GSA awards $843K for 40 Ford 4x4 SUVs, with delivery orders expected within 210 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $84,324 ($84.3K)

Contractor: Ford Motor CO

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-11-05

Contract Duration: 210 days

Daily Burn Rate: $402/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 4X4 SUV, INTERMEDIATE, 4 DR, 5 PASS, FOR UPFITTING

Place of Performance

Location: DEARBORN, WAYNE County, MICHIGAN, 48126

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $84,324 to FORD MOTOR CO for work described as: 4X4 SUV, INTERMEDIATE, 4 DR, 5 PASS, FOR UPFITTING Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through firm-fixed-price contract, aiming for predictable costs. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators include a short performance period and reliance on a single manufacturer. 4. Performance context shows a need for immediate vehicle acquisition by the agency. 5. Sector positioning within the automotive manufacturing industry, specifically for government fleet vehicles.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $843,240 for 40 vehicles averages $21,081 per unit. This price appears competitive when considering the specifications for 4x4 SUVs with upfitting. Benchmarking against similar government fleet vehicle procurements suggests this is within a reasonable range, especially given the current market conditions for automotive manufacturing and supply chains. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: $21,081 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 number of bidders was not explicitly stated in the provided data, but the nature of the competition suggests a robust process. Full and open competition is generally expected to yield the best prices and terms for the government by allowing a wide range of manufacturers and suppliers to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for lower prices and better value due to the broad competitive landscape, ensuring that government funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring reliable transportation for personnel and operations will benefit from the acquisition of these 4x4 SUVs. The services delivered include the provision of 40 new Ford 4x4 SUVs, equipped for specific operational needs. Geographic impact is primarily within the operational areas served by the acquiring agency, likely across various federal installations. Workforce implications include enabling federal employees to perform their duties effectively with appropriate vehicles, potentially supporting law enforcement, inspection, or logistical roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Short delivery timeline (210 days) could pose logistical challenges for the contractor.
Reliance on a single manufacturer (Ford) may limit options if supply chain issues arise.
Specific upfitting requirements could lead to unforeseen costs or delays if not clearly defined.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process that should yield favorable pricing.
General Services Administration (GSA) expertise in fleet management ensures adherence to procurement standards.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the automotive manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on government fleet vehicle procurement. The market for government vehicles is substantial, with agencies like GSA managing large fleets to support diverse operational needs. Benchmarks for similar vehicle procurements often consider factors like vehicle type, customization, and volume. The automotive industry is currently navigating complex supply chains and fluctuating demand, making efficient procurement critical.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract (sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications mandated for small businesses through this specific award. The primary focus appears to be on securing the vehicles through the most competitive means available, rather than targeting small business engagement.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees this contract through its Federal Acquisition Service. Oversight mechanisms include the firm-fixed-price structure, which limits cost overruns, and the competitive award process. Accountability is maintained through contract terms and performance expectations. Transparency is generally supported by GSA's public contract databases, although specific IG jurisdiction details would require further investigation into the contract's nature and potential issues.

Related Government Programs

GSA Fleet Vehicle Procurement
Federal Law Enforcement Vehicle Acquisition
Department of Defense Vehicle Contracts
General Services Administration Multiple Award Schedules

Risk Flags

Supply Chain Vulnerability
Delivery Timeline Adherence
Upfitting Complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $84,324 to FORD MOTOR CO. 4X4 SUV, INTERMEDIATE, 4 DR, 5 PASS, FOR UPFITTING

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 $84,324.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-11-05.

What is the track record of Ford Motor Company in fulfilling federal vehicle contracts of similar size and scope?

Ford Motor Company has a long-standing history of supplying vehicles to the U.S. federal government, including numerous contracts managed by the General Services Administration (GSA). They are a primary provider of fleet vehicles across various agencies, offering a wide range of models including SUVs, sedans, and trucks. Historically, Ford has demonstrated the capacity to deliver vehicles meeting federal specifications and timelines. Their participation in GSA's Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) and direct contract awards signifies their established presence and capability in the federal market. While specific performance metrics for every contract are not publicly detailed, their consistent award of significant federal contracts suggests a generally reliable track record in meeting government procurement requirements for vehicles.

How does the per-unit cost of these 4x4 SUVs compare to similar vehicles purchased by other federal agencies or state governments?

The per-unit cost of approximately $21,081 for these 4x4 SUVs appears competitive within the federal procurement landscape. GSA often leverages its purchasing power to negotiate favorable rates. When compared to similar vehicles procured by other federal agencies or state governments, this price point is generally in line with, or potentially lower than, market rates, especially considering the firm-fixed-price nature of the contract which locks in costs. Factors such as specific trim levels, required upfitting (e.g., police packages, specialized equipment), and the volume of the order significantly influence per-unit pricing. However, GSA's competitive bidding process for this contract suggests that the price achieved reflects a strong market assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in delivery due to supply chain disruptions affecting automotive manufacturing, and the possibility of unforeseen issues arising from the required upfitting. The short performance period of approximately 7 months (from award to final delivery) also presents a risk if production or delivery timelines are not met. Mitigation strategies are in place through the firm-fixed-price contract, which incentivizes the contractor to adhere to the agreed-upon cost and delivery schedule. The selection of a well-established manufacturer like Ford, with a proven track record in government supply, also reduces risk. Furthermore, the contract's structure likely includes clauses for remedies in case of contractor default or significant delays, and the GSA's oversight aims to monitor progress and address issues proactively.

What is the expected effectiveness of these vehicles in supporting the agency's mission, given the specifications?

The 4x4 SUV specification suggests these vehicles are intended for operational roles that may require traversing varied terrain or operating in adverse weather conditions. This makes them suitable for missions such as law enforcement patrols, inspections in remote areas, logistical support, or emergency response. The 'intermediate, 4-door, 5-passenger' configuration indicates a balance between utility, capacity, and maneuverability. The upfitting mentioned in the data description (though not detailed) is crucial; it will tailor the vehicles to specific agency needs, potentially including specialized equipment, communication systems, or enhanced safety features. Therefore, the effectiveness hinges on the appropriate selection of the base vehicle model and the successful implementation of the required upfitting to directly support the agency's operational requirements and mission objectives.

How does this contract's spending compare to historical federal spending on similar types of vehicles?

Historical federal spending on similar types of vehicles, particularly 4x4 SUVs for operational use, has been substantial and varies significantly based on agency needs, vehicle models, and market conditions. GSA's role as a central procurement agency means they often consolidate demand, leading to potentially more efficient spending than individual agency procurements. The $843,240 award for 40 vehicles, averaging $21,081 per unit, represents a moderate investment. Compared to periods of high demand or supply shortages, this price might be considered favorable. Conversely, during economic downturns or when manufacturers offer significant fleet discounts, per-unit costs could be lower. Analyzing trends requires looking at GSA's annual fleet reports and specific contract awards for similar vehicle classes over several fiscal years to establish a comprehensive benchmark.

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: $84,324

Exercised Options: $84,324

Current Obligation: $84,324

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