, such vehicles are acquired for general utility purposes across various federal agencies. If the per-unit cost is indeed accurate, it would imply the inclusion of extensive, non-standard equipment such as advanced communication systems, specialized tool packages, reinforced chassis, unique safety features, or perhaps even armored plating, none of which are indicated. It is more probable that the per-unit cost figure is either erroneous or represents a misinterpretation of the total contract value divided by a small quantity, rather than the actual price of an individual truck. Standard government-issue heavy-duty pickups usually fall within a much lower price bracket.

What is the historical spending trend for similar 4x4 pickup trucks by the General Services Administration?

Historical spending trends for similar 4x4 pickup trucks by the General Services Administration (GSA) generally show consistent procurement of these vehicles to support federal agency needs. GSA, through its Federal Acquisition Service, regularly awards contracts for a variety of vehicles, including pickup trucks, often through large-scale fleet agreements. Spending in this category typically fluctuates based on agency requirements, vehicle replacement cycles, and budget allocations. While specific dollar amounts for '4x4 pickup trucks' as a distinct category are not always easily isolated from broader vehicle procurement data, GSA's overall vehicle acquisition budget runs into billions of dollars annually. Analysis of past GSA solicitations and awards for similar vehicles indicates a competitive market, with prices for heavy-duty pickups generally ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 per unit, depending on make, model, specifications, and volume. The current award's per-unit cost, if accurate at $955,920, would represent a significant outlier compared to historical norms.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the success of this vehicle procurement contract?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for evaluating the success of this vehicle procurement contract would likely focus on several critical areas. Firstly, **On-Time Delivery** is paramount; ensuring the 10 pickup trucks are delivered within the specified timeframe (by December 5, 2026) is a primary measure of success. Secondly, **Compliance with Specifications** is crucial; the vehicles must meet all the detailed requirements outlined in the contract, including being 4x4, full-size, crew cab, and having a minimum GVWR of 8,501 lbs. Thirdly, **Price Competitiveness** is assessed, particularly given the full and open competition; the final price should reflect fair market value, which can be benchmarked against commercial sales and other government contracts. Fourthly, **Contractor Performance** by Ford Motor Co. will be monitored, looking at responsiveness, quality of the vehicles provided, and adherence to contractual terms throughout the delivery period. Finally, **Total Cost of Ownership** (though extending beyond the initial delivery) is an implicit KPI, as the government aims to acquire vehicles that are cost-effective to operate and maintain over their service life.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Manufacturing › Automobile Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QMCA21R0008

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ford Motor Company

Address: 1 AMERICAN RD, DEARBORN, MI, 48126

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $95,592

Exercised Options: $95,592

Current Obligation: $95,592

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QMCA22D000P

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline