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 appears reasonable given the fixed-price nature and standard vehicle specifications. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, likely fostering competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract for a standard commercial item. 4. Performance context suggests timely delivery is expected within a 7-month window. 5. Sector positioning is within the general automotive supply chain for government fleet needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract for 40 Ford 4x4 SUVs at a total value of $843,240 suggests a per-unit cost of approximately $21,081. This price point is competitive for new, government-spec 4x4 SUVs, especially considering the firm fixed-price structure which transfers risk to the contractor. Benchmarking against similar government fleet procurements indicates this pricing is within the expected range for this type of vehicle, factoring in potential upfitting requirements.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $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 presence of 10 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. A robust competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and ensures the government receives offers from a wide range of potential suppliers, maximizing the opportunity for cost savings.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that drives down prices and ensures the government is not overpaying for essential fleet vehicles.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring reliable 4x4 vehicles for operational needs will benefit from this procurement. The services delivered include the provision of 40 new Ford 4x4 SUVs. The geographic impact is primarily within Michigan, where the contractor is located, and wherever the vehicles are deployed by federal agencies. Workforce implications include jobs in automotive manufacturing, sales, and potentially upfitting services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for delays in delivery if manufacturing or supply chain issues arise.
Ensuring the upfitting meets specific agency requirements will be critical for usability.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive price was secured.
Standard commercial item reduces complexity and potential for technical issues.
Clear delivery timeline provides predictability for agency planning.

Sector Analysis

The automotive manufacturing sector is a significant part of the U.S. economy. Government procurement of vehicles represents a consistent demand stream for manufacturers and dealerships. This contract fits within the broader category of government fleet management, where agencies rely on vehicles for a wide range of operational functions. Comparable spending benchmarks for federal vehicle acquisition are substantial, with agencies across the government purchasing thousands of vehicles annually.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (SB=false). There is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. The primary contractor, Ford Motor Company, is a large business, suggesting that the direct economic impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless Ford utilizes small business suppliers for components or services related to this order.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. GSA has established procurement regulations and contract administration processes to ensure compliance. Accountability is maintained through the firm fixed-price contract terms and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally provided through public contract databases where such awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

GSA Fleet Vehicle Purchasing
Federal Vehicle Acquisition Programs
General Services Administration Contracts
Automotive Supply Chain

Risk Flags

Potential for delivery delays
Upfitting scope and quality risks

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 historical spending pattern for similar 4x4 SUVs by the GSA?

Historical spending data for similar 4x4 SUVs by the GSA would reveal trends in pricing, competition levels, and the types of vehicles procured over time. Analyzing past awards for Ford F-150 4x4s or similar models would provide context for the current $843,240 award. For instance, if previous awards for comparable vehicles were significantly lower or higher, it would indicate whether current pricing is an anomaly or part of a trend. Furthermore, examining the number of bidders on past solicitations can indicate shifts in market participation and competition intensity. Understanding the duration and delivery timelines of previous contracts also helps assess the efficiency of the current procurement process. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to definitively benchmark this award against past performance, but the current award's firm fixed-price nature and full and open competition are positive indicators.

How does the per-unit cost of these SUVs compare to commercial retail prices?

The per-unit cost of approximately $21,081 for these Ford 4x4 SUVs is likely lower than typical commercial retail prices for a similarly equipped vehicle, especially when considering potential fleet discounts negotiated by the GSA. Commercial retail prices often include higher markups and may not reflect the volume purchasing power that government agencies wield. However, it's important to note that government vehicles may sometimes include specific modifications or requirements (like upfitting) that could increase the total cost compared to a base commercial model. Additionally, the 'intermediate, 4 door, 5 passenger' specification suggests a specific trim level. A direct comparison would require identifying the exact trim and options on the commercial market and factoring in any government-specific requirements or discounts.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'upfitting' mentioned in the description?

The primary risks associated with 'upfitting' for these 4x4 SUVs relate to scope definition, quality of work, and potential delays. If the specific upfitting requirements are not clearly defined in the contract, there's a risk of the contractor providing services that do not fully meet the end-user agency's needs, leading to dissatisfaction or the need for additional, unplanned expenditures. The quality of the upfitting work is also a concern; substandard installations could lead to premature failures or safety issues. Delays in the upfitting process, whether due to contractor performance or unforeseen issues, can impact the operational readiness of the agency relying on these vehicles. Robust contract language, clear specifications, and thorough inspection processes are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What is the significance of the 'Delivery Order' (AW) award type?

The 'Delivery Order' (AW) award type signifies that this contract is likely a task order or delivery order issued against a previously established indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar type of basic ordering agreement. This means that the underlying contract vehicle was already competed and awarded, and this specific order represents a call for a defined quantity of goods or services under those pre-negotiated terms. The significance for the government is efficiency; it allows for rapid procurement of needed items without conducting a full, new competition for each individual requirement. For the contractor, it represents a confirmed order under an existing agreement. The 'dur': 210 days indicates the expected timeframe for fulfilling this specific delivery order.

How does the number of bidders (NO=10) impact the final price and value for taxpayers?

A higher number of bidders, such as the 10 indicated in this award, generally leads to more competitive pricing and better value for taxpayers. When multiple companies vie for a contract, they are incentivized to offer their most competitive prices and terms to win the business. This increased competition can drive down the overall cost of the goods or services procured. Furthermore, a larger pool of bidders increases the likelihood that the government will receive innovative solutions or superior quality offerings. For taxpayers, this means their money is being used more efficiently, as the government is more likely to secure the best possible deal. Conversely, a low number of bidders might suggest limited market interest or potential barriers to entry, which could result in higher prices.

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