GSA Awards $843K for 10 Ford 4x4 SUVs to Ford Motor Co. Under Full and Open Competition

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. The contract is for 10 intermediate 4x4 SUVs, indicating a need for versatile vehicles. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 4. The sector is automotive manufacturing, a mature industry with established pricing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The price of $84,324 per unit appears reasonable for a specialized 4x4 SUV with upfitting requirements, considering market rates for similar commercial vehicles.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, allowing any qualified vendor to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to result in a fair price for taxpayers, avoiding potential overpayment associated with less competitive methods.

Public Impact

Provides essential transportation for government operations requiring off-road or rugged terrain capability. Supports agency missions by ensuring availability of suitable vehicles for field work or specific operational needs. The procurement contributes to the domestic automotive manufacturing sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for higher per-unit cost due to specialized upfitting requirements.
Dependence on a single manufacturer (Ford) for this specific vehicle type.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm fixed-price contract type.
Clear delivery timeline specified.

Sector Analysis

The automotive manufacturing sector is characterized by established players and competitive pricing dynamics. Spending on vehicles like these supports agency operational needs and reflects standard procurement practices for fleet vehicles.

Small Business Impact

While the award went to Ford Motor Co., a large manufacturer, the procurement process under full and open competition could potentially allow for small business participation as subcontractors or suppliers to the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) manages this contract through its Federal Acquisition Service, indicating established oversight mechanisms for vehicle procurement. The use of a delivery order under a larger contract framework suggests adherence to procurement regulations.

Related Government Programs

Automobile Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for higher per-unit cost due to specialized upfitting.
Dependence on a single manufacturer (Ford) for this specific vehicle type.
Need for specialized maintenance and parts availability.
Limited information on specific upfitting details.

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 specific upfitting is included in the $84,324 per-unit cost, and how does it impact the vehicle's functionality and longevity?

The data does not specify the exact upfitting details. However, typical upfitting for government SUVs can include enhanced suspension, specialized communication equipment, cargo management systems, or emergency lighting. These modifications are crucial for adapting the vehicle to specific operational demands, potentially increasing its utility but also its maintenance complexity and long-term cost.

What is the benchmark cost for similar upfitted 4x4 SUVs in the commercial market, and how does this contract compare?

Benchmarking requires detailed specifications of the upfitting. Generally, a base 4x4 SUV can range from $40,000 to $60,000. Significant upfitting for specialized government use could add $10,000 to $30,000 or more per vehicle. The $84,324 per-unit cost appears within a reasonable range for a fully equipped intermediate SUV, assuming substantial upfitting.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on Ford Motor Co. for these specialized vehicles, particularly regarding maintenance and parts availability?

While Ford has a wide dealer network, reliance on a single manufacturer for specialized upfitted vehicles can pose risks. Maintenance may require specific expertise or parts not readily available through independent shops. Ensuring consistent service quality and timely parts availability across diverse geographic locations where these vehicles operate will be critical for minimizing downtime and operational disruptions.

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